Translation commentary on Revelation 22:20

He who testifies to these things: the same verb “to testify,” used in verses 16 and 18, here has the sense of “announce,” “proclaim.” The speaker is Jesus, and these things are the visions and revelations that he has proclaimed and that are recorded in this book. The meaning may be expressed by “He who declares these messages.”

Surely I am coming soon: as in verses 7 and 12.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!: the initial Amen may be translated “So be it” or “May it be so” (see 1.6). The speaker is John, the writer of the book. Come, Lord Jesus is the Greek equivalent of the Aramaic Marana tha (1 Cor 16.22, “Our Lord, come!”).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 22:20

Paragraph 22:20a

22:20a

He who testifies to these things: The word testifies refers to saying something that is truthful and accurate. Jesus agreed that the prophecies and visions in this book are truthful and accurate. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

He, who is witness to all this (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
Jesus, the One who says these things are true (New Century Version)

these things: This phrase refers to the whole book of Revelation. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

all this (Good News Translation)
-or-
those things
-or-
those prophecies

I am coming soon: This clause refers to Jesus returning to his people on earth. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as soon can also refer to “without delay” or “quickly.” See how you translated this clause in 22:12.

Paragraph 22:20b–21

22:20b

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!:
The direct address to Jesus occurs after what is said to him. In some languages it is more natural to have the direct address first. For example:

Lord Jesus, amen, come!

Amen: The word Amen is a Hebrew word that means “even so” or “it is true.” It is used to agree with what was said. The Greek borrowed the Hebrew word. English borrowed this word as well. See how you translated this word in 1:6 or 19:4.

Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “the one who has authority over (something),” or “owner.” God has authority over everyone and everything. See how you translated this word in 22:5.

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Sung version of Revelation 22

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