King James Version

What Does Revelation 3:5 Mean?

Revelation 3:5 in the King James Version says “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 3:5 · KJV


Context

3

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

4

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

6

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

7

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.... 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 3:5 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 · 33 words
1 of 33
G3588

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

νικῶν2 of 33

He that overcometh

G3528

to subdue (literally or figuratively)

οὕτος3 of 33

the same

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

περιβαλεῖται4 of 33

shall be clothed

G4016

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

ἐν5 of 33

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἱματίοις6 of 33

raiment

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

λευκοῖς7 of 33

white

G3022

white

καὶ8 of 33

and

G2532

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

οὐ9 of 33
G3756

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

μὴ10 of 33
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐξαλείψω11 of 33

I will

G1813

to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)

τὸ12 of 33
G3588

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

ὄνομα13 of 33

name

G3686

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

αὐτοῦ14 of 33

his

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

ἐκ15 of 33

out of

G1537

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

τῆς16 of 33
G3588

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

βίβλου17 of 33

the book

G976

a scroll

τῆς18 of 33
G3588

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

ζωῆς19 of 33

of life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

καὶ20 of 33

and

G2532

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

ἐξομολογήσομαι21 of 33

I will confess

G1843

to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully

τὸ22 of 33
G3588

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

ὄνομα23 of 33

name

G3686

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

αὐτοῦ24 of 33

his

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

ἐνώπιον25 of 33

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ26 of 33
G3588

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

πατρός27 of 33

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου28 of 33

my

G3450

of me

καὶ29 of 33

and

G2532

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

ἐνώπιον30 of 33

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τῶν31 of 33
G3588

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

ἀγγέλων32 of 33

angels

G32

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

αὐτοῦ33 of 33

his

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


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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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