Revelation 3:12 kjv

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Revelation 3:12 nkjv

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

Revelation 3:12 niv

The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.

Revelation 3:12 esv

The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

Revelation 3:12 nlt

All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God ? the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.

Revelation 3 verses

Revelation 3 12 Meaning

Revelation 3:12 conveys promises of enduring security, identity, and eternal fellowship for believers in Christ who persevere through spiritual trials and remain faithful. Those who overcome are given a permanent and significant place in God’s heavenly presence, marked with divine ownership and an eternal association with the New Jerusalem and Christ's supreme authority.

Revelation 3 12 Context

Revelation 3:12 is part of Christ's message to the church in Laodicea, the seventh and final of the seven churches of Asia Minor. This church is severely rebuked for its spiritual lukewarmness, self-sufficiency, and spiritual poverty despite its material wealth. Unlike other churches, Laodicea receives no praise. The promise in verse 12, therefore, stands as a strong call to repent, overcome their apathy, and truly embrace a zealous faith. The promise contrasts sharply with the potential of being "vomited out" (Rev 3:16). Historically, Laodicea was a wealthy city famous for its banking, black wool, and eye salve, yet it lacked its own water supply, relying on a conduit from hot springs which arrived lukewarm and often caused nausea—a potent metaphor for the church's spiritual condition.

Revelation 3 12 Word analysis

• Him who overcomes (τὸν νικῶντα - ton nikōnta): "The one conquering" or "the victor." This term frequently appears in Revelation, emphasizing perseverance, faith, and moral victory over the world, sin, and apostasy, empowered by Christ. It is an ongoing, active struggle.
• I will make: Indicates divine initiative and sovereign action by Jesus Christ. The promise is a guaranteed future act of God.
• a pillar (στῦλον - stylos): Symbolizes stability, permanence, strength, honor, and prominence. Pillars were crucial structural elements in temples and public buildings, often engraved with names or dedications. For believers, it means becoming an enduring and significant fixture in God's eternal dwelling.
• in the temple (ἐν τῷ ναῷ - en tō naō): Refers to the inner sanctuary, the most holy place where God's presence dwells. This signifies direct and intimate access to God and permanent residency within His presence, rather than mere temporary visitation. It points to a heavenly, spiritual temple, not an earthly one (Heb 8:2).
• of My God: Highlights Jesus' personal relationship with the Father and His humble identification with humanity, even in His glorified state. It emphasizes that this is the Father's ultimate dwelling, accessible through the Son.
• and he will never again go out (καὶ ἔξω οὐ μὴ ἐξέλθῃ ἔτι - kai exō ou mē exelthē eti): A double negative construction ("not never") for absolute assurance, emphasizing irreversible permanence, security, and eternal dwelling. This contrasts sharply with the Laodicean church's precarious spiritual standing and any fear of expulsion or falling away from God's presence.
• And I will write on him: An act of divine inscription, denoting ownership, indelible identity, honor, and commissioning. This mark is public and permanent.
• the name of My God: The Father's name signifies ultimate possession, belonging, and identity. Those with God's name belong utterly to Him and reflect His character and authority.
• and the name of the city of My God: Connects the believer's destiny and identity with the New Jerusalem, the divine eternal city. This signifies citizenship and permanent residency in God's perfected dwelling place, reflecting its glory and purpose.
• the new Jerusalem (τῆς καινῆς Ἱερουσαλὴμ - tēs kainēs Hierousalēm): Refers to the glorious, eternal dwelling place of God and His redeemed people, described in Revelation 21-22. "New" (kainos) signifies new in quality and nature, superior to anything of the old creation.
• which comes down out of heaven from My God: Emphasizes the divine origin, perfect nature, and complete sufficiency of the New Jerusalem. It is God's initiative, a gift from above.
• and My new name: Points to Jesus' full and supreme authority, unique identity, and final triumphant state. It may encompass a deeper revelation of His character or a name that embodies His victory and rule. Having it written on the believer indicates complete identification with Christ and participation in His glorified status and mission.

Revelation 3 12 Bonus section

The specific promise to be a "pillar in the temple" might have resonated powerfully with the Laodiceans, as their region, particularly Ephesus (where Timothy was encouraged regarding the church as a pillar, 1 Tim 3:15), was known for grand temples and monumental pillars often dedicated to deities or emperors. The promise elevates this familiar architectural concept to a spiritual, eternal reality, contrasting pagan structures, which would eventually decay, with an everlasting place of honor in God's eternal abode. The choice of "temple" (naos), referring to the inner sanctuary, reinforces the intimacy and direct access believers will have to God, as opposed to the more common word for temple complex (hieron). This also presents a polemic against reliance on physical temples or human achievements; true permanence and identity come solely from God's direct act. The triple inscription of names speaks to the comprehensive nature of the believer's identity in the eschatological reality: marked by God the Father, defined by the heavenly community, and identified with the victorious Christ.

Revelation 3 12 Commentary

Revelation 3:12 is a rich promise of eternal security and significant identity for the overcomer. Unlike the unstable or transient structures of the world, or the lukewarm faith of Laodicea, believers who overcome spiritual apathy and self-sufficiency are promised an unshakeable place within God's very presence—His heavenly "temple." To be a "pillar" signifies not merely being present, but embodying strength, prominence, and unwavering support within this eternal dwelling. The phrase "he will never again go out" is a profound declaration of permanent security, assuring the believer of no expulsion, banishment, or departure from God's secure embrace—a stark contrast to the Laodicean's threat of being spewed out.

The inscription of names—"the name of My God," "the name of the city of My God," and "My new name"—serves multiple profound functions. First, it signifies divine ownership, that the overcomer is wholly God's property, uniquely consecrated and protected. Second, it confers an indelible identity, publicly identifying the believer with the Triune God and with the glorious destiny of the New Jerusalem. Third, it implies divine authority and purpose, as those marked by God's names bear His seal and are integral to His eternal plan. This promise offers a robust counter-narrative to earthly insecurity, revealing an eternal status of belonging, honor, and intimate fellowship within God's everlasting Kingdom. For those in Laodicea prone to worldly pride and self-sufficiency, these promises redirect their desires toward the surpassing value of divine authentication and eternal dwelling.