Revelation 3:20
New International Version
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

New Living Translation
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

English Standard Version
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Berean Standard Bible
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Berean Literal Bible
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone should hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

King James Bible
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

New King James Version
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

New American Standard Bible
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

NASB 1995
‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

NASB 1977
‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Amplified Bible
Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me.

Christian Standard Bible
See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.

American Standard Version
Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Contemporary English Version
Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together.

English Revised Version
Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Look, I'm standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I'll come in and we'll eat together.

Good News Translation
Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me.

International Standard Version
Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me.

Majority Standard Bible
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

NET Bible
Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me.

New Heart English Bible
Look, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man shall hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Weymouth New Testament
I am now standing at the door and am knocking. If any one listens to My voice and opens the door, I will go in to be with him and will feast with him, and he shall feast with Me.

World English Bible
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
behold, I have stood at the door, and I knock; if anyone may hear My voice, and may open the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Berean Literal Bible
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone should hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Young's Literal Translation
lo, I have stood at the door, and I knock; if any one may hear my voice, and may open the door, I will come in unto him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold, I stand before the door, and knock: and if any hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold, I stand at the gate, and knock. If any man shall hear my voice, and open to me the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone will hear my voice and will open the door to me, I will enter to him, and I will dine with him, and he with me.

New American Bible
“ ‘ “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.

New Revised Standard Version
Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Behold, I stand at the door and I shall knock. If a man listens to my voice and will open the door, I also shall come in and I shall have supper with him, and he with me.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Godbey New Testament
Behold, I stand at the door, and am knocking: if any one may hear my voice, and may open the door, I will come in unto him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Haweis New Testament
Lo! I stand at the door, and knock: if any person hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and I will sup with him, and he with me.

Mace New Testament
behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, I will sup with him, and he shall afterwards be entertain'd by me.

Weymouth New Testament
I am now standing at the door and am knocking. If any one listens to My voice and opens the door, I will go in to be with him and will feast with him, and he shall feast with Me.

Worrell New Testament
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if anyone hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.

Worsley New Testament
Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any one hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
To the Church in Laodicea
19Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. 20Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. 21To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.…

Cross References
John 14:23
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Luke 12:36
Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.

John 10:3
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

James 5:9
Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!

Song of Solomon 5:2
I sleep, but my heart is awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking: “Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night.”

John 1:12
But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—

Matthew 24:33
So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door.

Luke 13:25
After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’

John 15:4
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

Ephesians 3:17
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,

Genesis 18:1-5
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. / And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. / “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. ...

Genesis 19:1-3
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, / and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.” / But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

Exodus 25:8
And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.

Leviticus 26:12
I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people.


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

I stand.

Song of Solomon 5:2-4
I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night…

Luke 12:36
And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

I will.

John 14:21-23
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him…

will sup.

Revelation 19:9
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Luke 12:37
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Luke 17:8
And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

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Dine Door Ears Feast Hear Hears Knock Knocking Listens Makes Open Opens Sign Stand Standing Stood Sup Voice Waiting
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Dine Door Ears Feast Hear Hears Knock Knocking Listens Makes Open Opens Sign Stand Standing Stood Sup Voice Waiting
Revelation 3
1. The angel of the church of Sardis is reproved and exhorted to repent.
37. The angel of the church of Philadelphia is approved for his diligence and patience;
14. the angel of Laodicea rebuked for being neither hot nor cold.
20. Christ stands at the door and knocks.














Behold
The word "Behold" is a call to attention, urging the reader to focus on the significance of what follows. In the Greek, "ἰδού" (idou) is often used to draw attention to something important or to introduce a significant statement. It is a divine imperative, emphasizing the urgency and importance of Christ's message. In the context of Revelation, it serves as a wake-up call to the church, urging believers to be alert and responsive to Christ's presence and message.

I stand
The phrase "I stand" indicates a continuous action, suggesting that Christ is persistently present and waiting. The Greek word "ἕστηκα" (hestēka) implies a firm, resolute stance. This reflects Christ's unwavering commitment to His people, standing ready to engage with them. Historically, this imagery would resonate with the early church, as standing at the door was a common posture for someone seeking entry or offering fellowship.

at the door
"At the door" symbolizes the threshold of one's heart or life. In ancient times, the door was a place of entry and exit, representing access and opportunity. Biblically, doors often symbolize decision points or moments of choice. Here, Christ stands at the door of the believer's heart, seeking entry into their lives. This imagery underscores the personal nature of Christ's invitation, emphasizing that He desires a relationship with each individual.

and knock
The act of knocking signifies Christ's initiative in seeking a relationship with believers. The Greek "κρούω" (krouō) conveys a gentle, persistent action, indicating that Christ does not force His way in but patiently seeks entry. This reflects the nature of God's approach to humanity—respectful of free will and desiring a willing response. Historically, knocking was a common way to request entry, making this imagery relatable to the original audience.

