Revelation 22:11
What does Revelation 22:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 22:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 22:11 means
This solemn saying acknowledges that as the time draws near, people’s chosen paths harden: the unrighteous persist in unrighteousness, the filthy in filth; the righteous persist in righteousness, the holy in holiness. It is not indifference but a warning: revelation clarifies, and response fixes character. Grace calls for perseverance, not complacency; refusal deepens defilement. The verse presses urgency—there is a narrowing window to repent, and a strengthening resolve to keep faithful. God’s word never leaves us neutral. Those aligned with God will continue in holy living; those resisting will only entrench. The coming consummation will publicly reveal and confirm what people have become.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let the evil man go on in his evil: and let the unclean be still unclean: and let the upright go on in his righteousness: and let the holy be holy still.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he who is unrighteous--let him be unrighteous still, and he who is filthy--let him be filthy still, and he who is righteous--let him be declared righteous still, and he who is sanctified--let him be sanctified still:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that hurteth, let him hurt still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is just, let him be justified still: and he that is holy, let him be sanctified still.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let him that does unrighteously do unrighteously still; and let the filthy make himself filthy still; and let him that is righteous practise righteousness still; and he that is holy, let him be sanctified still.
Context
Placed after the call to keep the book unsealed, this proverb-like declaration shows the dividing effect of Revelation’s message. It prepares for verse 12, where Jesus says He comes quickly with reward to render each according to his work. The moral trajectories here explain the justice of that recompense. The verses that follow will ground this in Jesus’ eternal identity and set blessing and exclusion side by side.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 7:13
And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, These that are arrayed in the white robes, who are they, and whence came they?
- Psalms 81:12
So I let them go after the stubbornness of their heart, That they might walk in their own counsels.
- Ephesians 5:27
that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
- Revelation 16:8
And the fourth poured out his bowl upon the sun; and it was given unto it to scorch men with fire.
- Proverbs 14:32
The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing; But the righteous hath a refuge in his death.
- Daniel 12:10
Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but they that are wise shall understand.
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