A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 22:15

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 22:15

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 22:15

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie." — Revelation 22:15 (ASV)

Without (εξω). Outside the holy city, with which compare 21:8,27. Dustierdieck supplies an imperative: "Out, ye dogs."

The dogs (ο κυνες). Not literal dogs, but the morally impure (Deuteronomy 23:18; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17,21; Matthew 7:6). Dogs in the Oriental cities are the scavengers and excite unspeakable contempt.

The sorcerers (ο φαρμακο). As in 21:8, where are listed "the fornicators and the murderers and the idolaters," all "outside" the holy city here as there "in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, the second death." Both are pictures (symbolic language) of hell, the eternal absence from fellowship with God. Another time Jesus spoke of "the outer darkness" (εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον, Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30), outside of lighted house, as the abode of the damned. Another symbol is the worm that dies not .

Every one that loveth and maketh a lie (πας φιλων κα ποιων ψευδος). An interpretation of πασιν τοις ψευδεσιν (all liars) of 21:8 and of ποιων ψευδος (doing a lie) of 21:27. Satan is the father of lying (John 8:44) and Satan's home is a congenial place for those who love and practise lying (2 Thessalonians 2:12). See 1 John 1:6 for not doing the truth and see also Ro 1:25; Ephesians 4:25.