Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The repeated word "Come" isn't just an invitation to believe, but a double echo: first, the Spirit and the Church cry out for Christ's return, and then, in response to that yearning, the same invitation is extended to us to come to the water of life. This highlights how our desire for God's coming is met by His persistent invitation to receive Him now, freely.
As the book of Revelation draws to a close, this verse serves as the final, powerful invitation from God. It's a culmination of all the prophecies and visions, a summary of the gospel message extended to everyone. The Holy Spirit and the Church, united in their desire for Christ's return and for people to find salvation, issue this urgent call.
Who is extending the final invitation in the Bible? It's not just one voice, but a powerful chorus calling you to something incredible.
The very end of Scripture presents a stunning, unified invitation: "The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’" This isn't a hesitant whisper, but a resounding call from the deepest sources of divine life.
The Holy Spirit's Call:
The Holy Spirit is the divine initiator and sustainer of this invitation. He works through Scripture, through the church, and directly in our hearts to draw us to God. His role is to empower and guide us towards salvation.
The Bride's Response:
The 'Bride' represents the Church – both the heavenly reality and its expression on earth. The Church echoes the Spirit's call, embodying the community of faith that has already experienced God's saving grace and now longs for others to join.
Together, the Spirit and the Bride form a powerful testament to God's desire for all people to come to Him.
You've heard the call. Now, what's your role? This verse makes it clear that the invitation is meant to be passed on.
The invitation doesn't stop with the Spirit and the Bride. The verse continues, "And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’" This places a responsibility on every believer.
The Echo of the Call:
If you have heard God's call to salvation, you are now empowered and commissioned to extend that same invitation to others. It's not just for pastors or evangelists; it's for every single person who has responded to the Spirit's wooing.
The Willingness of the Seeker:
This is followed by a direct invitation to the individual: "And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price." This highlights two crucial aspects:
Understand the original words
pneuma · Greek Noun
Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers and works to fulfill God’s redemptive purposes.
nymphē · Greek Noun
A metaphor for the Church, the community of believers who are betrothed to Christ and await the final union at His return.
dipsaō · Greek Verb
A metaphorical state of spiritual longing or the intense need for the satisfaction and life that only God can provide.
hydōr zōēs · Greek Noun phrase
A symbolic representation of the eternal life and refreshing grace provided by God, freely given to those who come to Him.
This passage echoes the invitation to freely receive the 'water of life,' emphasizing God's abundant provision for all who thirst, just as Revelation 22:17 calls all who are thirsty to come.
John 7:37Jesus' invitation, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink,' directly parallels the call in Revelation to 'the one who is thirsty' to 'come' and 'take the water of life without price.'
Romans 8:26This verse speaks of the Spirit helping us in our weakness and interceding for us, connecting to the idea in Revelation that the 'Spirit... says, “Come”' as He empowers believers and the church.
Galatians 4:26Paul refers to 'the Jerusalem above' as 'our mother,' drawing a conceptual link to the 'bride' in Revelation, which represents the heavenly church eagerly awaiting and calling for Christ's return.
barnesRevelation 22:17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come - That is, come to the Saviour; come and partake of the blessings of the gospel; come and be saved. The construction demands this interpretation, as the latter part of the verse shows. The design of this whole verse is, evidently, to show the freeness of the offers of th…
pulpitRevelation 22:17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
Verse 17. - And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. These words are best understood as uttered by the writer. The Holy Spirit working in the Church, through whom she is bound to Christ as his bride, and the Church herself, eagerly welcome the fulfilment of Christ's promise made in ver. 12. (On "come," cf. Rev…
The repeated word "Come" isn't just an invitation to believe, but a double echo: first, the Spirit and the Church cry out for Christ's return, and then, in response to that yearning, the same invitation is extended to us to come to the water of life. This highlights how our desire for God's coming is met by His persistent invitation to receive Him now, freely.
As the book of Revelation draws to a close, this verse serves as the final, powerful invitation from God. It's a culmination of all the prophecies and visions, a summary of the gospel message extended to everyone. The Holy Spirit and the Church, united in their desire for Christ's return and for people to find salvation, issue this urgent call.
As the book of Revelation draws to a close, this verse serves as the final, powerful invitation from God. It's a culmination of all the prophecies and visions, a summary of the gospel message extended to everyone. The Holy Spirit and the Church, united in their desire for Christ's return and for people to find salvation, issue this urgent call.
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God doesn't force Himself on anyone; He waits for a willing heart, a seeking soul.
What is the ultimate offer in this grand invitation? It's something incredibly precious, yet completely free.
The culmination of Revelation 22:17 is the offer of "the water of life without price." This is the heart of the gospel – salvation and eternal life offered as a free gift.
Water of Life:
This 'water' symbolizes spiritual refreshment, cleansing, and eternal life that only God can provide. It's not a metaphor for something mundane, but for the very essence of God's presence and blessing.
Without Price:
The phrase "without price" (or 'freely') is key. It means salvation is not earned through good deeds, religious rituals, or human merit. It is entirely dependent on God's grace and Christ's sacrifice.
This emphasizes the freeness of God's grace and the ample provision made for fallen humanity. No matter who you are or what you've done, if you desire it, this life-giving water is yours.
"The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price." — The repeated word "Come" isn't just an invitation to believe, but a double echo: first, the Spirit and the Church cry out for Christ's return, and then, in response to that yearning, the same invitat…
