Revelation 3:21
What does Revelation 3:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 3:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 3:21 means
To the overcomer Jesus grants the highest honor: to sit with him on his throne, sharing in his royal rule. The pattern is his own victory—he overcame and sat with his Father on his throne. Conquerors participate in his reign because they are united to the victorious Christ. Overcoming here means responding to his rebuke with repentance and persevering in faithful allegiance. This promise answers Laodicea’s pursuit of status with a far greater dignity, given by grace. The pathway to glory runs through fidelity under Christ’s loving discipline. He sets before a lukewarm church the astonishing prospect of intimate partnership in his kingdom authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.
KJV
King James Version · 1611To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To him who overcomes I will give a place with me on my high seat, even as I overcame, and am seated with my Father on his high seat.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He who is overcoming--I will give to him to sit with me in my throne, as I also did overcome and did sit down with my Father in His throne.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To him that shall overcome, I will give to sit with me in my throne: as I also have overcome and am set down with my Father in his throne.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that overcomes, to him will I give to sit with me in my throne; as I also have overcome, and have sat down with my Father in his throne.
Context
This climactic promise follows the invitation to fellowship in verse 20 and completes the pattern of all the letters: rebuke or commendation, exhortation, and reward to conquerors. It ties Laodicea’s situation to the larger story of Christ’s own overcoming. The letter then closes, and with it the series to the seven churches, with the familiar call to hear in verse 22—pressing every reader to respond.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:9
Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;
- Revelation 1:6
and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
- Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.
- Daniel 7:13
I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
- Revelation 6:2
And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.
- Revelation 5:5
and one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not; behold, the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath overcome to open the book and the seven seals thereof.
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