Devine Scripture

Revelation 22:9

What does Revelation 22:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 22:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 22:9 means

The angel refuses worship and identifies himself as a fellow-servant with John, the prophets, and all who keep the words of this book. The command is simple and absolute: “worship God.” This protects the church from misdirected devotion and affirms the dignity of prophetic ministry as service under God, not above His people. Angels, prophets, and readers stand together as servants. The antidote to confusion in the face of glory is to bow only to the One on the throne. In a book filled with visions and mediators, this verse is a needed guardrail: revelation must lead to God, not to fascination with messengers or experiences.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them that keep the words of this book: worship God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them that keep the words of this book: worship God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to me, See you do it not; I am a brother-servant with you and with your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book: give worship to God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he saith to me, `See--not; for fellow-servant of thee am I, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of those keeping the words of this scroll; before God bow.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to me: See thou do it not. For I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets and of them that keep the words of the prophecy of this book. Adore God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he says to me, See [thou do it] not. I am thy fellow-bondman, and [the fellow-bondman] of thy brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Do homage toGod.

Context

John’s mistaken act of worship in verse 8 is answered immediately here. The correction clarifies roles and redirects attention to the Giver, not the gift. With worship rightly ordered, the angel proceeds in verse 10 to command that the prophecy not be sealed, pressing urgency and accessibility. This flow keeps the church’s response clear: worship God, keep His words, and heed the time that is at hand.

v.8And I John am he that heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that showed me these things.

v.9This passage

v.10And he saith unto me, Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 19:10

    And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

  • Revelation 15:4

    Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all the nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy righteous acts have been made manifest.

  • Revelation 14:7

    and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters.

  • Revelation 22:10

    And he saith unto me, Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.

  • Exodus 34:14

    (for thou shalt worship no other god: for Jehovah, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God);

  • Colossians 2:18

    Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he hath seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

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