New Testament
Revelation 22:9
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But he told me, "Don't do that! I'm a fellow servant alongside you, your brothers the prophets, and everyone who obeys the words of this book. Worship God."
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Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
What Revelation 22:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, an angel speaks to John, the author of Revelation, and instructs him not to worship the angel. The angel identifies himself as a fellow servant, emphasizing that he is just like John and the other prophets who share God's message. This highlights the importance of worshiping God alone, rather than any created being, even those who serve Him. The angel's role is to guide and reveal God's truth, not to receive worship. This moment serves as a reminder of the proper relationship between God, His messengers, and believers. It underscores the unity among those who serve God and the necessity of directing worship solely to Him, reinforcing the central theme of reverence and devotion to God in the Christian faith.
How to apply Revelation 22:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to focus our worship solely on God and not to elevate any person or being to that status. It reminds us to recognize our shared role as servants of God, promoting humility and unity in our faith communities. We should prioritize obedience to God's word in our daily lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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Keep studying Revelation 22:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 22:9 mean?
Revelation 22:9 means that the angel instructs John not to worship him, emphasizing that both the angel and John are servants of God. It highlights the importance of worshiping God alone and recognizing the role of His messengers.
What is the significance of worshiping God in Revelation 22:9?
The significance of worshiping God in Revelation 22:9 is that it reinforces the idea that worship should be directed solely to God, not to any created being, including angels. This underscores the proper relationship between God and His servants.
Who is the fellow servant mentioned in Revelation 22:9?
The fellow servant mentioned in Revelation 22:9 refers to the angel speaking to John, who identifies himself as a servant alongside John and the prophets. This emphasizes their shared mission in delivering God's message.
What does the phrase 'worship God' mean in Revelation 22:9?
The phrase 'worship God' in Revelation 22:9 means to give reverence and devotion exclusively to God. It serves as a reminder that worship should not be given to anyone else, including angels or prophets.
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