If anyone hears My voice
This phrase emphasizes the personal responsibility of the listener. "If anyone" indicates that the invitation is open to all, without exception. The Greek "ἀκούσῃ" (akousē) for "hears" implies not just hearing but understanding and responding. "My voice" signifies the personal and direct communication from Christ. In the scriptural context, hearing God's voice is often associated with obedience and faith, calling believers to be attentive and responsive to Christ's call.

and opens the door
"Opens the door" represents the act of accepting Christ's invitation. The Greek "ἀνοίξῃ" (anoixē) suggests an intentional action, requiring a decision and effort on the part of the individual. This act of opening signifies a willingness to allow Christ into one's life, symbolizing repentance and acceptance. In the historical context, opening one's door was an act of hospitality and welcome, reflecting the relational aspect of accepting Christ.

I will come in
This promise, "I will come in," assures the believer of Christ's presence upon their acceptance. The Greek "εἰσελεύσομαι" (eiseleusomai) indicates a definitive action, promising that Christ will enter and dwell with the believer. This reflects the intimate and personal relationship Christ offers, emphasizing His desire to be present in the lives of His followers. Scripturally, God's presence is a source of comfort, guidance, and transformation.

and dine with him
"Dine with him" signifies fellowship and communion. In the ancient world, sharing a meal was a sign of friendship and intimacy. The Greek "δειπνήσω" (deipnēsō) refers to the main meal of the day, often associated with fellowship and community. This imagery highlights the depth of relationship Christ offers, inviting believers into a shared life with Him. Biblically, dining together often symbolizes unity and reconciliation.

and he with Me
This phrase completes the picture of mutual fellowship. "And he with Me" emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the relationship Christ offers. The believer is not only invited to dine with Christ but also to share in His life and presence. This mutual indwelling reflects the biblical theme of abiding in Christ, where believers are called to live in constant communion with Him. It underscores the transformative power of a life lived in fellowship with Jesus.

Verse 20. - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; behold, I have stood (ἕστηκα) at the door, and am knocking (κρούω). "These gracious words declare the long-suffering of Christ, as he waits for the conversion of sinners (1 Peter 3:20); and not alone the long-suffering which waits, but the love which seeks to bring that conversion about, which 'knocks.' He at whose door we ought to stand, for he is the Door (John 10:7), who, as such, has bidden us to knock (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9), is content that the whole relation between him and us should be reversed, and instead of our standing at his door, condescends himself to stand at ours" (Trench). The view, that stand at the door signifies "to come quickly" (Dusterdieck), as in Revelation 2:5, 16; Revelation 3:3, 11, is scarcely in accordance with the context, since the whole passage has changed from rebuke and menace to patient beseeching and loving exhortation. These words recall the frequent use by our Lord of this figure of knocking, and especially Luke 12:35, 36, "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately." If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (see the parallel passage in Song of Solomon 5.). Christ knocks and speaks. A distinction has been drawn in the work of conversion, corresponding to these two actions. The knocking is likened to the more outward calls of sickness, trouble, etc., by which he makes his presence known; while the voice, which interprets the knock and informs us of the Personality of him who knocks, is the voice of the Holy Spirit, speaking to us, and explaining the meaning of our trials. Man's free will is here well and plainly set forth. Though the opening, to be effective, needs the help and presence of Christ, yet he does not forcibly effect an entrance; it is still within the power of man to disregard the knock, to refuse to hear the voice, to keep the door fast shut. To take food with any one is an outward sign of brotherly love and reconciliation. Christ will sup with those who do not drive him away, and they will sup with him. The whole figure is an image of the perfect nature of the sinner's reconciliation with God, and of the wonderful goodness and condescension of Christ. But we may well see an allusion to the Holy Communion, by which we are reconciled to God through Christ, and by which we may even now have a foretaste of the final supper of the Lamb, which shall eventually last for ever.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Behold,
Ἰδοὺ (Idou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

I stand
ἕστηκα (hestēka)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

at
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

door
θύραν (thyran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2374: (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

knock.
κρούω (krouō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2925: To knock, beat a door with a stick, to gain admittance. Apparently a primary verb; to rap.

If
ἐάν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

hears
ἀκούσῃ (akousē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

voice
φωνῆς (phōnēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5456: Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

opens
ἀνοίξῃ (anoixē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

door,
θύραν (thyran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2374: (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.

I will come in
εἰσελεύσομαι (eiseleusomai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

dine
δειπνήσω (deipnēsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1172: To dine, sup, eat. From deipnon; to dine, i.e. Take the principle meal.

with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

him,
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

Me.
ἐμοῦ (emou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 3:20 Behold I stand at the door (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
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