Revelation 22:20
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This is the closing exchange of the book, where Christ affirms His swift return and the believing community responds with a prayer of longing.
What Does Revelation 22:20 Mean?
Revelation 22:20 is the book's closing exchange of promise and prayer -- Christ affirms He is coming soon, and the church responds with longing for His return. The One who has given all these visions, Jesus Himself, speaks a final word of assurance: "Surely I come quickly." The promise is emphatic and certain, leaving no doubt that He will return.
To this promise the response rises immediately: "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." The "Amen" affirms the truth of His word, and the prayer that follows expresses the deepest yearning of every faithful heart -- not dread but desire, a longing for the Lord to come. This is how the entire Bible nearly closes: with Christ's promise and His people's eager answer. The verse captures the proper posture of the believer between now and that day -- watchful, hopeful, and praying for the Lord's appearing. It is not a fearful waiting but a loving one, the response of those who long to see the One they love. For all who have read through the visions of judgment and the promises of renewal, this final prayer gives voice to their hope. The coming of the Lord is certain, and the believer's heart answers with joyful expectation: come, Lord Jesus.
In the Original Language
"Quickly" is "tachu" (ταχύ), soon, without delay. "Amen" affirms 'so be it,' and the closing cry reflects the early prayer "Maranatha," 'our Lord, come.'
Cross References
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:22
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
- Revelation 22:12
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
- Titus 2:13
Application
This verse shapes the believer's posture as watchful and hopeful, longing for Christ's return and answering His promise with eager, loving expectation.