Revelation 3:6
What does Revelation 3:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 3:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 3:6 means
The refrain calls for attentive, believing response: anyone with spiritual ears must heed what the Spirit says to the churches. This underlines that the words just spoken to Sardis are not private counsel for one congregation alone but a message for all assemblies and individual believers. The Spirit is the living communicator of Christ’s words, applying them across times and places. Hearing means more than noticing—it requires humble reception and obedient action. This closing line turns warning and promise into a universal summons. The blessing of white garments and secure names, and the danger of sudden judgment, become lessons every church must weigh before the Lord who walks among the lampstands.
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 closing formula ends the Sardis letter (verses 1–5) and links it to the broader series of messages in chapters 2–3. It marks a transition to the next church, Philadelphia, showing that the themes of watchfulness, repentance, and overcoming are for all. The refrain also highlights the divine origin and ongoing relevance of the messages. With this frame set, verse 7 begins a new address with a different tone—strong commendation and promises for a faithful, though weak, church.
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.
v.6This passage
v.7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth:
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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