Revelation of John 22:16
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
mine angel--for Jesus is Lord of the angels. unto you--ministers and people in the seven representative churches, and, through you, to testify to Christians of all times and places. root . . . offspring of David--appropriate title here where assuring His Church of "the sure mercies of David," secured to Israel first, and through Israel to the Gentiles. Root of David, as being Jehovah; the offspring of David as man. David's Lord, yet David's son (Mat 22:42-45). the morning star--that ushered in the day of grace in the beginning of this dispensation and that shall usher in the everlasting day of glory at its close.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. A further description of the heavenly state of the church (Rev 22:1-5). II. A confirmation of this and all the other visions of this book (Rev 22:6-19). III. The conclusion (Rev 22:20, Rev 22:21).
Open source ↗22:16 I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne: Jesus validates the message of Revelation (cp. John 21:24) by swearing that he is simultaneously the source of David (see Rev 5:5; Isa 11:10) and David’s heir (see Ezek 37:23-24; Rom 1:3). • The morning star was a name for the Messiah (see Num 24:17; 2 Pet 1:19; cp. Luke 1:78-79).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from Him who is and was and is to come, and from the seven Spirits before His throne,
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered.
Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.”
And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD.
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.