King James Version

What Does Revelation 3:10 Mean?

Revelation 3:10 in the King James Version says “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Revelation 3:10 · KJV


Context

8

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

10

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

12

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.... This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 3:10 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 · 28 words
ὅτι1 of 28

Because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τηρήσω2 of 28

thou hast kept

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τῆς3 of 28

which

G3588

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

λόγον4 of 28

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς5 of 28

which

G3588

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

ὑπομονῆς6 of 28

patience

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

μου7 of 28

of my

G3450

of me

κἀγώ8 of 28

I also

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

σε9 of 28

thee

G4571

thee

τηρήσω10 of 28

thou hast kept

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

ἐκ11 of 28

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς12 of 28

which

G3588

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

ὥρας13 of 28

the hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

τῆς14 of 28

which

G3588

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

πειρασμοῦ15 of 28

of temptation

G3986

a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity

τῆς16 of 28

which

G3588

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

μελλούσης17 of 28

shall come

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἔρχεσθαι18 of 28
G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπὶ19 of 28

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς20 of 28

which

G3588

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

οἰκουμένης21 of 28

the world

G3625

land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire

ὅλης22 of 28

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

πειράσαι23 of 28

to try

G3985

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

τῆς24 of 28

which

G3588

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

κατοικοῦντας25 of 28

them that dwell

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ26 of 28

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς27 of 28

which

G3588

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

γῆς28 of 28

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)


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 3:10 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 3:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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