Revelation 22:10
New International Version
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.

New Living Translation
Then he instructed me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near.

English Standard Version
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.

Berean Standard Bible
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near.

Berean Literal Bible
And he says to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is near.

King James Bible
And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

New King James Version
And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.

New American Standard Bible
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.

NASB 1995
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.

NASB 1977
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.

Amplified Bible
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time [of their fulfillment] is near.

Christian Standard Bible
Then he said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He also said to me, “Don’t seal the prophetic words of this book, because the time is near.

American Standard Version
And he saith unto me, Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.

Contemporary English Version
Don't keep the prophecies in this book a secret. These things will happen soon.

English Revised Version
And he saith unto me, Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the angel said to me, "Don't seal up the words of the prophecy in this book because the time is near.

Good News Translation
And he said to me, "Do not keep the prophetic words of this book a secret, because the time is near when all this will happen.

International Standard Version
Then he told me, "Don't seal up the words of the prophecy in this book, because the time is near.

Majority Standard Bible
Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near.

NET Bible
Then he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy contained in this book, because the time is near.

New Heart English Bible
He said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he saith to me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Weymouth New Testament
"Make no secret," he added, "of the meaning of the predictions contained in this book; for the time for their fulfillment is now close at hand.

World English Bible
He said to me, “Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He says to me, “You may not seal the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.

Berean Literal Bible
And he says to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is near.

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith to me, 'Thou mayest not seal the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is nigh;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he says to me, Thou mayest not seal the words of the prophecy of this book: for the time is near.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he saith to me: Seal not the words of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to me: “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book. For the time is near.

New American Bible
Then he said to me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words of this book, for the appointed time is near.

New Revised Standard Version
And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then he said to me, Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he said to me: Seal not the words of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Godbey New Testament
And he says to me; Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the season is nigh.

Haweis New Testament
And he said to me, Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.

Mace New Testament
He subjoin'd, "don't seal the prophetic discourses of this book: for the time draws nigh.

Weymouth New Testament
"Make no secret," he added, "of the meaning of the predictions contained in this book; for the time for their fulfillment is now close at hand.

Worrell New Testament
And he says to me, "Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand.

Worsley New Testament
And he said unto me, Seal not the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is near.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus is Coming
9But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!” 10Then he told me, Do not seal up the words of prophecy in this book, because the time is near. 11Let the unrighteous continue to be unrighteous, and the vile continue to be vile; let the righteous continue to practice righteousness, and the holy continue to be holy.”…

Cross References
Daniel 12:4
But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”

Daniel 12:9
“Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.

Revelation 1:3
Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.

Revelation 10:4
When the seven thunders had spoken, I was about to put it in writing. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.”

Isaiah 29:11
And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.”

Isaiah 8:16
Bind up the testimony and seal the law among my disciples.

Matthew 24:15
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),

Matthew 13:11
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

Amos 8:12
People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.

Ezekiel 2:10
which He unrolled before me. And written on the front and back of it were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.

Ezekiel 3:1-3
“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.” / So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll. / “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.

Jeremiah 23:20
The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly.

Jeremiah 30:24
The fierce anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this.

Luke 8:10
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’

1 Corinthians 2:10
But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

he saith.

Revelation 22:12,13,16,20
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be…

Seal.

Revelation 5:1
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

Revelation 10:4
And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

Isaiah 8:16
Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

for.

Revelation 1:3
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Isaiah 13:6
Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Ezekiel 12:23
Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

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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.














Then he told me
This phrase introduces a direct command from the angel to John, the author of Revelation. The Greek word for "told" is "λέγει" (legei), which implies a continuous or repeated action. This suggests that the message is not just for John but for all readers of Revelation. The angel's instruction is authoritative, emphasizing the divine origin of the message. Historically, angels are seen as messengers of God, bridging the divine and human realms. This command underscores the importance and urgency of the message that follows.

Do not seal up
The phrase "do not seal up" is significant in the context of apocalyptic literature. In Daniel 12:4, Daniel is instructed to seal up his prophecy until the end times, indicating that its fulfillment was not imminent. In contrast, the instruction here is to leave the prophecy unsealed, suggesting that its fulfillment is near. The Greek word for "seal" is "σφραγίζω" (sphragizo), which means to secure or conceal. By not sealing the prophecy, it remains open and accessible, highlighting the immediacy and relevance of its message for the contemporary audience of John's time and for future generations.

the words of the prophecy
This phrase refers to the entire content of the Book of Revelation. The Greek word for "words" is "λόγους" (logous), which can also mean "message" or "communication." "Prophecy" in Greek is "προφητεία" (propheteia), which denotes a divinely inspired message or prediction. The use of "prophecy" here emphasizes that the words are not merely human speculation but are inspired by God. This underscores the authority and reliability of the message, encouraging believers to heed its warnings and promises.

of this scroll
The term "scroll" refers to the physical form in which the Book of Revelation was originally written. The Greek word "βιβλίον" (biblion) is used, which can mean a small book or scroll. In the ancient world, scrolls were the primary medium for written communication, especially for important documents. The use of "scroll" here connects the text to the tradition of sacred writings, reinforcing its status as Scripture. It also implies that the message is complete and authoritative, as scrolls were often used for official and legal documents.

because the time is near
This phrase provides the rationale for the command not to seal the prophecy. The Greek word for "time" is "καιρός" (kairos), which refers to a specific, opportune moment rather than chronological time. "Near" is translated from "ἐγγύς" (engys), indicating proximity or immediacy. This suggests that the events foretold in Revelation are imminent, urging readers to be vigilant and prepared. Historically, this sense of urgency has been a driving force in Christian eschatology, motivating believers to live faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return. The phrase serves as a call to action, reminding Christians of the transient nature of the present world and the importance of focusing on eternal realities.

(10) And he saith to me . . .--The angel, in contrast to the injunctions given to Daniel (Daniel 12:9-13), bids the prophet "Seal not the words of the prophecy": the reason is added, "for the time is near." "Such is ever the difference between the prophecy of the old, and the prophecy of the new dispensation. The one belonged to a preliminary and prefatory state; the other to a completive and final condition. However long the gospel age may have lasted, or may yet continue, it is the last time (1John 2:18): after it there is none other: then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14), (Dean Vaughan).

Verse 10. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. The visions being now complete, St. John is commanded to communicate them to the world (cf. Revelation 10:4, where a contrary direction is given). The last sentence is again a repetition of the assertion of the shortness of this our time of preparation (cf. on ver. 7). The revelation deals not with events far distant in the future, but with those immediately present; for this reason the message is to be communicated (cf. Daniel 8:26, where the reason given for "shutting up the vision" is that the visions "belong to many days to come," Revised Version).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he told
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

me,
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

“Do not seal up
σφραγίσῃς (sphragisēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4972: To seal, set a seal upon. From sphragis; to stamp for security or preservation; by implication, to keep secret, to attest.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

words
λόγους (logous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

prophecy
προφητείας (prophēteias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4394: Prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth. From prophetes; prediction.

in this
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

book,
βιβλίου (bibliou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 975: A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

time
καιρὸς (kairos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

near.
ἐγγύς (engys)
Adverb
Strong's 1451: Near. From a primary verb agcho; near.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 22:10 He said to me Don't seal up (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
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