King James Version

What Does Revelation 3:20 Mean?

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Revelation 3:20 · King James Version

Context

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.

20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22

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

Read Revelation 3 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.... 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 3:20 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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἰδού,
1 of 28

“Behold”

G2400
used as imperative lo!
ἕστηκα
2 of 28

“I stand”

G2476
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἐπὶ
3 of 28

“at”

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
τὴν
4 of 28
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θύραν
5 of 28

“the door”

G2374
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
6 of 28

“and”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κρούω·
7 of 28

“knock”

G2925
to rap
ἐάν
8 of 28

“if”

G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τις
9 of 28

“any man”

G5100
some or any person or object
ἀκούσῃ
10 of 28

“hear”

G191
to hear (in various senses)
τῆς
11 of 28
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνῆς
12 of 28

“voice”

G5456
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
μου
13 of 28

“my”

G3450
of me
καὶ
14 of 28

“and”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνοίξῃ
15 of 28

“open”

G455
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τὴν
16 of 28
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θύραν
17 of 28

“the door”

G2374
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
εἰσελεύσομαι
18 of 28

“I will come in”

G1525
to enter (literally or figuratively)
πρὸς
19 of 28

“to”

G4314
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸς
20 of 28

“he”

G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
21 of 28

“and”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δειπνήσω
22 of 28

“will sup”

G1172
to dine, i.e., take the principle (or evening) meal
μετ'
23 of 28

“with”

G3326
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτὸς
24 of 28

“he”

G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
25 of 28

“and”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὸς
26 of 28

“he”

G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μετ'
27 of 28

“with”

G3326
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἐμοῦ
28 of 28

“me”

G1700
of me

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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:36-37Revelation 19:9John 14:21-23Matthew 24:33Song of Solomon 5:2-4Luke 17:8

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