Revelation 3:9
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Original Language Analysis
διδωμι
I will make
G1325
διδωμι
I will make
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 34
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐκ
them of
G1537
ἐκ
them of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 34
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγῆς
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγῆς
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
5 of 34
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγόντων
say
G3004
λεγόντων
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 34
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἑαυτοὺς
they
G1438
ἑαυτοὺς
they
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
10 of 34
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
16 of 34
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ψεύδονται
do lie
G5574
ψεύδονται
do lie
Strong's:
G5574
Word #:
17 of 34
to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood
ποιήσω
I will make
G4160
ποιήσω
I will make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
19 of 34
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 34
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
ἥξωσιν
come
G2240
ἥξωσιν
come
Strong's:
G2240
Word #:
22 of 34
to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσκυνήσωσιν
worship
G4352
προσκυνήσωσιν
worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
24 of 34
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
29 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνῶσιν
to know
G1097
γνῶσιν
to know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
30 of 34
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
31 of 34
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Revelation 2:9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.Isaiah 60:14The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.Isaiah 49:23And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.Isaiah 45:14Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.Isaiah 43:4Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.Esther 8:17And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.
Historical Context
Philadelphia faced opposition from the local Jewish community who denied Christians were true Israel. This likely involved synagogue excommunication and reporting Christians to Roman authorities. The promise of reversal—opponents acknowledging Christ's love for the church—would deeply encourage persecuted believers maintaining their claim as God's covenant people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's authority to define who belongs to God's people challenge modern religious claims based on lineage or tradition rather than faith?
- What comfort does the promise of ultimate vindication offer when facing religious opposition or marginalization?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'synagogue of Satan' refers to Jews who rejected Christ, claiming Abraham's lineage while denying the Messiah. Christ's authority to identify true Israel rests on His fulfillment of covenant promises. This echoes Romans 2:28-29—true Jews are those circumcised in heart, believing in Christ. The promise that persecutors will 'worship before thy feet' and 'know that I have loved thee' anticipates eschatological vindication. Reformed theology affirms that God's covenant promises find fulfillment in the elect, composed of believing Jews and Gentiles in Christ.