And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

REVELATION 21:6KJV
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Revelation 21:6 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:6 mean?

Revelation 21:6 describes God declaring that His work of making all things new is complete, identifying Himself as the "Alpha and Omega," the beginning and the end, and promising to freely give the water of life to anyone who is thirsty. This verse emphasizes God's authority over all of history and His generous offer of eternal life to those who desire it.

In this scene, God is speaking directly to John, the author of Revelation, during a vision of the new heaven and new earth. The statement "It is done" signals the fulfillment of God's promises and the completion of His plan. By calling Himself "Alpha and Omega" (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet), God highlights His eternal nature and control over everything from start to finish. The promise of the "water of life" being given freely shows God's willingness to satisfy the deepest needs of anyone who seeks Him.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:6

  • Ἄλφα (Alpha, transliterated "Alpha") and Ὦμέγα (Omega, transliterated "Omega"): These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, used here to express that God is both the source and the goal of all things—nothing exists outside His scope.
  • πηγῆς (pēgēs, "fountain"): This word refers to a spring or source of water, suggesting not just a cup or a small amount, but an abundant, ongoing supply.
  • δωρεάν (dōrean, "freely"): This word means "as a gift" or "without cost," underlining that the water of life is given by God's grace, not something people can earn.

Why Revelation 21:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the fulfillment of God's promises is certain and complete, not just a future hope but a finished reality in the vision.
  • The use of "Alpha and Omega" ties together the entire story of Scripture, showing God's presence and authority from creation to the new creation.
  • The promise that the water of life is given "freely" highlights the generosity of God and removes any idea that eternal life can be bought or deserved—it is a gift for all who desire it.

Where else these words appear

“Alpha” Greek G1 · used in 4 verses

  • Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
  • Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
  • Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

“Omega” Greek G5598 · used in 4 verses

  • Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
  • Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
  • Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

“freely” Greek G1432 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
  • Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

“fountain” Greek G4077 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
  • James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
  • Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.