Revelation 2:3 kjv

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Revelation 2:3 nkjv

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.

Revelation 2:3 niv

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

Revelation 2:3 esv

I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary.

Revelation 2:3 nlt

You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.

Revelation 2 verses

Revelation 2 3 Meaning

Revelation 2:3 describes the commendable attributes of the church in Ephesus: their unwavering endurance through tribulation, their steadfast patience, and their diligent, sacrificial toil motivated by devotion to Christ’s name, all without losing heart or growing weary. It highlights a church that had demonstrated profound commitment and resilience in the face of various hardships.

Revelation 2 3 Context

Revelation 2:3 is part of the specific message from the risen Christ to the church in Ephesus, the first of the seven churches addressed in chapters 2-3 of Revelation. In the immediate preceding verses (Rev 2:1-2), Jesus commends the Ephesian church for their deeds, their arduous labor, and their patience. He praises their discernment, their inability to tolerate evil men, and their testing and exposure of false apostles. The verse directly follows these commendations, detailing how they exhibited these qualities. The larger historical context reveals Ephesus as a leading city in Asia Minor, a bustling commercial and religious center deeply entrenched in emperor worship and pagan cults like that of Artemis (Diana). The early church in Ephesus, despite these external pressures and the constant threat of false teaching (evident from Paul's long ministry there and his letter to the Ephesians), demonstrated strong commitment and doctrinal purity, yet as the next verse reveals (Rev 2:4), they faced a critical internal spiritual challenge: having "left their first love." Thus, verse 3 describes their praiseworthy practical service before revealing their spiritual failing.

Revelation 2 3 Word analysis

• and hast borne (καὶ ἐβάστασας - kai ebastasas): Derived from bastazō, meaning "to bear, carry, endure, suffer." It suggests bearing a burden or enduring a difficult condition, implying that they actively carried and tolerated trials and adversities for their faith. This goes beyond passive suffering; it signifies a proactive embracing of hardships.
• and hast patience (καὶ ὑπομονήν - kai hypomonēn): From hypomonē, which denotes "steadfastness, endurance, perseverance," specifically under trials or affliction. It's not mere waiting, but a persistent and active resistance to discouragement and opposition. It speaks of holding firm to faith, hope, and conviction despite prolonged challenges.
• and for my name's sake (καὶ διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου - kai dia to onoma mou): This phrase highlights the central motivation for their toil and endurance. "The Name" (τὸ ὄνομα - to onoma) of Christ signifies His person, authority, and entire divine nature. Their service and suffering were not for human praise or worldly gain, but out of devoted loyalty and honor for Christ Himself. This pure motivation elevates their actions.
• hast laboured (ἐκοπίασας - ekopiasas): From kopiaō, meaning "to toil, work hard, strive, to the point of exhaustion or weariness." This implies strenuous, self-sacrificial effort. Their labor was not light or superficial but demanded intense physical or mental exertion, often associated with hardship.
• and hast not fainted (καὶ οὐκ ἐκάκης - kai ouk ekakēs, from some manuscripts ouk exekakōsas): The Greek here, ouk ekakēs, literally means "you did not become bad/worthless/corrupted" or, in this context, "you did not give up," "you did not lose heart." The KJV's "fainted" effectively captures this sense of not growing weary or yielding to exhaustion and discouragement in their arduous service. It signifies that despite their hard toil and endurance, their spirit and commitment remained strong, not giving in to weariness or despair.
• Words-Group analysis:
  • "and hast borne, and hast patience": This coupling emphasizes active endurance and persistent fortitude. "Borne" points to the experience of enduring, while "patience" defines the character trait of steadfastness through that endurance. Together, they depict a people who both experienced tribulation and responded to it with resolute perseverance.
  • "and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted": This highlights the virtuous cycle of dedicated service and resilient spirit. Their demanding "labor" was purely motivated by "My Name," demonstrating true Christian zeal. Crucially, they did not succumb to fatigue or discouragement, affirming the authenticity and depth of their commitment and the supernatural grace enabling their endurance. This contrasts with purely human effort which eventually collapses under pressure.

Revelation 2 3 Bonus section

The qualities praised in Revelation 2:3—endurance, patience, and tireless labor for Christ’s name without faltering—are deeply indicative of genuine Christian discipleship, especially under duress. This passage shows that the Lord not only recognizes external works but also the internal posture of the heart (motivation "for my name's sake") and the spiritual resilience ("not fainted"). This commitment, however, would later be contrasted with their greatest failing: having lost their "first love" (Rev 2:4). This implies that even excellent and diligent service, patience under trial, and unwavering perseverance are insufficient if the core motivation of fervent love for Christ is absent or diminished. The commendation of verse 3 therefore highlights the impressive "what" of their service, preparing for the challenging "why not" that follows.

Revelation 2 3 Commentary

Revelation 2:3 provides a profound commendation of the Ephesian church's functional fidelity and endurance. They displayed exceptional resolve, enduring hardships and toiling exhaustively for the glory of Christ, never losing heart or wavering in their commitment. Their service was not opportunistic or conditional but stemmed from a genuine reverence for Christ's "Name," indicating pure motives in their demanding ministry. This verse sets the stage by affirming their remarkable works, patience, and perseverance in a hostile world, highlighting their outward commendable Christian life. Despite external pressures and the demanding nature of their faith, they remained unyielding, serving as a powerful example of active Christian steadfastness and resilience in ministry.