And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Revelation 22:10
What does Revelation 22:10 mean?
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Revelation 22:10
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Unlike Daniel, John isn't told to "seal up" his visions because these truths are for the present church, not distant ages. The urgency is for you, the reader, because the time for these events—and Christ's return—is truly near.
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel here instructs John not to seal up the prophetic words of this book, unlike what was commanded of prophets like Daniel in the past. This Revelation deals with events that are imminent and meant for the current generation, especially for the encouragement of those facing hardship, rather than being hidden away for distant times.
Have you ever felt a message was meant to be kept secret, only for certain eyes? The Bible talks about 'sealing' prophecies, but John gets the opposite command.
A Tale of Two Commands
In the Old Testament, prophets like Daniel were sometimes told to 'seal up' their visions. Think of it like putting a sensitive document in a vault, meant for future generations to unlock when the time was right. This was often because the events foretold were distant.
But John, at the end of Revelation, receives a contrasting instruction: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book.” This isn't about keeping secrets; it's about publication.
Why the Difference?
The key lies in the timing. While some ancient prophecies pointed to events far in the future, the prophecy in Revelation is declared to be for a time that is "near." The angel is essentially telling John, "This message isn't just for a distant future; it has immediate relevance and needs to be shared now."
The verse says "the time is near." Does that mean Jesus was coming tomorrow? Let's explore what 'near' meant for John and for us.
The Imminence of Fulfillment
The phrase "the time is near" (or "at hand") is a recurring theme in Revelation. It doesn't always mean that everything would happen immediately, but rather that the process of fulfillment was beginning and the ultimate culmination was rapidly approaching.
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What 'Near' Meant Then
For John and the early church, "near" spoke to the immediate realities they faced. Persecution was present, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, while not instantaneous, was on the horizon. This message offered vital encouragement, assuring them that God's justice and vindication were not distant dreams but imminent realities.
'Near' for Us Today
When we read this today, "near" takes on a slightly different, yet equally urgent, hue. We live in the continuous "last days," a period initiated by Christ's first coming and building towards his final return. For us, "near" is a reminder that every moment counts, and we are called to live in anticipation of Christ's imminent return, always ready.
It's a call to spiritual alertness, a reminder that the end of the age, whenever it arrives, is always "near" from a divine perspective.
Understand the original words
sphragizō · Greek Verb
To seal something is to close or hide it, rendering it inaccessible or secret; in this context, the command NOT to seal signifies that the message is intended for public proclamation and immediate application.
Unlike prophecies meant for distant future fulfillment and thus sealed, this final prophecy from Revelation is declared 'near' and therefore must be openly shared, offering urgent hope to Christians facing immediate tribulation.
c. 539 BC
Daniel receives prophetic visions
The prophet Daniel receives visions of future kingdoms and events. He is later instructed to seal up these visions because they pertain to a distant future.
c. 535 BC
Daniel instructed to seal visions
Daniel is told to seal his prophecies, as they relate to 'many days to come' and are not for immediate understanding or dissemination.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus speaks of the 'last time'
During His ministry, Jesus speaks of the nearness of the Kingdom of God, indicating that the era of salvation had begun and was the 'last time' before the final end.
c. AD 62
A different angelic command to John
Earlier in Revelation (10:4), John is commanded by an angel to seal what the seven thunders had uttered. This indicates a distinction between different parts of the prophecy.
c. AD 95— this verse
Revelation written to persecuted Christians
The book of Revelation is written by John to churches facing severe persecution under the Roman Empire. The message of God's ultimate victory is intended to offer comfort and hope.
c. AD 95
Angel commands John to 'seal not'
At the conclusion of the book, an angel tells John *not* to seal the prophecy because 'the time is near,' contrasting with the earlier command given to Daniel.
This passage contrasts with Revelation 22:10, as Daniel was told to seal his prophecies because the events were far off, whereas John is told not to seal his because the time is near.
Daniel 8:26Similar to Daniel 12:4, Daniel was instructed to 'seal up the vision' because it pertained to many days in the future, highlighting the distinct urgency of John's prophecy.
Revelation 10:4This verse provides a direct parallel where John is told to seal up what the seven thunders have uttered, showing a previous instance of restraint before the final command to keep this prophecy open.
1 John 2:18This passage emphasizes that the 'last hour' is already present, echoing the sentiment in Revelation 22:10 that the fulfillment of these prophecies is imminent, not distant.
ellicottRevelation 22:10: "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand."
(10) And he saith to me . . . —The angel, in contrast to the injunctions given to Daniel ( Daniel 12:9-13 ), bids the prophet “Seal not the words of the prophecy”: the reason is added, “for the time is near.” “Such is ever the difference between the prophecy of the old, and the prophecy of the new dispensation. The one belonged to a preliminary and prefatory state; the other to…
clarkeRevelation 22:10: "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand."
Seal not the sayings - Do not lay them up for future generations; they concern the present times; they must shortly come to pass, for the time is at hand. See above, Revelation 22:6 . What concerned the Jews was certainly at hand.
Unlike Daniel, John isn't told to "seal up" his visions because these truths are for the present church, not distant ages. The urgency is for you, the reader, because the time for these events—and Christ's return—is truly near.
The angel here instructs John not to seal up the prophetic words of this book, unlike what was commanded of prophets like Daniel in the past. This Revelation deals with events that are imminent and meant for the current generation, especially for the encouragement of those facing hardship, rather than being hidden away for distant times.
The angel here instructs John not to seal up the prophetic words of this book, unlike what was commanded of prophets like Daniel in the past. This Revelation deals with events that are imminent and meant for the current generation, especially for the encouragement of those facing hardship, rather than being hidden away for distant times.
"And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near." — Unlike Daniel, John isn't told to "seal up" his visions because these truths are for the present church, not distant ages. The urgency is for you, the reader, because the time for these events—and…
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Last reviewed October 2026