Revelation 3:8
New International Version
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

New Living Translation
“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.

English Standard Version
“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Berean Standard Bible
I know your deeds. Behold, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.

Berean Literal Bible
I know your deeds. Behold, I have set before you a door having been opened, which no one is able to shut it, because you have little power, and yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.

King James Bible
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

New King James Version
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

New American Standard Bible
‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name.

NASB 1995
‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

NASB 1977
‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Legacy Standard Bible
‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have given before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Amplified Bible
‘I know your deeds. See, I have set before you an open door which no one is able to shut, for you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not renounced or denied My name.

Christian Standard Bible
I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power; yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close.

American Standard Version
I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name.

Contemporary English Version
I know everything you have done. And I have placed before you an open door no one can close. You were not very strong, but you obeyed my message and did not deny you are my followers.

English Revised Version
I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I know what you have done. See, I have opened a door in front of you that no one can shut. You only have a little strength, but you have paid attention to my word and have not denied my name.

Good News Translation
I know what you do; I know that you have a little power; you have followed my teaching and have been faithful to me. I have opened a door in front of you, which no one can close.

International Standard Version
I know what you've been doing. Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut. You have only a little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.

Majority Standard Bible
I know your deeds. Behold, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.

NET Bible
I know your deeds. (Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut.) I know that you have little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name.

New Heart English Bible
"I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have a little power, and have kept my word, and did not deny my name.

Webster's Bible Translation
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Weymouth New Testament
I know your doings. I have put an opened door in front of you, which no one can shut; because you have but a little power, and yet you have guarded My word and have not disowned Me.

World English Bible
“I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn’t deny my name.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I have known your works; behold, I have set before you a door having been opened, which no one is able to shut it, because you have little power, and yet have kept My word, and have not denied My Name;

Berean Literal Bible
I know your deeds. Behold, I have set before you a door having been opened, which no one is able to shut it, because you have little power, and yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.

Young's Literal Translation
I have known thy works; lo, I have set before thee a door -- opened, and no one is able to shut it, because thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name;

Smith's Literal Translation
I know thy works: behold, I have given before thee an open door, and none can shut it, for thou hast a little power, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I know thy works. Behold, I have given before thee a door opened, which no man can shut: because thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I know your works. Behold, I have set an open door before you, which no one is able to close. For you have little power, and you have observed my word, and you have not denied my name.

New American Bible
“ ‘ “I know your works (behold, I have left an open door before you, which no one can close). You have limited strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

New Revised Standard Version
“I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I know your works: and behold, I have set before you an open door, which no man can lock, for you have but little strength and yet you have obeyed my word, and have not denied my name.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“I know your works, and behold, I have set an open door before you which no man can shut, because you have a little power, and you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door that no one is able to shut, because you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.

Godbey New Testament
I know your works; behold, I have given before you an open door, which no one is able to shut: and you have a little power, and you have kept my word, and not denied my name.

Haweis New Testament
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; because thou hast but little strength, yet hast thou kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Mace New Testament
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for tho' few in number, you have kept my word, and have not renounced my name.

Weymouth New Testament
I know your doings. I have put an opened door in front of you, which no one can shut; because you have but a little power, and yet you have guarded My word and have not disowned Me.

Worrell New Testament
"I know your works. Behold, I have set before you a door opened, which no one can shut; because you have a little power, and kept My word, and did not deny My name.

Worsley New Testament
I know thy works, and behold I have given thee an open door, and no one shall be able to shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
To the Church in Philadelphia
7To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. 8I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name. 9Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead. I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.…

Cross References
Isaiah 22:22
I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

John 10:7-9
So He said to them again, “Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. / All who came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. / I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture.

Acts 14:27
When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

1 Corinthians 16:9
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

2 Corinthians 2:12
Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord,

Colossians 4:3
as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Luke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

James 2:5
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?

1 Peter 1:5
who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 John 2:14
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.


Treasury of Scripture

I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.

I know.

Revelation 3:1,15
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead…

See on ch.

Revelation 2:2
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

an open.

Revelation 3:7
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

1 Corinthians 16:9
For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

2 Corinthians 2:12
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

a little.

Daniel 11:34
Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me…

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

and hast kept.

Revelation 3:10
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Revelation 22:7
Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

John 14:21-24
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…

and hast not.

Revelation 2:13
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Proverbs 30:9
Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Matthew 26:70-72
But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest…

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Able Denied Deny Disowned Doings Door Front Guarded Kept Little Open Opened Placed Power Shut Strength True. Word Works
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Able Denied Deny Disowned Doings Door Front Guarded Kept Little Open Opened Placed Power Shut Strength True. Word Works
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.














I know your deeds
This phrase underscores the omniscience of Christ, who is fully aware of the actions and intentions of the believers in Philadelphia. The Greek word for "know" is "oida," which implies complete and perfect knowledge. This is a comforting reminder that nothing escapes the notice of God, and He is intimately involved in the lives of His followers. Historically, the city of Philadelphia was known for its missionary zeal in spreading the Greek culture and language, and similarly, the church is recognized for its faithful deeds in spreading the Gospel.

