Revelation 22:15 (KJV)

What does Revelation 22:15 mean?

Revelation 22:15 describes those who are excluded from the blessings and presence of God in the New Jerusalem, listing specific groups such as “dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” The verse draws a clear line between those inside the holy city and those left outside because of their unrepentant actions and character.

In the book of Revelation, John is recording a vision given to him, and here he is relaying a message about the final state of things at the end of time. The verse is part of the closing section, where the blessings for the faithful are contrasted with the exclusion of those who persist in certain sins. The language is vivid and symbolic, emphasizing the seriousness of moral choices and their eternal consequences.

The Greek behind Revelation 22:15

• “dogs” (κύνες, kynes): In the ancient world, this term was often used as a metaphor for those considered impure or morally corrupt, not just literal animals. Here, it likely refers to people whose lives are marked by shameless or unclean behavior.
• “sorcerers” (φάρμακοι, pharmakoi): This word points to those who practice magic or use drugs for occult purposes, often associated with deception and leading others astray.
• “whosoever loveth” (πᾶς ὁ φιλῶν, pas ho philōn): The Greek for “loveth” (φιλῶν, philōn) is about having affection for or delighting in something, in this case, loving falsehood.
• “maketh a lie” (ποιῶν ψεῦδος, poiōn pseudos): This phrase means to actively create or practice falsehood, not just telling a lie once but living in a pattern of deceit.

Why Revelation 22:15 matters

• Revelation 22:15 clarifies that exclusion from God’s presence is not arbitrary but is based on persistent choices and actions that are incompatible with the holiness of the New Jerusalem.
• The verse highlights the seriousness with which the Bible treats truthfulness, purity, and faithfulness, showing that these qualities are essential for belonging to God’s people.
• By listing specific behaviors, the verse connects back to earlier warnings in Revelation and throughout Scripture, reinforcing the consistent biblical theme that moral conduct matters in the final judgment.