Revelation 22:17 — The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Explanation of the Verse
This verse is one of the most beautiful invitations in the entire Bible. As Revelation nears its end, we hear a final call—“Come!” It’s spoken by both the Spirit (God’s Holy Spirit) and the bride (the Church, made up of all believers in Jesus). Together, they are inviting others to come to Jesus and receive eternal life.
Then the verse turns outward: “Let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’” In other words, those who have heard and believed the message are now encouraged to pass it on. The invitation doesn’t stop with us—it flows through us to others.
The second half of the verse makes it even more personal: “Let the one who is thirsty come.” This is about spiritual thirst—the deep, inner longing for truth, peace, forgiveness, and life. Jesus is offering “the water of life,” which is a picture of salvation, joy, and eternal satisfaction. And best of all, it’s a free gift.
This is not something we earn. It’s offered to anyone who wants it. The door is open. The call is clear. All that’s left is for the thirsty to respond.
Historical Context
The early believers who first heard these words were living in difficult times. They were scattered, persecuted, and often poor. They lived in a Roman world full of idols, false religions, and temptations. This invitation to come to Jesus and receive something lasting and free would have been powerful.
Water, in the ancient world, was essential and often limited. In the dry lands of the Middle East, water meant life. So the image of “the water of life” would’ve stirred something deep in them—a picture of true refreshment that never runs dry.
Also, in those days, invitations were often tied to royal banquets or weddings. To be invited was a great honor. Here, the King of kings invites the thirsty to come—no money required, no status needed, just a willing heart.
Theological Implications
This verse shows us that salvation is a gift. It’s not earned through good behavior, religious rituals, or moral effort. It’s offered freely to all who recognize their need and are willing to come to Jesus.
It also shows the active role of the Holy Spirit and the Church in inviting people to Christ. God uses His people to speak the same call that the Spirit gives. That’s why evangelism and sharing the gospel are so important.
There’s also an urgency in this invitation. The end of the book is near. Judgment is coming. But before that, God makes one more open call: “Come.” It reminds us of God’s patience and His heart for the lost.
Literary Analysis
The repetition of the word “Come!” gives the verse a rhythmic, almost musical quality. It feels like a call-and-response in worship, or a welcoming voice at the end of a long journey. Each time it’s spoken, it widens the invitation—from the Spirit and the bride, to the one who hears, to the one who thirsts, to anyone who wants.
The imagery of water ties into earlier parts of Revelation and many other parts of Scripture. Water is used to symbolize life, cleansing, and satisfaction. Calling it “the water of life” makes clear that this isn’t about physical thirst—it’s about the deep needs of the soul.
The final phrase—“the free gift”—closes the verse with grace. Nothing is required but a willing heart. The price has already been paid by Jesus.
Cross-References
- Isaiah 55:1 — “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters… without money and without cost.”
- John 4:13-14 — Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”
- John 7:37 — Jesus cries out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.”
- Revelation 21:6 — “To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”
- Romans 6:23 — “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that the message of Jesus is not just for us—it’s for others too. We are not only saved; we are sent. If we have heard and responded to Jesus, we now have a role in inviting others to come.
It’s also a comfort. Maybe you feel tired, empty, or uncertain. This verse says you don’t have to stay thirsty. You are welcome to come back to Jesus again and again. His offer of life and peace never runs dry.
It’s also a challenge. There are people around us—family, friends, neighbors—who are spiritually thirsty. Are we living in a way that invites them to “come”?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse is full of God’s love. He doesn’t wait for people to clean themselves up before offering life. He invites them as they are—thirsty, needy, broken. He offers the very thing they need most: Himself.
And He doesn’t charge for it. He offers the water of life freely. That’s grace. That’s what love looks like—generous, open, and personal.
The fact that the Spirit and the bride say “Come” shows us that God’s heart is always reaching out, always drawing people in, always ready to receive the sinner who is willing to turn to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the source of the water of life. In John 4, He told the woman at the well that the water He gives becomes a spring of eternal life. In John 7, He cried out to the crowds that anyone who is thirsty should come to Him and drink.
He’s the one who makes this invitation possible. By dying for our sins and rising from the dead, Jesus made a way for sinners to be forgiven and fully satisfied in God. The price was paid at the cross so that the gift could be free for all who come.
This verse is Jesus’ heart in one word: Come. He doesn’t push people away. He invites. He welcomes. He satisfies.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you personally accepted Jesus’ invitation to receive the water of life?
- Are you living as someone who has been spiritually satisfied—or are you still thirsty for the things of this world?
- How can you join the Spirit and the bride in saying “Come” to others?
- What keeps people from accepting this free gift of salvation?
- How does this verse help you see God’s heart for those who are still far from Him?