Revelation 22:11
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικησάτω
He that is unjust
G91
ἀδικησάτω
He that is unjust
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
2 of 19
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
ἀδικησάτω
He that is unjust
G91
ἀδικησάτω
He that is unjust
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
3 of 19
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥυπωσάτω
he which is filthy
G4510
ῥυπωσάτω
he which is filthy
Strong's:
G4510
Word #:
7 of 19
to soil, i.e., (intransitively) to become dirty (morally)
ῥυπωσάτω
he which is filthy
G4510
ῥυπωσάτω
he which is filthy
Strong's:
G4510
Word #:
8 of 19
to soil, i.e., (intransitively) to become dirty (morally)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιος
he that is righteous
G1342
δίκαιος
he that is righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
12 of 19
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
δικαιωθήτω
let him be righteous
G1344
δικαιωθήτω
let him be righteous
Strong's:
G1344
Word #:
13 of 19
to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅγιος
he that is holy
G40
ἅγιος
he that is holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
17 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
Daniel 12:10Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.2 Timothy 3:13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.Ezekiel 3:27But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.Job 17:9The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.Matthew 5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Proverbs 14:32The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.Matthew 25:10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Historical Context
Ancient legal declarations of 'let it be so' finalized judgments. This pronouncement warns that opportunity for repentance is limited. First-century believers facing persecution needed encouragement that their righteous choices were establishing permanent character, while persecutors' evil would lead to permanent judgment. The warning motivated urgent evangelism before the door closed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the recognition that character becomes permanent motivate you toward present holiness and evangelistic urgency?
- What does this verse teach about the reality of eternal destinies being fixed—is there biblical support for post-mortem chances for salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse presents the sobering reality that choices have consequences that become fixed. The repetition emphasizes permanence—the unjust continues in injustice, the righteous in righteousness. This isn't fatalism but recognition that character solidifies through choices. Reformed theology sees this as describing final judgment's result—the impenitent are confirmed in sin, the righteous in holiness. The present-tense 'let him be' doesn't encourage sin but recognizes that persistent rejection or acceptance of Christ produces permanent states. The time for change ends at death or Christ's return.