Last verse in the Bible (Revelation 22:21)
Intro / Quick Summary
The final words of the Bible bring the story of redemption to a close: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen." (Revelation 22:21). This single verse distills the heart of Scripture—God's grace given through Jesus Christ. Just as Genesis 1:1 begins with God's creative power, Revelation ends with his sustaining grace. The first word of the Bible tells of creation; the last word proclaims salvation.
Scripture Reference
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.
(Revelation 22:21, NRSV)
Context in the Bible
The Book of Revelation concludes not only the prophetic vision given to John but the entire canon of Scripture. Written near the end of the first century during a time of persecution and political pressure (Life Under the Roman Rule), the closing words of Revelation serve as both a benediction and a seal. Throughout the final chapter, Jesus declares, "Surely I am coming soon" (22:20), and the church responds, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" The next verse, Revelation 22:21, is not a new vision but a blessing—a closing act of worship that mirrors the priestly benedictions of the Old Testament.
This letter-like ending reminds us that Revelation was sent to real churches under real strain (The Seven Churches in Revelation). The final line carries the same warmth and authority as Paul’s letters, many of which end with a similar phrase: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you." By ending this way, Revelation ties itself to the heartbeat of the New Testament—grace that both begins and completes the story of faith.
From a literary perspective, the closing benediction reflects the covenant structure that has undergirded Scripture since Sinai. Just as Moses closed Deuteronomy with blessing and warning, and just as Joshua and David ended their lives speaking God’s faithfulness, so too does John close with grace. The canon ends as it must—with a word of peace that points to a new creation (What Is the New Heaven and New Earth).
Meaning and Theological Insight
This verse contains four essential elements: grace, the Lord Jesus, the saints, and Amen. Each word carries deep theological weight and unites the themes of Revelation.
Grace is the unearned favor of God that brings salvation and sustains believers. Grace began the story in Eden, preserved Noah, called Abraham, delivered Israel, and culminated in Christ. To say that grace is the final word is to declare that God's relationship with humanity rests on mercy, not merit. The final word of the Bible, then, is a reversal of human striving—it is the divine initiative that completes redemption.
Grace also stands as a counterpoint to judgment. Revelation is filled with visions of justice and accountability—the bowls, trumpets, and seals—but even these end in grace for those who endure (The Theme of Overcoming in Revelation). Judgment is not the last word; mercy is.
The Lord Jesus is the focus of this blessing. Throughout Revelation, he is called the Alpha and Omega, the Lamb who was slain, and the returning King (The Victory of the Lamb). By naming him in the final verse, John reminds us that every page of Scripture points to him. The Bible's first and last verses belong to Christ—the Creator and the Redeemer, the Word through whom all things were made and by whom all things are made new.
The saints represent the church, the community of believers who have endured tribulation and held fast to faith. Revelation calls them blessed, clothed in white, and standing before the throne (The Great Multitude in White Robes). The blessing of grace is not for the few but for all who belong to Christ—every generation, every nation, every person who trusts in him.
Finally, Amen is humanity’s closing response to divine revelation. It signifies agreement, faith, and worship. The Bible begins with God speaking, “Let there be light,” and ends with humanity replying, “Amen.” Creation starts with divine speech; redemption concludes with human assent. It is the call and response of the ages.
Cross-References and Connections
The first and last verses of the Bible form a stunning arc of theology. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth," while Revelation 22:21 closes with grace and peace in Christ. From creation to new creation, the Bible tells one coherent story of divine initiative and unending love.
The structure of Revelation itself supports this symmetry (The Structure of the Book of Revelation). The opening vision of Jesus among the lampstands begins with grace and peace (1:4–5), and the final benediction echoes the same language. Revelation begins and ends with grace because grace is the framework of God’s plan.
Other biblical endings echo this pattern. The Book of Numbers closes with inheritance and blessing. Isaiah 66 ends with hope for the nations. The Psalms conclude with a chorus of praise. All of these point toward the same truth—the final word of God is not silence or destruction but relationship restored. The closing Amen is therefore both conclusion and invitation, a foretaste of eternal worship (Worship Scenes in Revelation).
The final blessing also carries liturgical significance. Many churches end their services with similar words: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” The benediction at the end of Revelation mirrors the benediction of worship itself, tying together Scripture and the gathered church. When Christians end worship with a blessing, they echo the last verse of the Bible.
Closing Reflection
Revelation 22:21 is both an ending and a beginning. It is the Bible’s last word but not God’s last act. Grace continues to flow into the world, shaping every generation that reads these words. The verse calls us to live with the same expectancy John held—to believe that Christ’s coming is sure, and that grace sustains us until that day.
For every believer who has ever whispered Amen, this final verse is a reminder that we live between two certainties: the grace that has come and the grace yet to be revealed. The Bible closes its pages, but its message continues—“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.”
FAQ
What is the last word in the Bible?
The final word in the NRSV and most English translations is Amen. It is a Hebrew term meaning so be it or truly, used to affirm faith and agreement.
Why does the Bible end with grace?
Grace summarizes the gospel. After humanity’s long story of sin and redemption, the last note of Scripture is not wrath but mercy. It reminds us that God’s heart is steadfast, his covenant sure, and his invitation open to all.
Does every translation end the same way?
Nearly all do. Some vary slightly in punctuation or word order, but the message remains the same: the Bible closes with a blessing of grace that echoes across time.
