New Testament

Revelation 3:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia, emphasizing His authority and holiness.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

"Write this to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: These are the words of the one who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. When he opens a door, no one can shut it. When he shuts a door, no one can open it.

KJVKing James Version

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;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia, emphasizing His authority and holiness. He is described as the one who is 'holy and true,' indicating His divine nature and reliability. The 'key of David' symbolizes His power to grant access to God's kingdom. When He opens a door, it signifies opportunities or blessings that cannot be hindered by anyone. Conversely, when He shuts a door, it represents the closing of opportunities that cannot be reopened by human effort. This verse reassures the believers in Philadelphia that Jesus has ultimate control over their circumstances and destiny, encouraging them to trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 3:7 to your life

Trust in Jesus' authority over your life and circumstances. When facing closed doors or challenges, remember that He has the power to open new opportunities. Stay faithful and seek His guidance, knowing that He is in control of your path.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 3:7 mean?

Revelation 3:7 conveys Jesus' authority over the church in Philadelphia, highlighting His holiness and truth. It emphasizes that He has the power to open and close opportunities, assuring believers that He controls their circumstances.

What is the significance of the 'key of David' in Revelation 3:7?

The 'key of David' in Revelation 3:7 symbolizes Jesus' authority to grant access to God's kingdom and blessings. It signifies His power to determine who can enter and who cannot, reflecting His sovereignty.

How can I apply Revelation 3:7 to my life?

You can apply Revelation 3:7 by trusting in Jesus' authority over your life. When facing challenges or closed doors, remember that He has the power to open new paths and opportunities.

What encouragement does Revelation 3:7 offer to believers?

Revelation 3:7 encourages believers by reminding them that Jesus has ultimate control over their circumstances. It reassures them to remain faithful and trust in His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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