New Testament
Revelation 22:9
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, an angel speaks to John, the author of Revelation, and instructs him not to worship the angel.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
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."
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.
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related servanthood.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

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.
Unlock the full Revelation summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Revelation — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 22 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Revelation summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.