Revelation 3:13
What does Revelation 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 3:13 means
Again the call goes out: anyone with ears must listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The message to Philadelphia—about open doors, vindication, preservation, and eternal belonging—is not confined to one congregation. The Spirit applies these truths widely. The refrain reminds readers that Jesus’ promises and warnings are living words meant to be heard and obeyed now. Hearing is an act of faith, especially for a small, embattled church. The Spirit who speaks also strengthens those who heed. This line seals the encouragement and prepares hearts to receive the searching, corrective word to Laodicea that follows.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who has ears, let him give ear to what the Spirit says to the churches.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He who is having an ear--let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
Context
This refrain concludes the Philadelphia letter (verses 7–12) just as it closed the message to Sardis (verse 6). It marks a transition to the next address, to Laodicea, where the tone will shift from commendation to severe rebuke. The repeated call to hear binds all seven letters into one coherent message to the churches. With that frame in place, verse 14 introduces Christ’s titles that directly confront Laodicea’s self-deception.
v.12He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name.
v.13This passage
v.14And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
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