Revelation 3:2
What does Revelation 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 3:2 means
The church is commanded to wake up and shore up whatever spiritual life still survives, because even those remnants are close to dying. Christ has examined their deeds and found them incomplete—lacking integrity, maturity, or the Spirit’s fullness—before God. The issue is not mere inactivity but the quality and Godward reality of their works. This call shows mercy: though pronounced dead in reputation, there remains something to strengthen. Vigilance and renewal are urgent; complacency has eroded their obedience. The Lord’s aim is restoration, not mere rebuke. He urges them to bring their works to completeness by returning to dependence on him and by guarding what remains so that decline does not end in total ruin.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Be on the watch, and make strong the rest of the things which are near to death; because as judged by me your works have not come up to God's measure.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862become watching, and strengthen the rest of the things that are about to die, for I have not found thy works fulfilled before God.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die. For I find not thy works full before my God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, which are about to die, for I have not found thy works complete before myGod.
Context
This command follows the verdict of verse 1 and begins the remedy. Instead of despair, Jesus provides a path toward recovery: become watchful and stabilize what is failing. The note that their works are not complete sets up the next verse’s call to remember, keep, and repent. Verses 2–3 together outline practical steps—wakefulness, remembrance, obedience, repentance—under the threat of sudden visitation if they ignore him. The flow will soon contrast the general deadness with a faithful few in verse 4 and then hold out promises to those who overcome in verse 5.
v.1And 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.
v.2This passage
v.3Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Kings 11:4
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Jehovah his God, as was the heart of David his father.
- Acts 20:28
Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.
- Luke 22:31
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:
- 2 Chronicles 25:2
And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, but not with a perfect heart.
- 1 Peter 4:7
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:
- Matthew 25:13
Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour.
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