King James Version

What Does Revelation 2:3 Mean?

Revelation 2:3 in the King James Version says “And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.”

Revelation 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

4

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Read Revelation 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.... This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 2:3 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐβάστασας2 of 14

“hast borne”

G941

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

καὶ3 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑπομονὴν4 of 14

“patience”

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

ἔχεις5 of 14

“hast”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ6 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διὰ7 of 14

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ8 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομά9 of 14
G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου10 of 14

“my”

G3450

of me

κεκοπίακας11 of 14

“hast laboured”

G2872

to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

καὶ12 of 14

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ13 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κέκμηκας14 of 14

“fainted”

G2577

properly, to toil, i.e., (by implication) to tire (figuratively, faint, sicken)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 2:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:36James 5:7-11Galatians 6:9James 1:3-4Hebrews 12:1Colossians 1:11

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