Devine Scripture

Revelation 3:9

What does Revelation 3:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 3:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 3:9 means

Jesus promises to deal with hostile opponents described as “the synagogue of Satan”—people who claim a religious identity they do not truly possess and who oppose the church. He will compel them to come and acknowledge, in humble submission, that he has loved his people. This is not worship of believers but a recognition before them of Christ’s favor upon them. Vindication belongs to the Lord; the church is not to seize it. The promise relieves pressure: the truth will be made plain, and false claims exposed. The faithful, weak church will be honored by Christ himself, and their enemies will ultimately concede the reality of his love for them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Behold, 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and 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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Behold, 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

See, I will make those of the Synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews, and are not, but say what is false; I will make them come and give worship before your feet, and see my love for you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

lo, I make of the synagogue of the Adversary those saying themselves to be Jews, and are not, but do lie; lo, I will make them that they may come and bow before thy feet, and may know that I loved thee.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Behold, I will bring of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but do lie. Behold, I will make them to come and adore before thy feet. And they shall know that I have loved thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Behold, I make them of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews, and are not, but lie; behold, I will cause that they shall come and shall do homage before thy feet, and shall know that I have loved thee.

Context

Following the open door promise (verse 8), this verse addresses the church’s adversaries. It assures believers that opposition will be overturned by Christ’s action, not by their retaliation. The theme of vindication leads naturally into verse 10’s pledge of protection during a coming trial. The sequence strengthens resolve: Jesus opens doors, silences adversaries, and keeps his people, so they can persevere without fear or compromise.

v.8I 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.

v.9This passage

v.10Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 16:37

    But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into prison; and do they now cast us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out.

  • Isaiah 43:4

    Since thou hast been precious in my sight, and honorable, and I have loved thee; therefore will I give men in thy stead, and peoples instead of thy life.

  • Job 42:8

    Now therefore, take unto you seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt-offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you; for him will I accept, that I deal not with you after your folly; for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

  • 1 Samuel 2:36

    And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thy house shall come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a morsel of bread.

  • Exodus 11:8

    And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.

  • Isaiah 45:14

    Thus saith Jehovah, The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall go after thee, in chains they shall come over; and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.

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