Revelation 3:11 kjv

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelation 3:11 nkjv

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

Revelation 3:11 niv

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Revelation 3:11 esv

I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.

Revelation 3:11 nlt

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.

Revelation 3 verses

Revelation 3 11 Meaning

The Lord Jesus announces His imminent return and instructs the faithful church in Philadelphia to firmly maintain their spiritual possessions—their faith, steadfastness, and integrity—to prevent any external force from robbing them of the reward awaiting them, symbolized as a crown of victory. This warning underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of enduring faithfulness for future recompense.

Revelation 3 11 Context

Revelation 3:11 is part of the letter from Jesus to the church in Philadelphia, one of the seven churches in Asia Minor. This letter, unique among the seven, contains no direct rebuke, only commendation and profound encouragement. The church in Philadelphia is praised for their perseverance despite having "little strength" (Rev 3:8), for faithfully keeping Christ's word, and for refusing to deny His name in the face of adversity. They are promised an "open door" for ministry (Rev 3:8), vindication over those who claimed spiritual superiority (the "synagogue of Satan," Rev 3:9), and divine preservation from a future "hour of trial" (Rev 3:10). This specific verse, therefore, serves as a direct and urgent admonition to maintain their current commendable spiritual state of faithfulness in light of Christ's definitive and impending return. The cultural backdrop included the widespread prevalence of athletic contests where victors received perishable wreaths; this imagery vividly portrays the priceless, eternal nature of the "crown" promised to faithful believers, which they must actively guard.

Revelation 3 11 Word analysis

• "I am coming" (Ἔρχομαι – Erchomai): The present active indicative verb emphasizes the certainty and immediacy of Christ's arrival. It communicates that His coming is not merely a future event, but one already in motion and definite from God's perspective, demanding immediate readiness from believers. This refers to the Lord's return.
• "soon" (ταχύ – tachy): This Greek adverb signifies speed, quickness, or suddenly. It highlights the swiftness and decisiveness of Christ's return, suggesting it will occur without prolonged delay once the appointed time arrives. It conveys a divine certainty rather than a precise human temporal measurement.
• "Hold fast" (Κράτει – Kratei): A commanding imperative, meaning "grasp firmly," "hold securely," or "maintain possession with force." It conveys the necessity of persistent and active effort to preserve what has been attained, implying a struggle against opposing influences that seek to erode spiritual resolve.
• "what you have" (ὃ ἔχεις – ho echeis): This refers to the specific spiritual virtues and fidelity praised in the Philadelphian church, particularly their perseverance, their commitment to Christ's word, and their unwavering testimony to His name despite their apparent weakness (Rev 3:8). It denotes their present commendable spiritual condition and established standing in Christ.
• "so that" (ἵνα μή – hina mē): This conjunction introduces a negative purpose clause. It articulates the precise reason for the command to "hold fast": to actively prevent a specific adverse outcome—the loss of their promised reward. It emphasizes the genuine and preventable risk of forfeiture.
• "no one" (μηδείς – mēdeis): An emphatic negative pronoun that comprehensively excludes any person or entity. This includes external persecutors, internal false teachers, the influence of the "synagogue of Satan," or even subtle deceptions that could lead a believer astray and consequently jeopardize their reward.
• "may seize" (λάβῃ – labē): From the Greek verb lambanō, this term means to take, receive, or acquire. In this context, it implies an aggressive act of taking something by force or fraudulently claiming ownership of what rightfully belongs to another. It underscores the active threat attempting to deprive believers of their spiritual prize.
• "your crown" (τὸν στέφανόν σου – ton stephanon sou): Stephanos denotes a victor's wreath, often awarded in athletic competitions or given as a mark of honor and triumph. It is distinct from a royal crown (diadēma). The possessive "your" signifies that this reward is personally designated for them, indicating their earned spiritual privilege and victory.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "I am coming soon. Hold fast": This powerful pairing underscores a direct causal relationship: the certainty and urgency of Christ's return provides the compelling impetus for believers to actively and steadfastly guard their spiritual walk. The impending Advent serves not as a distant future hope, but a present motivation for diligent living and endurance.
• "what you have, so that no one may seize": This segment highlights the believer's active responsibility in safeguarding their spiritual blessings and established standing. It warns of real adversaries—external pressures or internal complacency—that threaten to negate the eternal recompense earned through faithfulness. It underscores that while the crown is "yours" by promise, its full possession is contingent upon persevering to the end against these challenges.

Revelation 3 11 Bonus section

The imagery of a "crown" being "seized" would have held deep significance for the original recipients in Philadelphia, a city known for its athletic games where winners were awarded a perishable wreath (stephanos). To be disqualified or have one's prize stolen after great effort was a profound dishonor and loss. This earthly parallel heightens the urgency and value of the spiritual crown Jesus speaks of—an imperishable reward. This warning implies that salvation is secure through grace, but rewards and full spiritual triumph are contingent upon continued faithfulness and vigilance against spiritual warfare. The "no one" clause signifies diverse threats—from external persecution and false teaching to the subtle erosion of faith through complacency. The message underscores personal responsibility for maintaining spiritual integrity, ensuring that past faithfulness culminates in a future, undefiled reward.

Revelation 3 11 Commentary

Revelation 3:11, directed to the steadfast church in Philadelphia, serves as both a powerful assurance and a pressing admonition. Jesus' declaration, "I am coming soon," is not a prediction of precise timing but a definitive statement of His imminent and certain return, demanding constant vigilance. The subsequent command, "Hold fast what you have," compels believers to actively preserve their demonstrated faith, obedience, and integrity that garnered Christ's commendation. This imperative implies a persistent spiritual effort against forces attempting to undermine their walk. The vivid warning, "so that no one may seize your crown," points to the precious, personal, and tangible nature of the spiritual reward awaiting the faithful. This "crown" (stephanos) symbolizes the victory and honor earned through endurance, a prize that adversaries—whether spiritual deceivers or persecutors—actively seek to snatch away. The verse thus motivates continuous faithfulness, underscoring that while salvation is by grace, rewards are intricately linked to perseverance and resistance against any influence that might lead to spiritual compromise.