Revelation 19:10
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Study Note
Study Note
The angel's refusal to accept John's worship — 'Do not do that; I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God' — is the Apocalypse's most explicit anti-worship instruction, with a parallel in Revelation 22:8–9. The identification of 'the testimony of Jesus' with 'the spirit of prophecy' (hē gar martyria Iēsou estin to pneuma tēs prophēteias) is theologically rich: all genuine prophecy bears witness to Jesus, making christocentric testimony the criterion for prophetic validity. The angelic insistence on being a 'fellow servant' with prophets and with those who hold Jesus's testimony places angels and believers on the same side of the fundamental worship boundary — both are worshippers, not objects of worship. The verse has been cited in debates about the proper honor of angels and saints in Christian devotional practice.
Other Translations
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
and I fell before his feet, to bow before him, and he saith to me, `See--not! fellow servant of thee am I, and of thy brethren, those having the testimony of Jesus; bow before God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of the prophecy.'
And I went on my face before his feet to give him worship. And he said to me, See you do it not: I am a brother-servant with you and with your brothers who keep the witness of Jesus: give worship to God: for the witness of Jesus is the spirit of the prophet's word.
Cross References
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, …
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now …
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made …
Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the …
And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to …
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall …
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: …
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which …