What does Revelation 22:20 mean?

In this verse we read Jesus' affirmation that He is surely coming "soon." As with similar statements in Revelation, this is translated from the Greek word tachys, which most literally means "quickly." This is more a statement on the way Jesus will return than a claim about when He will return. While there are no more major events left preceding His return, we cannot claim to know exactly when that moment will arrive (Matthew 24:36).

His coming may be soon—today or tomorrow, but the time of Jesus' return is locked up in the counsels of God. Whenever He comes, the event will occur quickly. First Corinthians 15:52 describes the event as occurring "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye." John and the other disciples heard Jesus promise: "I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:3).

We also read the apostle John's prayer: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" Every prophecy regarding Jesus' first coming was fulfilled literally, and every prophecy about His second coming will be fulfilled literally. Jesus' promise to return must have encouraged John when he endured exile on the island of Patmos.