Revelation 3:4 kjv

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:4 nkjv

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:4 niv

Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:4 esv

Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:4 nlt

"Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

Revelation 3 verses

Revelation 3 4 Meaning

Revelation 3:4 unveils a distinct group within the seemingly vibrant but spiritually "dead" church in Sardis. Despite widespread spiritual complacency and moral compromise, a small, faithful minority has preserved its spiritual purity, metaphorically represented by unsoiled garments. These loyal individuals are promised intimate, sustained fellowship with Christ and will be arrayed in pure white, symbolizing their vindication, righteousness, and purity in His presence. Their worthiness, declared by Christ, is attributed to their unwavering faithfulness and integrity.

Revelation 3 4 Context

Revelation chapter 3 contains messages from Christ to the final three of the seven churches in Asia Minor. The church in Sardis is presented as outwardly reputable and alive but inwardly dormant and spiritually dead (Rev 3:1). This portrayal reflects the city of Sardis itself, once mighty and supposedly impregnable, yet repeatedly vulnerable to sudden collapse due to overconfidence and lack of vigilance. Historically, Sardis had been twice captured through surprise attacks despite its strong defenses, a potent parallel to the church's spiritual condition. Within this somber backdrop, verse 3:4 provides a profound contrast, pinpointing a precious remnant. These few have actively resisted the prevailing spiritual laxity and moral contamination that permeated the city and perhaps the wider church, upholding their faith and character against pagan influences and worldly temptations.

Revelation 3 4 Word analysis

• You have a few people: (Greek: ὀλίγα ὀνόματα, oliga onomata, "few names"). "Names" signifies identifiable individuals. This emphasizes the smallness of this faithful group compared to the large, nominal membership of the Sardis church, underscoring God's discerning eye for individual faithfulness.
• in Sardis: The specific location stresses that spiritual purity can be maintained even within highly corrupt environments, highlighting personal accountability amidst collective decline.
• who have not soiled: (Greek: οὐκ ἐμόλυναν, ouk emolynan). The strong negative "not" (οὐκ) combined with emolynan (to pollute, defile, stain) indicates an active, resolute choice to maintain moral and spiritual cleanliness, avoiding compromise with worldliness or sin.
• their garments: A profound biblical metaphor representing character, conduct, righteousness, and inner purity. In ancient societies, clothes visually communicated status and integrity; spiritually, this refers to a life lived without moral blemish or spiritual corruption.
• they will walk: (Greek: περιπατήσουσιν, peripatēsousin). A future tense promise, signifying an ongoing, intimate relationship. Peripatēsousin describes the pattern of one's life, suggesting sustained communion, close fellowship, and alignment with Christ.
• with me: Directly with Christ Himself, signifying unparalleled privilege and divine intimacy, distinguishing them from those who merely profess His name.
• dressed in white: (Greek: ἐν λευκοῖς, en leukois). A powerful symbol throughout Revelation and scripture for purity, holiness, righteousness, triumph, divine favor, and heavenly glorification. It signifies being washed clean by Christ and vindicated by God.
• for they are worthy: (Greek: ὅτι ἄξιοί εἰσιν, hoti axioi eisin). This declaration affirms their qualification or suitability for the promised blessings. This worthiness is not intrinsic merit but is graciously ascribed by Christ, based on their enduring faithfulness and demonstrated purity despite their adverse surroundings.

Word-groups analysis

• "a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments": This phrase portrays the resilience of genuine faith in a compromised setting. It accentuates the individual's role in actively resisting spiritual decay, standing apart in purity when the surrounding culture, even within the church, has become defiled. It's a powerful statement about true holiness found in separation.
• "they will walk with me, dressed in white": This combination illustrates the glorious outcome for those who persevere in purity. "Walking with me" signifies the deepest form of spiritual union and constant communion, while "dressed in white" promises divine acceptance, public vindication, and shared glory, validating their unwavering stand.
• "for they are worthy": This acts as Christ's definitive justification for the extraordinary rewards. Their faithfulness, commitment, and purity render them fit to receive special honors and an intimate relationship with the Son of God, affirming that God acknowledges and rewards genuine spiritual integrity.

Revelation 3 4 Bonus section

• The term "names" (ὀνόματα) often signifies a person's life or being, implicitly connecting to their enrollment in the Book of Life (Rev 3:5), highlighting individual destiny rather than collective damnation.
• The promise to "walk with me" recalls the fellowship Enoch and Noah had with God (Gen 5:24, 6:9), denoting a relationship of covenant faithfulness and deep communion, suggesting shared intimacy and purpose with Christ Himself.
• This verse illustrates a divine principle: while corporate bodies might fail, God always preserves a faithful remnant (Rom 11:5), validating His sovereign election and covenant faithfulness through individuals.
• The emphasis on "garments" in Revelation connects earthly conduct to heavenly reward, signifying that believers' choices on earth have eternal implications for their spiritual standing and glorification.

Revelation 3 4 Commentary

Revelation 3:4 shines a spotlight on Christ's meticulous awareness of each individual's spiritual state, even within a compromised collective. It underscores the profound contrast between mere reputation and genuine spiritual life. The "unsoiled garments" metaphor vividly expresses sustained moral and spiritual purity, implying an active refusal to conform to the world's standards or the laxity prevalent within their church. This handful of believers chose holiness over comfort, spiritual vitality over spiritual death, making their stand against the current. The promised "walk with me, dressed in white" signifies more than mere salvation; it depicts a state of deep, personal intimacy with Christ, reserved for those who prioritize holiness. The white garments symbolize divine approval and the righteous deeds resulting from their unwavering fidelity. Their declared "worthiness" is Christ's gracious recognition of their commitment, highlighting that genuine spiritual distinction comes not from outward appearance, but from an inner life preserved blameless for God. This verse provides both a sober warning against spiritual apathy and immense encouragement for the faithful remnant to persevere in purity.