King James Version

What Does Revelation 3:17 Mean?

Revelation 3:17 in the King James Version says “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretch...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”

Revelation 3:17 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:... 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 3:17 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 · 27 words
ὅτι1 of 27

“Because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

λέγεις2 of 27

“thou sayest”

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

ὅτι3 of 27

“Because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Πλούσιός4 of 27

“rich”

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

εἰμι5 of 27

“I am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

καὶ6 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

πεπλούτηκα7 of 27

“increased with goods”

G4147

to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)

καὶ8 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

οὐδενὸς9 of 27

“of nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

χρείαν10 of 27

“need”

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχω11 of 27

“have”

G2192

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

καὶ12 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

οὐκ13 of 27

“not”

G3756

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

οἶδας14 of 27

“knowest”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι15 of 27

“Because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σὺ16 of 27

“thou”

G4771

thou

εἶ17 of 27

“art”

G1488

thou art

ὁ18 of 27
G3588

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

ταλαίπωρος19 of 27

“wretched”

G5005

enduring trial, i.e., miserable

καὶ20 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

ἐλεεινὸς21 of 27

“miserable”

G1652

pitiable

καὶ22 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

πτωχὸς23 of 27

“poor”

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

καὶ24 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

τυφλὸς25 of 27

“blind”

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

καὶ26 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

γυμνός27 of 27

“naked”

G1131

nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)

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 3:17 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 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 13:7Romans 7:24Hosea 12:8Revelation 2:9Revelation 16:15Luke 1:53

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