Devine Scripture

Revelation 3:8

What does Revelation 3:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 3:8 means

Jesus knows their works and sets before them an open door that cannot be shut—an enduring opportunity under his protection. Though they have “a little power,” they have kept his word and not denied his name. Their limited resources did not lead to compromise; instead, they used what they had in loyal obedience. The open door likely means Christ-given access and opportunity, including fruitful service and confident entry into his favor. The key point is security: no adversary can close what Jesus opens. He honors simple faithfulness more than outward impressiveness. Their perseverance under pressure becomes the very reason he entrusts them with ongoing usefulness and safeguards their witness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have knowledge of your works (see, I have put before you an open door which may be shut by no one), and that you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have been true to my name.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I have known thy works; lo, I have set before thee a door--opened, and no one is able to shut it, because thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I know thy works. Behold, I have given before thee a door opened, which no man can shut: because thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an opened door, which no one can shut, because thou hast a little power, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Context

This commendation builds on verse 7’s portrayal of Jesus’ authority. The open door connects directly to the key of David and anticipates both the vindication promised in verse 9 and the protection in verse 10. By highlighting their “little power,” Jesus sets a contrast with Laodicea’s self-sufficiency later in the chapter. The next verses show how Christ will deal with hostile opposition and global trial, while urging them to keep holding fast.

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:

v.8This passage

v.9Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 30:9

    Lest I be full, and denythee, and say, Who is Jehovah? Or lest I be poor, and steal, And use profanely the name of my God.

  • Revelation 3:1

    And 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.

  • Revelation 3:7

    And 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:

  • Revelation 3:15

    I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith:

  • Daniel 11:34

    Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help; but many shall join themselves unto them with flatteries.

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