King James Version

What Does Revelation 3:14 Mean?

Revelation 3:14 in the King James Version says “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, th...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; of the Laodiceans: or, in Laodicea”

Revelation 3:14 · KJV

Context

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.

13

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

14

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; of the Laodiceans: or, in Laodicea

15

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Read Revelation 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;... 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.

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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 3:14 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 · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

τῷ2 of 23
G3588

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

ἀγγέλῳ3 of 23

“unto the angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τῆς4 of 23
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίας5 of 23

“of the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

Λαοδικέων6 of 23

“of the Laodiceans”

G2994

a laodicean, i.e., inhabitant of laodicia

γράψον·7 of 23

“write”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Τάδε8 of 23

“These things”

G3592

the same, i.e., this or that one (plural these or those); often used as a personal pronoun

λέγει9 of 23

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὁ10 of 23
G3588

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

Ἀμήν11 of 23

“the Amen”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

ὁ12 of 23
G3588

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

μάρτυς13 of 23

“witness”

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

ὁ14 of 23
G3588

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

πιστὸς15 of 23

“the faithful”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

καὶ16 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

ἀληθινός17 of 23

“true”

G228

truthful

ἡ18 of 23
G3588

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

ἀρχὴ19 of 23

“the beginning”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

τῆς20 of 23
G3588

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

κτίσεως21 of 23

“of the creation”

G2937

original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)

τοῦ22 of 23
G3588

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

θεοῦ·23 of 23

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 1:15Revelation 1:52 Corinthians 1:20Colossians 1:18Revelation 3:7Revelation 22:13

Places in This Verse

LaodiceaSettlement · Modern: Laodicea on the Lycus · 37.84°N, 29.11°E6 verses across 2 books
View all places in Revelation 3 →

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