New Testament

Revelation 22:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 22:10, the angel instructs John not to seal the words of the prophecy contained in the book.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

Then he told me, "Don't seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near."

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

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

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.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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