Revelation 22:9
Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Then
G2532
καὶ
Then
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith he
G3004
λέγει
saith he
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὅρα
See
G3708
Ὅρα
See
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
4 of 26
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
μή·
thou do it not
G3361
μή·
thou do it not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 26
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
σύνδουλός
fellowservant
G4889
σύνδουλός
fellowservant
Strong's:
G4889
Word #:
6 of 26
a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
Then
G2532
καὶ
Then
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῶν
brethren
G80
ἀδελφῶν
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
12 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφητῶν
the prophets
G4396
προφητῶν
the prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
15 of 26
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
καὶ
Then
G2532
καὶ
Then
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τηρούντων
of them which keep
G5083
τηρούντων
of them which keep
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
18 of 26
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγους
the sayings
G3056
λόγους
the sayings
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
20 of 26
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 19:10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.Revelation 14:7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.Revelation 4:10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,Exodus 34:14For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
Historical Context
Hierarchical cultures naturally elevated mediators of revelation (prophets, angels). This angelic self-lowering countered human tendency to worship impressive spiritual beings. Early church fathers cited this passage against angel worship. The emphasis on keeping Revelation's sayings stressed obedient response rather than speculative fascination as proper reaction to apocalyptic visions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the angel's self-description as 'fellowservant' challenge hierarchical thinking that elevates some believers above others?
- What does the command to 'worship God' (not admire revelations or honor mediators) teach about proper response to Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The angel's self-identification as 'fellowservant' emphasizes equality among God's servants despite different roles. Angels and prophets both serve God; neither deserves worship. The command 'worship God' redirects all honor to its proper object. Reformed theology emphasizes that all created beings, regardless of glory or function, are servants—only the Creator deserves worship. The inclusive 'them which keep the sayings of this book' emphasizes believers' coequal status with prophets and angels as God's servants. Unity in service should direct collective worship toward God.