Revelation 3:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιήσω
will I make
G4160
ποιήσω
will I make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 52
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτὸν
Him
G846
αὐτὸν
Him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 52
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 52
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 52
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 52
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 52
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γράψω
I will write
G1125
γράψω
I will write
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
19 of 52
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
20 of 52
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτὸν
Him
G846
αὐτὸν
Him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 52
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομά
name
G3686
ὄνομά
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
23 of 52
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
25 of 52
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
27 of 52
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομά
name
G3686
ὄνομά
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
29 of 52
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλεως
of the city
G4172
πόλεως
of the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
31 of 52
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
33 of 52
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
35 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καινόν
new
G2537
καινόν
new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
36 of 52
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλήμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
37 of 52
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
38 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
40 of 52
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
41 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
42 of 52
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
43 of 52
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
44 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
45 of 52
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
47 of 52
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
which
G3588
τὸ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
48 of 52
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομά
name
G3686
ὄνομά
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
49 of 52
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
Revelation 22:4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.Revelation 21:2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.Revelation 14:1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.Revelation 2:17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.Jeremiah 1:18For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.Hebrews 12:22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,Psalms 48:8As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.Isaiah 65:15And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:Ezekiel 48:35It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 3:12 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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,... This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.