Keraia
Revelation 3

Revelation 3:7

To the Church in Philadelphia · Revelation 3:7–13
Read Revelation 3

Translations

Modern
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.
Traditional
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 no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Literal
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things says the Holy One, the True One, having the key of David, the One opening and no one will shut, and shutting and no one opens.
Latin
Et angelo Philadelphiæ ecclesiæ scribe: Hæc dicit Sanctus et Verus, qui habet clavem David: qui aperit, et nemo claudit: claudit, et nemo aperit:

Original

Greek
English
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.

Notes

Revelation 3:7

  • Philadelphia was located in the foothills of the Timolus Mountains, with fertile plains to the east. The city often suffered from severe earthquakes, which left it weak and poor.

  • This verse uses phrases from Isaiah 22:22.

  • key of David: Jesus the Messiah, God's chosen one, is the successor to David’s royal line. As the gatekeeper of heaven, Jesus has the authority to open and close the way to heaven (compare Matthew 16:19).

Revelation 3:7–13

The letter to the church in Philadelphia encourages Christians who feel weak and powerless to understand that their true strength is in Christ. This comforting message includes no words of disapproval. The kingdom of God relies not on human strength or wisdom but on God's power and authority.

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.

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Places

Philadelphia: One of the seven churches in Asia Minor

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Angels of the Seven Churches Book of Revelation David Holiness Keys of the Kingdom Peter, the Apostle Philadelphia

Topics

Angel of the Churches: General Scriptures Concerning Character of Christ: Holy Church: Christ, Head of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Philadelphia Closing a Door Door: Closed Jesus, the Christ: Holiness of Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Omnipotence of Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning the Future Glory and Power of Key: A Symbol of Authority Keys Philadelphia: One of the Seven Congregations In The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Truth The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as True Types of Christ: Eliakim Types of the Saviour: Eliakim