He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

REVELATION 22:11KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 22:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 22:11 mean?

Revelation 22:11 describes a moment when people are told to continue in the path they have chosen—whether unjust, filthy, righteous, or holy—because a time is coming when their choices will be fixed and unchangeable. This verse signals that the opportunity to change one’s ways is coming to an end, and each person’s character will remain as it is.

In this verse, the speaker is the angel delivering God’s message to John, the author of Revelation, near the close of the book. The setting is the final chapter, where the message shifts from visions of the future to direct warnings and encouragements for readers. The verse’s language draws a sharp line between those who persist in wrongdoing and those who remain faithful, underlining the urgency and finality of the coming judgment.

The Greek behind Revelation 22:11

  • “Unjust” (ἄδικος, adikos; G91) refers to someone who acts without justice or righteousness. The repetition emphasizes the settled state of such a person’s character.
  • “Filthy” (ῥυπαρός, rhyparos; G4510) means morally dirty or defiled, not just physically unclean. The Greek word points to a deep, inward impurity.
  • “Righteous” (δίκαιος, dikaios; G1342) and “be righteous” (δικαιωθήτω, dikaiōthētō; G1344) both stress living in a way that aligns with God’s standards, with the verb form urging continued righteous action.
  • “Holy” (ἅγιος, hagios; G40) and “be holy” (ἁγιασθήτω, hagiasthētō; G37) refer to being set apart for God, with the verb form calling for ongoing dedication.
  • “Still” (ἔτι, eti; G2089) means “yet” or “still,” highlighting that the current state will continue without change.

Why Revelation 22:11 matters

  • Revelation 22:11 clarifies that a decisive moment is coming when people’s moral and spiritual choices will be locked in, countering the idea that there will always be time to change.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility, showing that each person’s character and actions have lasting consequences.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Revelation’s final chapters, which urge readiness and seriousness as the return of Christ and final judgment draw near.

Where else these words appear

“unjust” Greek G91 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
  • 1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
  • Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

“holy” Greek G37 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
  • 2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

“righteous” Greek G1344 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
  • Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
  • 1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

“righteous” Greek G1342 · used in 76 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: