Revelation 22:20
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
Λέγει
saith
G3004
Λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτυρῶν
He which testifieth
G3140
μαρτυρῶν
He which testifieth
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
3 of 12
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ἔρχου,
I come
G2064
ἔρχου,
I come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
6 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ταχύ.
quickly
G5035
ταχύ.
quickly
Strong's:
G5035
Word #:
7 of 12
shortly, i.e., without delay, soon, or (by surprise) suddenly, or (by implication, of ease) readily
Ἀμήν,
Amen
G281
Ἀμήν,
Amen
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἔρχου,
I come
G2064
ἔρχου,
I come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Revelation 22:7Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.2 Timothy 4:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.1 Corinthians 16:22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.Revelation 22:10And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.Isaiah 25:9And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.Revelation 22:18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:Revelation 1:2Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.John 21:25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Historical Context
Written circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, Revelation concludes with Christ's promise and John's response from Patmos exile. The book's seven churches endured Roman imperial cult pressure, economic persecution, and martyrdom threats. Christ's promise "I come quickly" assured suffering saints their affliction was temporary—vindication was certain. The early church regularly prayed Maranatha ("Our Lord, come!"), likely at the Lord's Supper, expressing eager eschatological hope that sustained them through persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you genuinely long for Christ's return, or does the thought unsettle you—and what does your answer reveal about your heart's true treasure?
- How should the certainty of Christ's sudden return shape your daily priorities, relationships, and use of time and resources?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Surely I come quickly (Ναὶ ἔρχομαι ταχύ, Nai erchomai tachy)—Christ's final promise in Scripture is not slow timing but certain swiftness when the hour arrives. Tachy conveys imminence and suddenness, not chronological nearness. This echoes His earlier warnings: "Behold, I come as a thief" (16:15).
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Ἀμήν ναὶ ἔρχου κύριε Ἰησοῦ, Amēn nai erchou kyrie Iēsou)—John's response is the church's perpetual cry: Maranatha (1 Cor 16:22). The double affirmation (Hebrew Amen + Greek nai) expresses wholehearted longing. This is no mere resignation to fate, but passionate desire for Christ's return. The church that truly loves His appearing (2 Tim 4:8) doesn't dread judgment but yearns for the Bridegroom. To pray "Come, Lord Jesus" is to confess this present evil age cannot satisfy—only Christ's visible reign will suffice.