King James Version

What Does Revelation 3:7 Mean?

Revelation 3:7 in the King James Version says “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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;

Revelation 3:7 · KJV


Context

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;

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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... 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 3:7 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 · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

τῷ2 of 30
G3588

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

ἀγγέλῳ3 of 30

to the angel

G32

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

τῆς4 of 30
G3588

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

ἐν5 of 30

in

G1722

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

Φιλαδελφείᾳ6 of 30

Philadelphia

G5359

philadelphia, a place in asia minor

ἐκκλησίας7 of 30

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

γράψον·8 of 30

write

G1125

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

Τάδε9 of 30

These things

G3592

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

λέγει10 of 30

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

11 of 30
G3588

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

ἅγιος12 of 30

he that is holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

13 of 30
G3588

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

ἀληθινός14 of 30

he that is true

G228

truthful

15 of 30
G3588

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

ἔχων16 of 30

he that hath

G2192

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

τὴν17 of 30
G3588

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

κλεῖδα18 of 30

the key

G2807

a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively

τοῦ19 of 30
G3588

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

Δαβίδ,20 of 30

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king

21 of 30
G3588

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

ἀνοίγει·22 of 30

he that openeth

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

καὶ23 of 30

And

G2532

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

οὐδεὶς24 of 30

no man

G3762

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

κλείει25 of 30

shutteth

G2808

to close (literally or figuratively)

καὶ26 of 30

And

G2532

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

κλείει27 of 30

shutteth

G2808

to close (literally or figuratively)

καὶ28 of 30

And

G2532

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

οὐδεὶς29 of 30

no man

G3762

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

ἀνοίγει·30 of 30

he that openeth

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)


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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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