Revelation 22:17

Authorized King James Version

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πνεῦμα
G4151
the Spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#4
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
νύμφη
G3565
the bride
a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife
#7
λέγουσιν,
G3004
say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#8
ἐλθέτω·
G2064
Come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἀκούων
G191
let him that heareth
to hear (in various senses)
#12
εἰπάτω,
G2036
say
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#13
ἐλθέτω·
G2064
Come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
διψῶν
G1372
let him that is athirst
to thirst for (literally or figuratively)
#17
ἐλθέτω·
G2064
Come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
θέλων
G2309
whosoever will
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#21
λαμβανέτω
G2983
let him take
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#22
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
ὕδωρ
G5204
the water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#24
ζωῆς
G2222
of life
life (literally or figuratively)
#25
δωρεάν
G1432
freely
gratuitously (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of life connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about life, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection