Revelation 3:1
What does Revelation 3:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 3:1 means
Jesus addresses Sardis as the One who possesses the fullness of the Spirit (“the seven Spirits of God”) and authority over the churches (“the seven stars”). He sees beyond reputation to reality. Sardis has a name for being vibrant, yet spiritually it is dead. The Lord’s assessment exposes the gap between outward activity and inward life. He alone can judge accurately, because he holds the churches in his hand and searches hearts. The verse warns that a good name, busy programs, or past successes cannot substitute for present spiritual vitality. Christ’s word aims to awaken them: the living Lord identifies the crisis—appearance without substance—and summons them back to true life that only he can give.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And to the angel of the church in Sardis say: These things says he who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: I have knowledge of your works, that you seem to be living but are dead.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And to the messenger of the assembly in Sardis write: These things saith he who is having the Seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I have known thy works, and that thou hast the name that thou dost live, and thou art dead;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And to the angel of the church of Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know thy works, and that thou hast the name of being alive. And thou art dead.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: These things saith he that has the seven Spirits ofGod, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Context
This opening to Sardis follows the pattern of each letter: Christ identifies himself in a way that fits the church’s need, then states what he knows. After commendations elsewhere, Sardis receives a stark diagnosis with no initial praise. The verse prepares for urgent commands to watchfulness and strengthening in verses 2–3. It frames the whole message as a life-and-death matter, not a minor correction. What comes next are steps to recover what remains and avoid judgment, with a promise for the faithful remnant and overcomers in verses 4–5.
v.1This passage
v.2Be thou watchful, and establish the things that remain, which were ready to die: for I have found no works of thine perfected before my God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jude 1:12
These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
- John 7:37
Now on the last day, the greatdayof the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.
- Revelation 1:16
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
- Revelation 1:11
saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
- John 3:34
For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for he giveth not the Spirit by measure.
- Revelation 2:13
I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.
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