The Meaning of Revelation 22:4 Explained

Revelation 22:4

KJV: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

YLT: and they shall see His face, and His name is upon their foreheads,

Darby: and they shall see his face; and his name is on their foreheads.

ASV: and they shall see his face; and his name'shall be on their foreheads.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  they shall see  his  face;  and  his  name  [shall be] in  their  foreheads. 

What does Revelation 22:4 Mean?

Verse Meaning

God"s bond-servants will see God"s face; we will enjoy personal, intimate fellowship with Him. We will be able to do this because we will be pure in heart, righteous, and holy then (cf. Psalm 11:7; Psalm 17:15; Matthew 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Hebrews 12:14). Adam and Eve"s sin broke their fellowship with God, and they hid from Him ( Genesis 3:8; cf. Exodus 33:20; Exodus 33:23). Our ability to view God"s glory is limited now (cf. Job 19:25-27; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 9:7), but then it will be unhindered ( 1 John 3:2). Scripture does not reveal whether we will see one, two, or three persons of the Godhead.
Moreover we will bear God"s name on our foreheads. Having His name on our foreheads means that we will be His and will reflect His divine glory in our persons. Having a name on one"s forehead appeared three times earlier in this book ( Revelation 3:12; Revelation 7:3; Revelation 14:1). In each case it was a great privilege indicating ownership and protection as well as identification (cf. Exodus 28:36-38).

Context Summary

Revelation 22:1-9 - "the River Of Water Of Life"
The first five verses of this chapter obviously belong to the preceding one, from which they should not be severed. The ever-flowing river of life proves that the whole life of the blessed depends on the life of God, resident in the enthroned Lamb and communicated through the Holy Spirit. In Eden there was one tree of life; in the New Jerusalem there is a grove with perennial fruit, not protected by a flaming sword, but standing freely in the main thoroughfare, that all who will may take. Observe the threefold description of the saints-they serve, they behold, and they resemble Revelation 22:3-4. No night with its shadow; no rest is needed in the delightful service; no artificial, but un-derived and original light; no cessation of regnant power, for they shall reign forever and ever.
When the visions end, John is assured of the reality and truth of all that he has heard and seen. It appears that the Master Himself broke in with the assurance of His speedy advent; and who shall say that that assurance has failed, when we measure the flight of time with the years of the right hand of the Most High? We should remember also that the fall of Jerusalem and the sack of Jerusalem marked stages in the Advent. [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 22

1  The river of the water of life
2  The tree of life
5  The light of the city of God is himself
7  Jesus Is Coming
9  The angel will not be worshipped
18  Nothing may be added to the word of God, nor taken away

Greek Commentary for Revelation 22:4

They shall see his face [οπσονται το προσωπον αυτου]
Future active of οραω — horaō This vision of God was withheld from Moses (Exodus 33:20, Exodus 33:23), but promised by Jesus to the pure in heart (Matthew 5:8) and mentioned in Hebrews 12:14 as possible only to the holy, and promised in Psalm 17:15. Even here on earth we can see God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6), but now in the New Jerusalem we can see Christ face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12), even as he is after we are made really like him (2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2). It is anthropomorphic language, to be sure, but it touches the essential reality of religion. “The supreme felicity is reached, immediate presence with God and the Lamb” (Beckwith). [source]
His name on their foreheads [το ονομα αυτου επι των μετωπων αυτων]
As in Revelation 3:12; Revelation 7:3; Revelation 14:1. [source]
See His face []
Compare 1 John 3:2; Matthew 5:8; Exodus 33:20; Psalm 17:15. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 22:4

John 17:11 Those whom [οὓς]
The correct reading is ᾧ , referring to name. Thy name which Thou hast given me. So in John 17:12. Compare Philemon 2:9, Philemon 2:10; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 19:12; Revelation 22:4. [source]
Revelation 7:4 An hundred and forty and four thousand []
Not literally, but the number symbolical of fixedness and full completion (12 x 12). The interpretations, as usual, vary greatly, dividing generally into two great classes: one holding that only Jews are meant, the other including the whole number of the elect both Jew and Gentile. Of the former class some regard the sealed as representing Jewish believers chosen out of the literal Israel. Others add to this the idea of these as forming the nucleus of glorified humanity to which the Gentiles are joined. Others again regard them as Jews reserved by God until Antichrist comes, to maintain in the bosom of their nation a true belief in Jehovah and His law, like the seven thousand in the days of Elijah. The interpretation of the latter class seems entitled to the greater weight. According to the Apocalyptic usage, Jewish terms are “christianized and heightened in their meaning, and the word “Israel” is to be understood of all Christians, the blessed company of all faithful people, the true Israel of God.” See Romans 2:28, Romans 2:29; Romans 9:6, Romans 9:7; Galatians 6:16; Philemon 3:3. The city of God, which includes all believers, is designated by the Jewish name, New Jerusalem. In Revelation 7:3, the sealed are designated generally as the servants of God. In chapter 14 the one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed are mentioned after the description of the enemies of Christ, who have reference to the whole Church of Christ; and the mention of the sealed is followed by the world-wide harvest and vintage of the earth. The one hundred and forty-four thousand in chapter 14, have the Father's name written in their foreheads; and in Revelation 22:4, all the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem are so marked. In Revelation 21:12, the twelve tribes include all believers. The mark of Satan which is in the forehead, is set upon all his servants without distinction of race. See Revelation 13:16, Revelation 13:17; Revelation 14:9; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:4. The plagues threaten both Jews and Gentiles, as the sealing protects all. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

