Rev 22:16-17 | RWP | e4.org | I Jesus ( Εγω Ιησους ). The last and most solemn attestation to the book that from Jesus (the historic Jesus known to the churches), in harmony with . Have sent ( επεμψα ). First aorist active indicative of πεμπω , used here in the same sense as αποστειλας in as his personal messenger. It is the Jesus of history here speaking, who is also the Christ of theology and the Lamb of God. For the churches ( επ ταις εκκλησιαις ). For this use of επ see ; . It is not just for the seven churches ( ), but for all the churches in the world then and now. I am the root and the offspring of David ( Εγω ειμ η ριζα κα το γενος Δαυειδ ). See for "the root of David," to which John now adds το γενος in the sense of "offspring" ( .), not of family or race ( ; ). Cf. . The bright, the morning star ( ο αστηρ ο λαμπρος ο πρωινος ). The Davidic King is called a star in ; . This "day-star" ( φωσφορος ) is interpreted as Christ ( ). In the phrase "the morning star" occurs in Christ's words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world ( ; ).

‏ Revelation of John 22:16-17

I Jesus ( Εγω Ιησους ). The last and most solemn attestation to the book that from Jesus (the historic Jesus known to the churches), in harmony with 1:1f.

Have sent ( επεμψα ). First aorist active indicative of πεμπω, used here in the same sense as αποστειλας in 1:1 as his personal messenger. It is the Jesus of history here speaking, who is also the Christ of theology and the Lamb of God.

For the churches ( επ ταις εκκλησιαις ). For this use of επ see 10:11; Joh 12:16. It is not just for the seven churches (1:4), but for all the churches in the world then and now.

I am the root and the offspring of David ( Εγω ειμ η ριζα κα το γενος Δαυειδ ). See 5:5 for "the root of David," to which John now adds το γενος in the sense of "offspring" (Ac 17:28f.), not of family or race (Ac 4:6; 7:13). Cf. Mt 22:42-45.

The bright, the morning star ( ο αστηρ ο λαμπρος ο πρωινος ). The Davidic King is called a star in Nu 24:17; Lu 1:78. This "day-star" ( φωσφορος ) is interpreted as Christ (2Pe 1:19). In Re 2:28 the phrase "the morning star" occurs in Christ's words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world (Joh 1:9; 8:12).

The Spirit and the bride ( το πνευμα κα η νυμφη ). The Holy Spirit, speaking through the prophets or the Spirit of prophecy (2:7; 16:4; 18:24), joins with the bride (21:2), the people of God, in a response to the voice of Jesus just heard. After the picture of heaven in 22:1-5 there is intense longing (19:7) of God's people for the consummation of the marriage of the Lamb and the Bride. So now "the prophets and the saints" (Swete) make a common plea to the Lord Jesus to "come" ( Ερχου, present middle imperative of ερχομα, Come on) as he has just said twice that he would do (22:1, 12). The call for Christ is to be repeated by every hearer ( ο ακουων ) as in 1:3.

Let him come ( ερχεσθω ). Change of person and this verb applied not to Christ as just before, but to the one who wishes to greet Christ. The thirsty man is bidden to come himself before it is too late. See 5:6 for διψαω, used for spiritual thirst, and in particular Joh 6:35; 7:37 for one thirsting for the water of life (21:6; 22:1). Cf. Isa 55:1.

He that will ( ο θελων ). Even if not yet eagerly thirsting. This one is welcome also. For this use of θελω see Php 2:13.

Let him take ( λαβετω ). Second ingressive aorist active imperative of λαμβανω. In accordance with the free promise in 21:6, "freely" ( δωρεαν ) here as there. This gracious and wide invitation is cheering after the gloomy picture of the doomed and the damned. The warnings against the dragon and the two beasts with all their dreadful consequences are meant to deter men from falling victims to all the devil's devices then and now. The door of mercy still stands wide open today, for the end has not yet come. The series of panoramas is over, with the consummation pictured as a reality. Now we drop back to the standpoint before we saw the visions through John's eyes. In verse 17 we hear the voice of the Spirit of God inviting all who hear and see to heed and to come and drink of the water of life freely offered by the Lamb of God.