Revelation 3:18

Translations

Modern

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Traditional

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Literal

I counsel you to buy from Me gold having been refined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may be clothed and the shame of your nakedness might not be made manifest, and eye-salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Latin

Suadeo tibi emere a me aurum ignitum probatum, ut locuples fias, et vestimentis albis induaris, et non appareat confusio nuditatis tuæ, et collyrio inunge oculos tuos ut videas.

Original

Greek

English

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

Notes

Revelation 3:18

Jesus advised the people of Laodicea to change their attitude from self-reliance to relying on God.
buy from Me gold: They could buy anything they wanted, but they needed heavenly treasures for spiritual riches through faith in Christ.
refined by fire: Material wealth will not survive God's cleansing by fire (compare 1 Corinthians 3:12–15), but spiritual wealth lasts forever.
White garments are a symbol of spiritual purity. Laodicea was famous for its black wool cloth, a source of their wealth, which likely represents their proud and unredeemed spiritual state.
Laodicea's wealth also came from its famous Phrygian eye ointment, possibly used in a local eye clinic linked to the renowned physician Demosthenes Philalethes. The Laodiceans needed to obtain ointment from Christ through faith. Only his eye salve would help them see their sins and repent.

Revelation 3:14–22

The letter to the church in Laodicea warns Christians who are lukewarm, meaning they are not fully committed to Christ. Their inconsistent lives show loyalty only to themselves. Their behavior is so displeasing to Christ that he is ready to reject them, as if spitting them out of his mouth.

Revelation 2:1–3:22

The seven messages to the seven churches show the condition of Christ's church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to be faithful and honest. Those who listen to Christ's message will receive God's promised rewards. Those who do not will face judgment.

Theme notes and profiles

Apostasy and Renewal God’s Judgment of His People Letters to the Seven Churches Security and Obedience Visions

Related verses

Revelation 16:15
“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.”
1 Peter 1:7
…so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 55:1
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost!
Revelation 19:8
She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.
Malachi 3:3
And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.
Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Revelation 7:13
Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?”
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.
Daniel 12:2
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.
James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
Revelation 3:4–5
But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white.
Psalm 73:24
You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.

Revelation 3:18

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