Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

REVELATION 22:9KJV
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Revelation 22:9 (KJV)

What does Revelation 22:9 mean?

Revelation 22:9 describes how the angel tells John not to worship him, but instead to worship God alone. The angel explains that he is only a fellow servant, like John, the prophets, and everyone who keeps the words of the book.

In this scene, John is so overwhelmed by what he sees and hears that he falls down to worship the angel who is showing him these things. The angel immediately corrects John, making it clear that worship belongs only to God, not to any created being, no matter how glorious. This verse highlights the shared role of all God’s servants and the importance of directing worship to God alone.

The Greek behind Revelation 22:9

  • The word "fellowservant" (σύνδουλος, syndoulos) means someone who serves alongside another. The angel places himself on the same level as John and the prophets, emphasizing humility and equality among God’s servants.
  • The Greek word for "worship" (προσκυνέω, proskyneō) is often used for acts of reverence or adoration. Here, the angel insists that such acts are due only to God, not to angels or humans.
  • The phrase "keep the sayings" (τηρέω τοὺς λόγους, tēreō tous logous) means to guard, observe, or obey the words. The angel includes all who faithfully hold to the teachings of the book as fellow servants.

Why Revelation 22:9 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about the proper object of worship, showing that even angels reject worship and direct all honor to God.
  • Revelation 22:9 emphasizes the humility of the angelic messenger and the shared calling of all who serve God, regardless of their role or status.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Revelation, where faithfulness to God’s word and exclusive worship of Him are central, especially in a context where false worship is a major issue.

Where else these words appear

“fellowservant” Greek G4889 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
  • Matthew 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
  • Colossians 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

“book” Greek G975 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
  • Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come(in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

“worship” Greek G4352 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
  • Revelation 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

“See” Greek G3708 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
  • Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.