22:1 the river of the water of life This language recalls Eden (Gen 2:10), as well as the prophecies of Ezek 47:1 and Zech 14:8 (compare Rev 7:17; 22:17).

22:2 the tree of life This fulfills the promise of 2:7 (see Gen 2:9; 3:24). The presence of the tree on both sides of the river is an allusion to Ezek 47:12.

producing twelve fruits It produces 12 different kinds of fruit—a new one each month.

for the healing of the nations The leaves are used to treat and soothe humanity.

22:3 any curse There will be nothing that falls under the curse of God’s judgment (see Zech 14:11). This includes the curse humanity brought upon itself because of its first sin against God (see Gen 3).

will serve The Greek word used here can mean “to serve” or “to render religious service.” Here it probably refers to offering worship as priests.

22:4 they will see his face This previously resulted in death (e.g., Exod 33:20; compare Isa 6:5). Now, it is described as a life-giving blessing for God’s people.

his name will be on their foreheads May allude to the plate on the high priest’s forehead (Exod 28:36–38; compare Rev 3:12 and note; 14:1).

22:5 reign forever and ever See 20:4 and note.

22:6 God of the spirits of the prophets An authentication of John’s message and visions. God Himself inspires His prophets’ spirits or inspires them to prophesy.

22:7 behold, I am coming quickly Refers to the Parousia mentioned in 19:11. See 2:16; 3:11.

Blessed is The sixth beatitude (see 1:3 and note), identical to the second half of the first beatitude.

22:9 Do not do that See 19:10 and note.

Worship God Even the beloved apostle is prone to mistakes. The angel instructs John—and all believers—to worship God alone.

22:10 Do not seal up the words Opposite from the standard instructions of apocalyptic literature (e.g., Dan 12:4, 9). Revelation’s words are not intended for a future, undisclosed audience; they are written to comfort and encourage God’s people in John’s day and in all periods of history.

22:11 let him do Picks up on the last phrase in Rev 22:10. There is no more time to repent; the end has come.

the defiled Those who are morally or spiritually corrupt.

let him practice righteousness still Describes persevering and remaining faithful in the face of persecution.

let him be holy still Describes being completely dedicated to God, belonging exclusively to Him.

22:14 Blessed are The seventh and final beatitude (see 1:3 and note).

ones who wash their robes See 7:14 and note. Most English translations read “wash their robes,” following most of the earliest Greek manuscripts; a few English translations, such as the kjv and nkjv, read “do his commandments,” following most later Greek manuscripts. The two expressions sound similar in Greek.

22:16 the root and the descendant of David A reference to the prophecy in Isa 11:1, 10. See Rev 5:5.

the bright morning star Likely dependent on a messianic interpretation of Num 24:17.

22:17 the bride See Rev 19:6–9; 21:9.

Come An invitation to the redeemed to participate in the bountiful blessings of God’s new creation.

22:18 I testify John (see 1:4 and note).

to everyone Refers to the seven churches to whom this apocalypse is circulated.

if anyone adds to them Or alters them (see Deut 4:2; 12:32). John, as God’s prophet, speaks on behalf of God. His message is true, authoritative, and final.

written in this book Refers to the message of Revelation (see Rev 1:11).

22:19 if anyone takes away from the words Those who take away from John’s words will be judged (see Deut 4:2; 12:32). Altering the apocalypse is equal to altering God’s message; doing so leads to death.

22:20 The one who testifies about these things Refers to Jesus.

Yes, I am coming quickly The third affirmation of this statement (see Rev 22:7, 12). This threefold formula highlights the truth and certainty of Christ’s claim.

Come, Lord Jesus The Greek phrase used here is the equivalent to the Aramaic expression Marana tha (meaning “Our Lord, come!”; see 1 Cor 16:22). This became the cry of the early church, particularly as it began facing persecution under the Roman Empire. Its inclusion here suggests that John’s audience knew the phrase.

22:21 grace of the Lord Jesus be with all A typical benediction, especially in Paul’s letters (e.g., Rom 16:20; 1 Cor 16:23; Gal 6:18).