1. Revelation 22:11 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is meant by “the filthy”?

Revelation 22:11 (ESV)

11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

The word used denotes simply being dirty, soiled, and hence repulsive. Clearly, we are not to understand the word literally but morally. This person’s conduct is offensive. Yet he so enjoys his moral filth that he chooses to continue in it despite seeing the words of the prophecy of Christ’s revelation via John being fulfilled in the events of history. Since he loves his filth, he will continue in that filth forever.