Revelation 3:4
What does Revelation 3:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 3:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 3:4 means
Despite the general deadness, Jesus notes a faithful remnant in Sardis who have not stained their garments—an image of moral and spiritual purity. Their integrity sets them apart in a compromising environment. Christ promises intimate fellowship and honor: they will walk with him in white, symbolizing purity, victory, and joy. They are called “worthy,” not because they earned salvation, but because their lives fittingly reflect the grace they received. This encouragement shows that even in a declining church, the Lord sees and keeps the faithful. He assures them of future vindication and present approval, and he holds them up as examples for others to emulate in returning to a life unstained by the surrounding world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But you have some names in Sardis who have kept clean their robes; and as a reward they will go in white with me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Thou hast a few names even in Sardis who did not defile their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But thou hast a few names in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy.
Context
After warnings to the wider church (verses 1–3), this verse offers comfort to those who remained obedient. The contrast between defiled and undefiled garments prepares for the broader promise in verse 5 that all who overcome will be clothed in white. It assures readers that Christ’s judgments are precise—he distinguishes the faithful from the unfaithful. The flow moves from remnant encouragement to universal promise and assurance, then concludes Sardis’s message with the familiar call to hear the Spirit (verse 6).
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.
v.4This passage
v.5He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 3:3
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel.
- Revelation 3:5
He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
- Romans 11:4
But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have left for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.
- Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with a garland, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
- Psalms 68:14
When the Almighty scattered kings therein, It was as whenit snoweth in Zalmon.
- Isaiah 61:3
to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.
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