And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

REVELATION 22:12KJV
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Revelation 22:12 (KJV)

What does Revelation 22:12 mean?

Revelation 22:12 describes Jesus announcing that he is coming soon and will bring a reward with him, giving each person what they deserve based on their actions. The verse emphasizes both the certainty and the nearness of his return, as well as the idea that everyone will be judged fairly.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking near the end of the book of Revelation, addressing all who hear the message. The setting is the closing vision given to John, where Jesus assures his followers that his coming is imminent and that he will personally repay each person according to their deeds. This statement highlights personal responsibility and the justice of Jesus as judge.

The Greek behind Revelation 22:12

  • ταχύ (tachy, G5035): This word is translated as "quickly" and often carries the sense of "soon" or "without delay." It stresses the urgency and certainty of Jesus’ return, not necessarily the exact timing.
  • μισθός (misthos, G3408): This word means "reward" or "wages," pointing to something earned. Here, it underlines that what Jesus brings is directly connected to each person’s actions.
  • ἔργον (ergon, G2041): Translated as "work," this word refers to what a person has done—their deeds or actions. The verse uses this to show that the reward is not random but based on how each person has lived.

Why Revelation 22:12 matters

  • Revelation 22:12 clarifies that Jesus’ return is not just a distant hope but something presented as imminent and certain, which was meant to encourage and sober early Christian readers.
  • The verse makes clear that judgment is individual and just; each person is rewarded "according as his work shall be," countering any idea that salvation or judgment is arbitrary.
  • This verse ties together the book’s themes of perseverance and faithfulness, reminding readers that their choices and actions matter in light of Jesus’ promised return.

Where else these words appear

“quickly” Greek G5035 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

“reward” Greek G3408 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

“give” Greek G591 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

“man” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.