Revelation 3:12 Upon him []
The conqueror, not the pillar. Compare Revelation 7:3; Revelation 9:4; Revelation 14:1; Revelation 22:4. Probably with reference to the golden plate inscribed with the name of Jehovah, and worn by the High-Priest upon his forehead (Exodus 28:36, Exodus 28:38). See on Revelation 2:17. [source]
Revelation 14:1 The Lamb [το αρνιον]
See Revelation 5:6; Revelation 7:17; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 13:8 and is in contrast with the anarthrous αρνιον — arnion in Revelation 13:11. This proleptic vision of the Lamb “standing on the mount Zion” These victors have the name of the Lamb and God upon their foreheads as in Revelation 3:12; Revelation 22:4, in place of the mark of the beast above (Revelation 13:16; Revelation 14:11). This seal protects them (Revelation 9:4). [source]
Revelation 17:5 Upon her forehead a name written [επι το μετωπον αυτης ονομα γεγραμμενον]
Roman harlots wore a label with their names on their brows (Seneca, Rhet. I. 2. 7; Juvenal VI. 122f.), and so here. In Revelation 19:16 Christ has a name on his garments and on his thigh, while in Revelation 14:1; Revelation 22:4 the redeemed have the name of God on their foreheads. There is undoubtedly a contrast between this woman here and the woman in chapter Rev 12. [source]
Revelation 19:10 See thou do it not [ορα μη]
Repeated in Revelation 22:9. Here there is no verb after μη — mē (ellipse of ποιησηις τουτο — poiēsēis touto) as in Mark 1:44; 1 Thessalonians 5:15), the aorist subjunctive of negative purpose with μη — mē after ορα — hora (present active imperative of οραω — horaō), a common enough idiom.Fellow-servant (συνδουλος — sundoulos). The angel refuses worship from John on this ground. All Christians are συνδουλοι — sundouloi (fellow-servants) as Christ taught (Matthew 18:28.; Matthew 24:49) and as Paul (Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:7) and John (Revelation 6:11) taught. Angels are God‘s servants also (Hebrews 1:4-14). For “the testimony of Jesus” see Revelation 1:2, Revelation 1:9; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 22:4.Worship God And Christ, who is the Son of God (Revelation 5:13.).The spirit of prophecy (το πνευμα της προπητειας — to pneuma tēs prophēteias). Explanatory use of γαρ — gar (for) here as in Revelation 19:8. The possession of the prophetic spirit shows itself in witness to Jesus. In illustration see Mark 1:10; Matthew 3:16; Luke 3:21; John 1:51; Revelation 4:1; Revelation 10:1; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 14:17; Revelation 15:5; Revelation 18:1; Revelation 19:1, Revelation 19:7-9. [source]
Revelation 19:10 Fellow-servant [συνδουλος]
The angel refuses worship from John on this ground. All Christians are συνδουλοι — sundouloi (fellow-servants) as Christ taught (Matthew 18:28.; Matthew 24:49) and as Paul (Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:7) and John (Revelation 6:11) taught. Angels are God‘s servants also (Hebrews 1:4-14). For “the testimony of Jesus” see Revelation 1:2, Revelation 1:9; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 22:4. [source]
Revelation 3:12 A pillar [στυλον]
Old word for column, in N.T. only here, Revelation 10:1; Galatians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:15. Metaphorical and personal use with a double significance of being firmly fixed and giving stability to the building. Philadelphia was a city of earthquakes. “Temple” Strong double negative ου μη — ou mē with the second aorist active subjunctive of ερχομαι — erchomai The subject is ο νικων — ho nikōn (the one overcoming). “Fixity of character is at last achieved” (Charles). He, like the στυλος — stulos (pillar), remains in place.Upon him Upon ο νικων — ho nikōn (the victor), not upon the pillar He receives this triple name (of God, of the city of God, of Christ) on his forehead (Revelation 14:1; Revelation 7:3; Revelation 17:5; Revelation 22:4) just as the high-priest wore the name of Jehovah upon his forehead (Exodus 28:36, Exodus 28:38), the new name (Revelation 2:17), without any magical or talismanic power, but as proof of ownership by God, as a citizen of the New Jerusalem, with the new symbol of the glorious personality of Christ (Revelation 19:12), in contrast with the mark of the beast on others (Revelation 13:17; Revelation 14:17). For citizenship in God‘s city see Galatians 4:26; Philemon 3:20; Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 12:22; Hebrews 13:14.The new Jerusalem (της καινης Ιερουσαλημ — tēs kainēs Ierousalēm). Not νεας — neas (young), but καινης — kainēs (fresh). See also Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10 and already Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22. Charles distinguishes between the Jerusalem before the final judgment and this new Jerusalem after that event. Perhaps so! In the Apocalypse always this form Ιερουσαλημ — Ierousalēm (Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10), but in John‘s Gospel ιεροσολυμα — Hierosoluma (Revelation 1:19, etc.).Which cometh down Nominative case in apposition with the preceding genitive πολεως — poleōs as in Revelation 1:5; Revelation 2:20, etc.Mine own new name (το ονομα μου το καινον — to onoma mou to kainon). For which see Revelation 2:17; Revelation 19:12, Revelation 19:16. Christ himself will receive a new name along with all else in the future world (Gressmann). [source]
Revelation 3:12 Upon him [επ αυτον]
Upon ο νικων — ho nikōn (the victor), not upon the pillar He receives this triple name (of God, of the city of God, of Christ) on his forehead (Revelation 14:1; Revelation 7:3; Revelation 17:5; Revelation 22:4) just as the high-priest wore the name of Jehovah upon his forehead (Exodus 28:36, Exodus 28:38), the new name (Revelation 2:17), without any magical or talismanic power, but as proof of ownership by God, as a citizen of the New Jerusalem, with the new symbol of the glorious personality of Christ (Revelation 19:12), in contrast with the mark of the beast on others (Revelation 13:17; Revelation 14:17). For citizenship in God‘s city see Galatians 4:26; Philemon 3:20; Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 12:22; Hebrews 13:14.The new Jerusalem (της καινης Ιερουσαλημ — tēs kainēs Ierousalēm). Not νεας — neas (young), but καινης — kainēs (fresh). See also Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10 and already Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22. Charles distinguishes between the Jerusalem before the final judgment and this new Jerusalem after that event. Perhaps so! In the Apocalypse always this form Ιερουσαλημ — Ierousalēm (Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10), but in John‘s Gospel ιεροσολυμα — Hierosoluma (Revelation 1:19, etc.).Which cometh down Nominative case in apposition with the preceding genitive πολεως — poleōs as in Revelation 1:5; Revelation 2:20, etc.Mine own new name (το ονομα μου το καινον — to onoma mou to kainon). For which see Revelation 2:17; Revelation 19:12, Revelation 19:16. Christ himself will receive a new name along with all else in the future world (Gressmann). [source]
Revelation 7:3 Till we shall have sealed [αχρι σπραγισωμεν]
Temporal clause of indefinite action for the future with αχρι — achri (sometimes αχρις ου — achris hou or αχρις ου αν — achris hou an) and the aorist subjunctive as in Revelation 15:8; Revelation 20:3, Revelation 20:5 or the future indicative (Revelation 17:7), usually with the notion of ascent (up to) rather than extent like μεχρι — mechri (modal) sometimes occurs, but it is not necessary. But there is no futurum exactum idea in the aorist subjunctive, simply “till we seal,” not “till we shall have sealed.”Upon their foreheads (επι των μετωπων — epi tōn metōpōn). From Ezekiel 9:4. Old word (μετα ωπς — metaτους δουλους του τεου — ōps after the eye, above the eye, the space above or between the eyes), in N.T. only in the Apocalypse (Revelation 7:3; Revelation 9:4; Revelation 13:16; Revelation 14:1, Revelation 14:9; Revelation 17:5; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 22:4). For “the servants of God” (tous doulous tou theou) who are to be thus marked linked with angels in the service of God see Revelation 1:1; Revelation 2:20; Revelation 19:2, Revelation 19:5; Revelation 22:3, Revelation 22:6. [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 22:4 mean?

And they will see the face of Him the name [will be] on the foreheads of them
καὶ ὄψονται τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ τὸ ὄνομα ἐπὶ τῶν μετώπων αὐτῶν

ὄψονται  they  will  see 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Plural
Root: εἶδον 
Sense: to see with the eyes.
πρόσωπον  face 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: πρόσωπον  
Sense: the face.
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ὄνομα  name 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: ὄνομα  
Sense: name: univ.
ἐπὶ  [will  be]  on 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
μετώπων  foreheads 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: μέτωπον  
Sense: the space between the eyes, the forehead.
αὐτῶν  of  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.