King James Version

What Does Revelation 3:9 Mean?

Revelation 3:9 in the King James Version says “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will mak... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 3:9 · KJV


Context

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.

10

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'synagogue of Satan' refers to Jews who rejected Christ, claiming Abraham's lineage while denying the Messiah. Christ's authority to identify true Israel rests on His fulfillment of covenant promises. This echoes Romans 2:28-29—true Jews are those circumcised in heart, believing in Christ. The promise that persecutors will 'worship before thy feet' and 'know that I have loved thee' anticipates eschatological vindication. Reformed theology affirms that God's covenant promises find fulfillment in the elect, composed of believing Jews and Gentiles in Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Philadelphia faced opposition from the local Jewish community who denied Christians were true Israel. This likely involved synagogue excommunication and reporting Christians to Roman authorities. The promise of reversal—opponents acknowledging Christ's love for the church—would deeply encourage persecuted believers maintaining their claim as God's covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's authority to define who belongs to God's people challenge modern religious claims based on lineage or tradition rather than faith?
  2. What comfort does the promise of ultimate vindication offer when facing religious opposition or marginalization?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
ἰδού,1 of 34

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

διδωμι2 of 34

I will make

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἐκ3 of 34

them 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

τῶν4 of 34

which

G3588

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

συναγωγῆς5 of 34

the synagogue

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

τῶν6 of 34

which

G3588

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

Σατανᾶ7 of 34

of Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

τῶν8 of 34

which

G3588

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

λεγόντων9 of 34

say

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

ἑαυτοὺς10 of 34

they

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Ἰουδαίους11 of 34

Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

εἶναι12 of 34

are

G1511

to exist

καὶ13 of 34

and

G2532

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

οὐκ14 of 34

not

G3756

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

εἰσὶν15 of 34

are

G1526

they are

ἀλλὰ16 of 34

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ψεύδονται17 of 34

do lie

G5574

to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood

ἰδού,18 of 34

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ποιήσω19 of 34

I will make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτοὺς20 of 34

them

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

ἵνα21 of 34

to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἥξωσιν22 of 34

come

G2240

to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)

καὶ23 of 34

and

G2532

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

προσκυνήσωσιν24 of 34

worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

ἐνώπιον25 of 34

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τῶν26 of 34

which

G3588

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

ποδῶν27 of 34

feet

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

σου28 of 34

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ29 of 34

and

G2532

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

γνῶσιν30 of 34

to know

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι31 of 34

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐγὼ32 of 34

I

G1473

i, me

ἠγάπησά33 of 34

have loved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

σε34 of 34

thee

G4571

thee


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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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