Revelation 22:16
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”
King James Version
Jesus' own closing self-witness — the root and offspring of David (both David's source and his son) and the bright morning star.
Fulfillment References
Isaiah 11:1,10 Numbers 24:17 Revelation 2:28 Matthew 22:42-45
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal'I Jesus' — both David's root (his Lord and Creator) and his offspring (his son) — the one God and the man, the bright morning star.
Jewish'Root of David' (Isa. 11:1,10) and the star (Num. 24:17) are Messianic titles of the Davidic deliverer.
CatholicChrist both David's source ('root') and his descendant ('offspring') — the morning star heralding the day.
ProtestantJesus is both David's root and offspring (cf. Matt. 22:42-45) — Lord and son of David — and the morning star (cf. 2:28).
OrthodoxChrist the root and offspring of David, the dawning star.
DispensationalThe Davidic Messiah, the morning star of the coming day.
Academic'Root and offspring of David' (both source and descendant) echoes the Lord/son riddle (Ps. 110:1; Matt. 22:45); 'morning star' links Numbers 24:17 and Rev. 2:28.
Scholarship & Sources
The paradox 'root and offspring of David' captures Christ as both David's source and his descendant, echoing the Lord/son riddle of Psalm 110:1 (Matt. 22:42-45); 'the bright and morning star' joins Numbers 24:17 to Revelation 2:28.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.