Christ had earlier in his Revelation promised that he would satisfy thirst with living water (Revelation 21:6; note the connections between that verse and the present context in Revelation 22:13). Hearers of the book of Revelation may well respond to its reading with a less than enthusiastic echo of the Spirit’s and Bride’s eagerness. Whatever sense of thirst any hearer might have should be incentive enough for such hearers to come.
We should further note that between Jesus’ promise to the thirsty in Revelation 21:6 and his invitation to the thirsty in the present passage was the ecclesiological portrait involving the river of the water of life
(Revelation 22:1–5). Receiving the fullness of its living water awaits the day of Christ’s return when he brings his recompense with him (Revelation 22:12).
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.