Revelation 22:17

Context

Revelation 22:6–21 is the epilogue that concludes the entire Book of Revelation. In this section the words of an angel, of the prophet John, and of Jesus alternate. In 22:16 Jesus identifies himself ("I Jesus have sent mine angel"), and this verse follows immediately. Commentators therefore differ on whether the speaker of verse 17 is Jesus or whether the verse is a response added by John.

"The Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit. "The bride" is generally understood as the church, the community of the redeemed, portrayed as the bride of the Lamb in 19:7, 21:2, and 21:9. The expression "the water of life" has already appeared in 21:6 ("I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely") and in the river of the water of life in 22:1. Shortly after this verse, 22:20 contains the response "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Interpretation

In the first part of the verse, "Come" appears twice: once spoken by the Spirit and the bride, and once by the one who hears. This is followed by "let him that is athirst come," addressed to the thirsty. Readings diverge depending on whom the first two calls to "Come" are understood to address.

• As a prayer for the Second Coming: The first two occurrences of "Come" are addressed to Christ; the Spirit and the church together pray for the Lord's Second Coming. Proponents point to the direct link with "come, Lord Jesus" in verse 20. They also note that the early church used the Aramaic prayer Maranatha ("O Lord, come"; 1 Corinthians 16:22).
• As a gospel invitation: Every "Come" is understood as an invitation addressed to people. The Spirit and the church call to the world, and "he that heareth" the book read aloud in worship (1:3) is urged to join in that call.
• As a divided reading: The first part is read as a call expressing longing for the Second Coming, while "let him that is athirst come" and what follows are read as an invitation to people. Many commentaries are known to take this approach.

The Greek word rendered "freely" (dōrean) means given as a gift, without cost. The expression is therefore widely understood to mean that salvation is given by grace rather than as payment for works. Many commentators also note that it recalls the invitation of Isaiah 55:1 to come "without money and without price."

Questions of Application

The phrase "whosoever will" is frequently cited in discussions of predestination and free will. The Arminian and Wesleyan traditions (Methodist, Holiness, and others) cite this verse as evidence that the gospel is open to all people and that human beings are able to respond to its call. The Reformed tradition (including most Presbyterians) likewise affirms that the invitation is sincerely extended to all people, but holds that the willingness itself is produced by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Some observe that when this verse is quoted solely as an evangelistic invitation, the epilogue's expectation of the Second Coming is lost.

In the Korean Church

Because this invitation appears in the final chapter of the Bible, it is often introduced as "the Bible's final invitation." It is also used as a text for evangelistic meetings and invitational sermons.

Related Passages

• Revelation 21:6
• Revelation 22:20
• Isaiah 55:1
• John 7:37
• 1 Corinthians 16:22