Revelation 2 25

Revelation 2:25 kjv

But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

Revelation 2:25 nkjv

But hold fast what you have till I come.

Revelation 2:25 niv

except to hold on to what you have until I come.'

Revelation 2:25 esv

Only hold fast what you have until I come.

Revelation 2:25 nlt

except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come.

Revelation 2 verses

Revelation 2 25 Meaning

This verse delivers a direct command to the faithful believers in Thyatira. Despite the pervasive unrighteousness and compromise endorsed by some within their midst, Christ urges those who have remained pure in their faith and conduct to steadfastly maintain their spiritual integrity, biblical truth, and godly lifestyle until the time of His certain return. It serves as both an exhortation and an encouragement to endure in active faithfulness.

Revelation 2 25 Context

The letter to the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) describes a church commendable for its growing love, faith, service, and perseverance (Rev 2:19). However, a significant concern exists: the church's tolerance of "Jezebel," a woman or a prophetic movement (Rev 2:20) that advocated immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols, rationalizing these as "deep things." This "teaching" likely permitted believers to participate in trade guilds' communal feasts, which often involved pagan worship, by asserting that one could engage in these activities without spiritual harm. In Thyatira, a bustling center of commerce with many such guilds, the pressure to conform for economic gain was intense. Revelation 2:25 is addressed specifically to the portion of the church in Thyatira that had not succumbed to these false teachings (Rev 2:24). It is a call to them to guard the truth and purity they already possess, reinforcing their existing commitment against the corrupting influences.

Revelation 2 25 Word analysis

• But that which ye have already (πλὴν ὃ ἔχετε - plēn ho eschete):
  • πλὴν (plēn): This Greek adverb often means "but," "nevertheless," or "except." It functions here as a strong contrast, shifting the focus from the general commendation and specific condemnation to a directive for a specific group within the church. It highlights the divine discernment and the distinction Christ makes between the compromising and the faithful.
  • ὃ ἔχετε (ho eschete): Meaning "what you have." This refers to their genuine spiritual gifts, their initial virtues (love, faith, service, patience mentioned in verse 19), the true doctrines they had embraced, and the purity of life they maintained. It's a recognition of the solid foundation they possessed, reminding them to guard what is precious and true amidst prevalent apostasy. This is not about acquiring new truth, but preserving existing truth.
• hold fast (κρατήσατε - kratēsate):
  • κρατέω (krateō): This verb means "to take hold of, to grasp, to seize, to hold firmly." It implies active, decisive action rather than passive retention. It suggests an intense and unwavering grip, essential for enduring external pressures and internal compromises. In the biblical context, it can denote asserting authority, as Christ holds the seven stars (Rev 1:16), or firmly maintaining doctrine (e.g., Col 2:19, holding to the Head). Here, it’s an urgent imperative, demanding diligence to prevent being swayed or corrupted. It means not loosening their grip on the truth, sound doctrine, moral integrity, and allegiance to Christ.
• till I come (ἄχρις οὗ ἂν ἥκω - achris hou an hēkō):
  • ἄχρις οὗ ἂν (achris hou an): "Until the time that." This phrase indicates a specific, determined future point. It establishes the duration of their steadfastness, implying that the struggle is temporary but the reward is eternal.
  • ἥκω (hēkō): "To have come, to be present, to come" (with emphasis on the state of arrival). This is a consistent New Testament reference to the personal return (Parousia) of Jesus Christ. His coming is certain, personal, and decisive, marking the end of the earthly trial for believers and the ushering in of His full righteous reign. This future event serves as the ultimate motivation and deadline for their endurance. It offers both the hope of vindication and the prospect of judgment for the unfaithful.

Words-group analysis:

• But that which ye have already hold fast: This phrase underscores the importance of guarding established truth and virtues against spiritual erosion. It distinguishes the faithful remnant who had maintained spiritual integrity, validating their position even as it issues a direct command for active preservation. It’s an urgent call to internal spiritual discipline and perseverance.
• hold fast till I come: This directive sets the temporal boundary for the believers' perseverance, making the return of Christ the ultimate marker. It emphasizes sustained faithfulness as a requirement and ties present obedience directly to future glory. This impending event acts as a powerful motivation for continuous loyalty, affirming that their struggles are temporary and that the one they serve will indeed return to bring full vindication and reward.

Revelation 2 25 Bonus section

The contrast implicit in this verse points to the divine understanding of individual accountability within a corporate body. Even though the church of Thyatira as a whole was rebuked for tolerating sin, Christ singles out those who maintained their integrity. This highlights the reality that compromise within a community does not nullify the responsibility or potential reward of the faithful minority. The concept of "holding fast" speaks not merely of passive endurance but of active guardianship, akin to a watchman guarding precious treasure. This proactive posture is vital for surviving periods of spiritual declension or outright hostility within the larger community of faith, ensuring the torch of truth is passed unblemished until Christ’s appearing.

Revelation 2 25 Commentary

Revelation 2:25 serves as an unwavering command to the segment of the Thyatiran church that resisted the spiritual and moral compromises spreading within. It's an affirmation of their existing purity, acknowledging what they "already have" – genuine faith, sound doctrine, and righteous living. The imperative to "hold fast" conveys a demand for active, unwavering grip on these spiritual possessions. This is not passive retention, but a strenuous and resolute commitment in the face of pressure to abandon truth for ease or economic gain. The duration "till I come" provides the crucial perspective, emphasizing that Christ's return is the ultimate deadline for endurance and the glorious endpoint of all struggle. It’s a profound assurance that their perseverance is not in vain, and that His arrival will mark the vindication of their faithfulness. For believers in any era, this verse underlines the need to discern error, maintain spiritual discipline, and fix their hope on Christ's return, refusing to compromise fundamental truth, moral purity, or unwavering loyalty to Him regardless of contemporary societal or ecclesiastical pressures.