Revelation 3:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Οἶδά

G1492

I know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

σου

G4675

thee

of thee, thy

τὰ

G3588

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

ἔργα

G2041

works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἰδού,

G2400

behold

used as imperative lo!

δέδωκα

G1325

I have set

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

ἐνώπιόν

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

σου

G4675

thee

of thee, thy

θύραν

G2374

door

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

#10

ἀνεῳγμένην,

G455

an open

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

οὐδεὶς

G3762

no man

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

#13

δύναται

G1410

can

to be able or possible

#14

κλεῖσαι

G2808

shut

to close (literally or figuratively)

#15

αὐτήν

G846

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

#16

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#17

μικρὰν

G3398

a little

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

#18

ἔχεις

G2192

thou hast

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#19

δύναμιν

G1411

strength

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#21

ἐτήρησάς

G5083

hast kept

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

#22

μου

G3450

of me

#23

τὸν

G3588

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

#24

λόγον

G3056

word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#26

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#27

ἠρνήσω

G720

denied

to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate

#28

τὸ

G3588

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

#29

ὄνομά

G3686

name

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#30

μου

G3450

of me

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

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?