Revelation 22:17

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" Let the one who hears say, "Come!" And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.

Study Bible

The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!'
This phrase highlights the collaborative invitation from both the Holy Spirit and the Church, symbolized as the bride. The Greek word for "Spirit" is "Pneuma," which signifies breath or wind, representing the life-giving presence of God. The "bride" refers to the Church, the collective body of believers, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-27. This dual call emphasizes the unity between the divine and the ecclesiastical in the mission of salvation. Historically, the Church has been seen as the bride of Christ, a metaphor that underscores the intimate relationship between Christ and His followers. The invitation to "Come!" is both urgent and welcoming, reflecting God's desire for all to partake in eternal life.

And let the one who hears say, 'Come!'
This phrase extends the invitation to those who have already received the message. The Greek word for "hears" is "akouō," which implies not just hearing but understanding and responding. This call to action suggests that those who have heard the Gospel are now responsible for sharing it. The repetition of "Come!" signifies the continuous and inclusive nature of the invitation, encouraging believers to actively participate in the evangelistic mission. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on spreading the Gospel, as seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

And let the one who is thirsty come
Here, "thirsty" symbolizes a deep spiritual longing or need. The Greek word "dipsaō" conveys an intense desire for something essential. This metaphor of thirst is used throughout Scripture to describe the soul's yearning for God, as in Psalm 42:1-2. The invitation to "come" is open to all who recognize their spiritual need, emphasizing God's readiness to satisfy those who seek Him. This reflects the historical context of a world searching for truth and meaning, offering hope and fulfillment through Christ.

and let the one who desires the water of life drink freely
The "water of life" is a metaphor for the eternal life and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The Greek word "zōē" for "life" signifies not just physical existence but a quality of life that is abundant and eternal. "Drink freely" translates the Greek "dōrean," meaning without cost, highlighting the grace and generosity of God's gift. This echoes Isaiah 55:1, where God invites all to come and receive freely. The historical context of this promise is rooted in the ancient world's understanding of water as a precious and life-sustaining resource, making the offer of living water profoundly significant. This phrase encapsulates the essence of the Gospel: salvation is a free gift available to all who earnestly seek it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Spirit
Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who is active in the world, drawing people to Christ and empowering believers.

2. The Bride
Symbolizes the Church, the collective body of believers in Jesus Christ, who eagerly await His return and invite others to join in the salvation offered by Him.

3. The One Who Hears
Represents individuals who have heard the message of the Gospel and are encouraged to respond to the invitation to come to Christ.

4. The Thirsty
Symbolizes those who recognize their spiritual need and longing for the fulfillment that only Christ can provide.

5. The Water of Life
Represents the eternal life and satisfaction found in Jesus Christ, freely offered to all who come to Him.

Teaching Points

The Universal Invitation
The call to "Come!" is extended to all, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel. No one is excluded from the invitation to receive eternal life.

The Role of the Church
As the bride, the Church has a responsibility to echo the Spirit's invitation, actively participating in the mission of evangelism and discipleship.

Recognizing Spiritual Thirst
Believers and seekers alike must acknowledge their spiritual thirst and need for Christ, the only source of true satisfaction and life.

The Freeness of Salvation
Salvation is a gift, freely offered to all who desire it. It cannot be earned but must be received with a humble and open heart.

The Urgency of Response
The repeated call to "Come!" highlights the urgency of responding to God's invitation. Today is the day of salvation, and we must not delay in coming to Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the invitation in Revelation 22:17 reflect the character of God as revealed throughout Scripture?

2. In what ways can the Church today actively participate in extending the invitation to "Come!" to those who are spiritually thirsty?

3. How can recognizing our own spiritual thirst lead to a deeper relationship with Christ and a more fulfilling Christian life?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that the message of the Gospel remains freely accessible to all, without adding barriers or costs?

5. How do the themes of invitation and urgency in Revelation 22:17 challenge us in our personal evangelism efforts and daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 4:13-14
Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well about the living water that leads to eternal life, connecting to the invitation to drink freely of the water of life in Revelation 22:17.

Isaiah 55:1
An Old Testament invitation to come and drink freely, paralleling the call in Revelation for those who are thirsty to come and receive without cost.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, similar to the invitation in Revelation to come and drink of the water of life.