Revelation 22:14 — Blessed Are They That Do His Commandments

Revelation 22:14 appears in the closing chapter of Scripture, where John presents the final vision of eternal life, the New Jerusalem, and access to the tree of life. In the KJV, the verse pronounces a blessing upon those who “do his commandments.” 

The verse connects obedience, the tree of life, and entrance into the holy city. The tree that appeared at the beginning of Scripture in Genesis appears again at its conclusion. What humanity lost access to after the fall is seen again in God's restored creation.

The emphasis is not that people earn salvation through human works. Rather, Revelation consistently presents faithful obedience as characteristic of those who belong to God. Revelation 22:14 therefore closes Scripture with a picture of a people whose lives demonstrate their allegiance to Him.

There is a manuscript difference worth knowing for Bible study: the KJV/Textus Receptus reads “do his commandments,” while many modern critical-text translations read “wash their robes.” Both readings have historical manuscript support. (Cambridge University Press)

Key Thought

The Bible begins with humanity separated from the tree of life and concludes with God's redeemed people entering the city where the tree of life appears again. Revelation 22:14 points toward the final blessing of life in God's presence.