Revelation 22 10

Revelation 22:10 kjv

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Revelation 22:10 nkjv

And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.

Revelation 22:10 niv

Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.

Revelation 22:10 esv

And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.

Revelation 22:10 nlt

Then he instructed me, "Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near.

Revelation 22 verses

Revelation 22 10 Meaning

Revelation 22:10 is a direct instruction from the angel to John, conveying God's will concerning the prophetic revelation. It mandates that the contents of this book, the prophecy of Revelation, are not to be sealed or hidden. This stands in stark contrast to previous prophecies given to Daniel, which were explicitly ordered to be sealed until the time of the end. The reason for this openness is clearly stated: "for the time is at hand," emphasizing the imminent relevance and impending fulfillment of the prophecy's events. It underscores the urgency for believers to read, understand, and heed its warnings and promises.

Revelation 22 10 Context

Revelation 22:10 comes in the concluding chapter of the Book of Revelation, which serves as a divine summation of prophetic history, the triumph of God's plan, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The immediate context of verses 6-9 features the angel reiterating the trustworthiness of the prophecy's words and instructing John not to worship him but God alone. Verse 10 specifically addresses the nature of the Revelation as a revealed document, in direct contrast to Old Testament prophecies (like those of Daniel) that were meant to be sealed.

The broader context of Revelation is the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the return of Christ and the new heaven and new earth. Unlike most Old Testament prophetic books that provided glimpses into future events that were often centuries away, Revelation's message is presented as an open book. This openness implies an immediate call to action, discernment, and preparedness for the original recipients (the seven churches of Asia Minor) and for all believers throughout history until the return of Christ. It dispels the idea that its message is only for a far-off generation, emphasizing its perpetual and ongoing relevance.

Revelation 22 10 Word analysis

• And he saith unto me: This refers to the angel who has been communicating with John throughout the concluding visions (e.g., Rev 21:9). It indicates the authoritative source of the instruction.
• Seal not: Greek: μὴ σφραγίσῃς (mē sphragisēs). Sphragisēs comes from sphragizō, meaning "to seal." To seal something meant to secure it, to keep it secret, to authenticate it, or to mark ownership. The negative command, "seal not," is highly significant because it directly contradicts the commands given to Daniel to seal up his prophecies (Dan 8:26; 12:4, 9). This contrast underscores the unique character and purpose of the Revelation of Jesus Christ; it is intended to be open, read, understood, and applied by all.
• the sayings: Greek: τοὺς λόγους (tous logous). This refers to the specific words, messages, and prophetic utterances contained within the book. It highlights the divine nature of the entire text as spoken revelation.
• of the prophecy: Greek: τῆς προφητείας (tēs prophēteias). This identifies the nature of the entire book of Revelation as a work of divine prophecy. It signifies God's disclosure of future events and spiritual truths.
• of this book: Greek: τοῦ βιβλίου τούτου (tou bibliou toutou). This phrase specifically refers to the written scroll or document that John has been instructed to record, encompassing all the visions and messages revealed in the Apocalypse. It solidifies the unique identity of Revelation as the "unsealed book."
• for the time is at hand: Greek: ὁ γὰρ καιρὸς ἐγγύς ἐστιν (ho gar kairos engys estin).
  • time: Greek: kairos. This is not simply chronological time (chronos) but a crucial, opportune, or appointed season. It refers to the specific, designated period for these prophecies to begin their unfolding or to exert their decisive impact. It denotes a moment of strategic importance.
  • at hand: Greek: engys. Means "near," "close by," or "imminent." This phrase provides the fundamental reason why the prophecy must remain open. It emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of Revelation's message to John's contemporary audience and to all subsequent generations of believers. It signifies that the events prophesied are either on the verge of beginning, or their significance is immediately pertinent, requiring urgent spiritual readiness and response. It echoes the opening of the book (Rev 1:1, 3).
• "Seal not...for the time is at hand": This phrase-group creates a strong injunction. The openness of the prophecy is directly tied to the imminence of its fulfillment or relevance. It means that the messages are for now, for immediate comprehension and obedience, not for some distant, unforeseeable future. It demands a posture of watchfulness and readiness from God's people.

Revelation 22 10 Bonus section

• Continuous Unveiling: While the angel instructs not to seal the book, the process of its unveiling, though clear in its overall narrative of triumph and judgment, still requires the illumination of the Holy Spirit and diligent study. It's "unsealed" in its permission to be understood, not necessarily in its immediate simplicity for all.
• Practical Implications for the Church: The command not to seal implies that the Church is to continually study, proclaim, and live by the truths revealed in Revelation. It serves as a foundational text for understanding spiritual warfare, the nature of evil, the faithfulness of God, the ultimate victory of Christ, and the hope of eternity.
• Not a Secret Code: Unlike Gnostic texts that claimed secret knowledge for an elite few, Revelation, despite its symbolic language, is intended for public consumption and widespread understanding within the body of Christ. Its mysteries are for discernment, not concealment.
• Christ's Authority in Prophecy: The ultimate source of this instruction, passed through the angel, is Jesus Christ Himself, highlighting His sovereignty over prophetic time and revelation. The "time at hand" is defined by His sovereign schedule and purposes.

Revelation 22 10 Commentary

Revelation 22:10 is a pivotal statement marking the conclusion of the most significant prophetic revelation in the New Testament. The command "Seal not" distinguishes Revelation from the sealed prophecies of Daniel, signifying its universal accessibility and perpetual relevance. This book is meant to be proclaimed, understood, and applied by every generation of believers, from the moment it was penned until the consummation of all things. The accompanying reason, "for the time is at hand," underscores an inherent urgency. This imminence is not solely about an absolute timeline of chronological events but emphasizes the spiritual season and the readiness required from God's people at all times. It signals that the conditions for the fulfillment of these prophecies are perpetually in effect or that their implications are already manifest in the ongoing struggle between light and darkness, between Christ and the antichrist spirits. Believers are called to live with the expectation of Christ's return and to heed the divine counsel provided within its pages, understanding that spiritual discernment and preparedness are ever-present necessities.