New Testament
Revelation 22:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he told me, "Don't seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near."
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And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
What Revelation 22:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 22:10, the angel instructs John not to seal the words of the prophecy contained in the book. This directive emphasizes the urgency and relevance of the message for the present time. Unlike other prophetic writings that were sealed for a future generation, this prophecy is meant to be shared openly. The phrase 'the time is near' indicates that the events described are imminent and should be heeded by the readers. This call to action serves as a reminder that the teachings and warnings within the book are not just historical but have immediate implications for believers. The message encourages vigilance and readiness, urging the faithful to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ as they await His return. The open nature of this prophecy invites all to engage with its content, reflecting the importance of understanding and acting upon God's revelations in our lives today.
How to apply Revelation 22:10 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively engage with the teachings of the Bible, especially regarding prophecy. We should not ignore or hide these messages but rather share them and apply their lessons in our daily lives. Being aware of the imminent return of Christ can motivate us to live faithfully and purposefully.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Revelation 22:10
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 22:10 mean?
Revelation 22:10 means that the angel tells John not to keep the prophecy secret because its messages are urgent and relevant for the present time. It emphasizes that the events described are imminent and should be shared openly.
What is the significance of 'the time is near' in Revelation 22:10?
The phrase 'the time is near' in Revelation 22:10 signifies that the events foretold in the prophecy are about to happen. It serves as a reminder for readers to be alert and prepared for these impending occurrences.
Why should we not seal the words of this prophecy according to Revelation 22:10?
According to Revelation 22:10, we should not seal the words of this prophecy because they are meant to be shared and understood by all. This openness reflects the urgency of the message and its immediate relevance to believers.
How does Revelation 22:10 relate to the concept of prophecy?
Revelation 22:10 relates to prophecy by highlighting that this particular message is not meant to be hidden or reserved for the future, but rather is intended for immediate attention and action from the readers.
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