See, I have placed before you an open door
The "open door" symbolizes opportunity and access. In the Greek, "anoigo" means to open, and it suggests that Christ Himself has provided a way for the church to advance His kingdom. This could refer to opportunities for evangelism or spiritual growth. The historical context of Philadelphia as a gateway city to the east enhances this metaphor, as the church is given a divine opportunity to influence the surrounding regions with the Gospel.

that no one can shut
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and authority of Christ. The Greek word "kleio" means to shut or close, and the assurance that no one can shut what Christ has opened speaks to His ultimate power over all circumstances. This is a promise of protection and assurance that the opportunities given by God are secure and cannot be thwarted by human or demonic forces.

For you have a little strength
The acknowledgment of "little strength" highlights the humility and dependence of the church on God's power. The Greek word "mikros" means small or little, indicating that the church may not have been large or influential by worldly standards. Yet, their reliance on God rather than their own strength is what makes them commendable. This serves as an encouragement that God values faithfulness over worldly power or size.

yet you have kept My word
The phrase "kept My word" signifies obedience and faithfulness to the teachings of Christ. The Greek word "tereo" means to guard or keep, suggesting a vigilant and careful adherence to the truth of the Gospel. This church is commended for holding fast to the teachings of Christ despite challenges, reflecting a deep commitment to living out their faith.

and have not denied My name
This final phrase highlights the steadfastness of the believers in maintaining their allegiance to Christ. The Greek word "arneomai" means to deny or disown, and the church's refusal to deny Christ's name indicates their unwavering loyalty even in the face of persecution or pressure. Historically, Christians in the Roman Empire faced significant challenges, and this commendation would have been a powerful encouragement to remain faithful.

(8) I know thy works: behold, I have set (better, given) before thee an open door (better, a door opened).--A reference to the passages (Acts 14:27; 1Corinthians 16:8-9; 2Corinthians 2:12-13; Colossians 4:3) in which a similar expression is used reminds us that the open door was not simply a way of escape from difficulties, but an opening for preaching the gospel, an opportunity of doing good, as well as an abundant entrance into the kingdom.

For thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.--The tenses used point back to some epoch in the history of this Church when some heavy trial or persecution arose, which tested the sincerity, fidelity, or Christian love of the faithful. "The reward then of a little strength is a door opened" (Dr. Vaughan).

Verse 8. - I know thy works. Once more Christ's judgment is based upon intimate personal knowledge. A question arises whether the next sentence, introduced by "behold," should be parenthetical or not. It is possible, as in the Authorized Version and previous English versions, and also in the Vulgate, to avoid what is certainly an awkward parenthesis. On the other hand, it seems clear that in ver. 1 and ver. 15 ὅτι depends upon οῖδα, "I know thy works, that thou," and does not introduce a fresh sentence; "I know thy works: for thou." Then must not ὅτι depend upon οῖδα here? But either arrangement makes good sense, and perhaps the omission of the parenthesis makes the best sense: "Because thou hast little power, and hast made a good use of that little, I have given thee an opportunity of which none shall deprive thee." This seems to be the obvious meaning of the"opened door," in accordance with 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Acts 14:27; Colossians 4:3. The Philadelphian Church, in spite of its small advantages, whether in numbers or prosperity, kept Christ's word when called upon to deny him; and for this it shall ever have the privilege of giving others an entrance into Christ's fold. The aorists, ἐτήρησας and ἠρνήσω, appear to point to some definite occasion. On "keep my word," see notes on Revelation 1:3 and Revelation 2:26. The antithetic parallelism, "didst keep and didst not deny," is thoroughly in St. John's style, and is one of many instances of the Hebrew cast of his language (comp. Revelation 2:13; John 1:3, 20; John 3:16; John 10:5, 18, etc.; 1 John 1:5, 6; 1 John 2:4, 10, 11, 27, 28). The ungrammatical repetition involved in η{ν οὐδεὶς δύναται κλεῖσαι αὐτήν recurs in Revelation 7:2; Revelation 13:12; Revelation 20:8. Such frequent solecisms argue imperfect grasp of the language (comp. Mark 7:25; Acts 15:17).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I know
Οἶδά (Oida)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

deeds.
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

See,
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 have placed
δέδωκα (dedōka)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

before
ἐνώπιόν (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

you
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

an open
ἠνεῳγμένην (ēneōgmenēn)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.

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.

which
ἣν (hēn)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

no one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

can
δύναται (dynatai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

shut.
κλεῖσαι (kleisai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2808: To shut, shut up. A primary verb; to close.

For
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

you have
ἔχεις (echeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

only a little
μικρὰν (mikran)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3398: Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).

strength,
δύναμιν (dynamin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

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

you have kept
ἐτήρησάς (etērēsas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5083: From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.

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.

word
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

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

have not denied
ἠρνήσω (ērnēsō)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 720: Perhaps from a and the middle voice of rheo; to contradict, i.e. Disavow, reject, abnegate.

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.

name.
ὄνομά (onoma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 3:8 I know your works behold I have (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 3:7
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