Revelation 22:20

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 22:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20He who testifieth these things saith, Yea: I come quickly. Amen: come, Lord Jesus.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“He which testifieth these things, etc.] Not the angel, (<662216>Revelation 22:16) nor John, who sometimes used this way of speaking, (<432124>John 21:24) but Christ, as appears from what follows; for he saith, surely I come quickly; who not only asserts the speediness of his coming, as in (<662207>Revelation 22:7,12) but expresses the certainty of it, so that it ought not to be doubted of by any, especially by his own people; though it may seem to be deferred, and, upon that account, be derided by ungodly men; and Christ may have some respect, in this strong repetition of it, to the certainty of the punishment that will then be inflicted upon such who add to, or diminish from this book; for…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Amen. Even so, come--The Song of Solomon (Sol 8:14) closes with the same yearning prayer for Christ's coming. A, B, and Aleph omit "Even so," Greek, "nai": then translate for Amen, "So be it, come, Lord Jesus"; joining the "Amen," or "So be it," not with Christ's saying (for He calls Himself the "Amen" at the beginning of sentences, rather than puts it as a confirmation at the end), but with John's reply. Christ's "I come," and John's "Come," are almost coincident in time; so truly does the believer reflect the mind of his Lord.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He which testifieth these things - The Lord Jesus; for he it was that had, through the instrumentality of the angel, borne this solemn witness to the truth of these things, and this book was to be regarded as his revelation to mankind. See the notes on Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:16. He here speaks of himself, and vouches for the truth and reality of these things by saying that he “testifies” of them, or bears witness to them. Compare John 18:37. The fact that Jesus himself vouches for the truth of what is here revealed, shows the propriety of what John had said in the previous verses about adding to it, or taking from it. Saith, Surely I come quickly - That is, the development of these…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He that testifieth these things - Even all that is contained in this book. Saith - For the encouragement of the church in all her afflictions. Yea - Answering the call of the Spirit and the bride. I come quickly - To destroy all her enemies, and establish her in a state of perfect and everlasting happiness. The apostle expresses his earnest desire and hope of this, by answering, Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“22:20 I am coming soon! See 3:11. • Come, Lord Jesus! Paul uttered the same response (1 Cor 16:22; see also Phil 4:5).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“which: Rev 22:18 Surely: Rev 22:7, Rev 22:10, Rev 22:12 Amen: Rev 1:18; Sol 8:14; Isa 25:9; Joh 21:25; Ti2 4:8; Heb 9:28; Pe2 3:12-14 Revelation 22:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification