“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Revelation 22:12
What does Revelation 22:12 mean?
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Revelation 22:12
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Jesus isn't just promising a reward, but that His recompense is inherent to His coming – it’s what He brings. This highlights that the judgment isn't an external event, but the very outworking of His character and authority in the world.
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus, speaking through the angel, issues a final, solemn warning and promise as the Revelation concludes. Immediately following the description of those who are outside the heavenly city and the exhortation to keep the words of the prophecy, Christ declares His imminent return. This return isn't just an arrival, but a judgment where He brings His recompense, ready to repay everyone precisely for what they have done.
The word 'quickly' echoes throughout Revelation. What does this urgency mean for us, living centuries later?
Jesus declares, 'Behold, I am coming soon.' This isn't just a future event; it's a present reality carrying immense weight. The early church lived with this expectation, and the message is for us too. This 'soon' speaks to the certainty and the readiness required. It means that no matter when His return actually occurs, from God's perspective, it is always at hand.
Jesus brings His 'recompense' with Him. What does this mean for our actions and their eternal significance?
The phrase 'my recompense with me, to give each one for what he has done' is a powerful declaration of divine justice. It means that Christ is not only returning but returning with the authority and provision to render a just judgment. This isn't about earning salvation, but about accountability for our lives lived in response to God's grace.
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Understand the original words
misthos · Greek Noun
Payment, reward, or retribution given by God based on a person’s deeds, emphasizing divine justice in the final judgment.
Jesus states that he will repay each person according to what they have done, echoing Revelation 22:12's promise of recompense based on deeds.
Romans 2:6This passage directly states that God will give to each according to his works, aligning with the core message of Jesus' imminent return and reward in Revelation 22:12.
Galatians 6:7Paul's teaching that people reap what they sow provides a foundational principle for the concept of divine recompense for deeds mentioned in Revelation 22:12.
Isaiah 40:10The Old Testament prophecy that God comes with his reward and his recompense before him directly parallels the language and theme found in Revelation 22:12.
2 Corinthians 5:10This verse emphasizes that all believers must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due for their actions in the body, reflecting the accountability promised in Revelation 22:12.
pulpitRevelation 22:12: "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
Verse 12. - And, behold, I come quickly. Omit "and" (cf. vers. 7, 10, etc.; see also on ver. 11). Note also that once more the words are spoken as by Christ himself (cf. ver. 7). And my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be; as his work is, according to the best authorities. This is one of the fundamental truths enforced throughout the book;…
pooleRevelation 22:12: "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
I come quickly, to the last judgment, as before, Revelation 22:7 . And my reward is with me; I bring with me a power and authority to recompense every man according to what he hath done, Revelation 20:13 Daniel 12:2 Matthew 25:34,35 , &c.; Romans 2:6 .
Jesus isn't just promising a reward, but that His recompense is inherent to His coming – it’s what He brings. This highlights that the judgment isn't an external event, but the very outworking of His character and authority in the world.
Jesus, speaking through the angel, issues a final, solemn warning and promise as the Revelation concludes. Immediately following the description of those who are outside the heavenly city and the exhortation to keep the words of the prophecy, Christ declares His imminent return. This return isn't just an arrival, but a judgment where He brings His recompense, ready to repay everyone precisely for what they have done.
Jesus, speaking through the angel, issues a final, solemn warning and promise as the Revelation concludes. Immediately following the description of those who are outside the heavenly city and the exhortation to keep the words of the prophecy, Christ declares His imminent return. This return isn't just an arrival, but a judgment where He brings His recompense, ready to repay everyone precisely for what they have done.
"“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done." — Jesus isn't just promising a reward, but that His recompense is inherent to His coming – it’s what He brings. This highlights that the judgment isn't an external event, but the very outworking of…
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Last reviewed October 2026