Revelation 3:20

Authorized King James 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἰδού,
G2400
Behold
used as imperative lo!
#2
ἕστηκα
G2476
I stand
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#3
ἐπὶ
G1909
at
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#4
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θύραν
G2374
the door
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
#6
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
κρούω·
G2925
knock
to rap
#8
ἐάν
G1437
if
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#9
τις
G5100
any man
some or any person or object
#10
ἀκούσῃ
G191
hear
to hear (in various senses)
#11
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
φωνῆς
G5456
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#13
μου
G3450
my
of me
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἀνοίξῃ
G455
open
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#16
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
θύραν
G2374
the door
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
#18
εἰσελεύσομαι
G1525
I will come in
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#19
πρὸς
G4314
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#20
αὐτὸς
G846
he
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
#21
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
δειπνήσω
G1172
will sup
to dine, i.e., take the principle (or evening) meal
#23
μετ'
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#24
αὐτὸς
G846
he
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
#25
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#26
αὐτὸς
G846
he
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
#27
μετ'
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#28
ἐμοῦ
G1700
me
of me

Cross References

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Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection