Revelation 22:10
And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σφραγίσῃς
Seal
G4972
σφραγίσῃς
Seal
Strong's:
G4972
Word #:
5 of 17
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγους
the sayings
G3056
λόγους
the sayings
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 17
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Daniel 8:26And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.Revelation 1:3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.1 Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.Revelation 10:4And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.Matthew 10:27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.Romans 13:12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.Ezekiel 12:23Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.Daniel 12:9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.Daniel 12:4But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Historical Context
Sealed documents remained closed until appointed time or proper authority opened them. Daniel's sealed vision indicated lengthy delay before fulfillment. John's unsealed revelation indicated imminent application—churches needed immediate access to these warnings and encouragements. The approaching persecutions made the visions' guidance urgent and necessary for faithful endurance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation's unsealed nature challenge you to read and apply it rather than avoiding it as too difficult or mysterious?
- What does the urgency ('time is at hand') teach about treating biblical prophecy as practically relevant rather than merely academically interesting?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command not to seal the book contrasts Daniel's instruction to seal his prophecy (Daniel 12:4). Daniel's visions awaited distant fulfillment; Revelation's are imminent ('time is at hand'). The unsealed book indicates accessibility—all believers should read, understand, and obey. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture's perspicuity—it's clear for salvation and obedience, not hidden in esoteric meanings. The urgency ('time is at hand') calls for immediate response, not academic study divorced from application. Unsealing demands proclamation and obedience.