Revelation 3:18

Authorized King James Version

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Word-by-Word Analysis

συμβουλεύω

G4823

I counsel

to give (or take) advice jointly, i.e., recommend, deliberate or determine

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

ἀγοράσαι

G59

to buy

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

παρ'

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἐμοῦ

G1700

of me

χρυσίον

G5553

gold

a golden article, i.e., gold plating, ornament, or coin

πεπυρωμένον

G4448

tried

to kindle, i.e., (passively) to be ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication), or (figuratively) to be inflamed (with anger, grief, lust)

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πυρὸς

G4442

the fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

#10

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#11

πλουτήσῃς

G4147

thou mayest be rich

to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)

#12

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἱμάτια

G2440

raiment

a dress (inner or outer)

#14

λευκὰ

G3022

white

#15

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#16

περιβάλῃ

G4016

thou mayest be clothed

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

#17

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#19

φανερωθῇ

G5319

appear

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

#20

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

αἰσχύνη

G152

that the shame

shame or disgrace (abstractly or concretely)

#22

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

γυμνότητός

G1132

nakedness

nudity (absolute or comparative)

#24

σου

G4675

of thy

of thee, thy

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#26

κολλούριον

G2854

with eyesalve

properly, a poultice (as made of or in the form of crackers), i.e., (by analogy) a plaster

#27

ἐγχρῖσον

G1472

anoint

to rub in (oil), i.e., besmear

#28

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

ὀφθαλμούς

G3788

eyes

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

#30

σου

G4675

of thy

of thee, thy

#31

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#32

βλέπῃς

G991

thou mayest see

to look at (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?