Revelation 2:25

KJV

But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G4133} that which {G3739} ye have {G2192} already hold fast {G2902} till {G891}{G3739} I come {G302}{G2240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

only hold fast to what you have until I come.

Berean Standard Bible

Nevertheless, hold fast to what you have until I come.

American Standard Version

Nevertheless that which ye have, hold fast till I come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 2:25 presents a direct and urgent command from Jesus Christ to the faithful minority within the church of Thyatira, urging them to steadfastly maintain the sound doctrine, genuine faith, and righteous practices they already possess. This exhortation serves as a powerful call to spiritual perseverance and integrity, emphasizing the importance of clinging to truth amidst corrupting influences, with the ultimate motivation being the certainty of Christ's imminent return and the vindication it will bring.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the fourth of the seven letters dictated by the resurrected Christ to the churches in Asia Minor, as recorded in the book of Revelation. Specifically, it concludes the commendation and rebuke given to the church in Thyatira, following the initial address to the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. The letter to Thyatira is unique in its length and the severity of its rebuke, primarily directed at the church's tolerance of a false prophetess, "Jezebel," who was leading some members into idolatry and sexual immorality ([Revelation 2:20](/revelation/2-20 "Revelation 2:20 - Jezebel's Influence")). Verse 25, therefore, serves as a crucial pivot, offering a specific instruction to those who had not succumbed to her teachings, distinguishing them from the compromised majority and setting the stage for promises given to the overcomers ([Revelation 2:26-28](/revelation/2-26-28 "Revelation 2:26-28 - Promises to the Overcomers")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Thyatira was a prosperous commercial city known for its numerous trade guilds (e.g., dyers, wool-workers, leather-workers, bronze-smiths). Membership in these guilds was often essential for economic survival, but guild meetings frequently involved participation in pagan feasts and immoral activities, including the worship of the guild's patron deity. This created immense pressure for Christians to compromise their faith to maintain their livelihoods. The "woman Jezebel" likely represents a real person or a faction within the church that advocated for or rationalized participation in these syncretistic practices, perhaps arguing for a "deeper knowledge" (Gnosticism) that permitted moral laxity. The command to "hold fast" was thus a call to resist the pervasive cultural and economic pressures to conform to pagan practices and false doctrines prevalent in their society and even within their own church.
* **Key Themes:** The letter to Thyatira, and particularly this verse, highlights several overarching themes. The first is **Perseverance and Steadfastness**, urging believers to endure faithfully despite internal and external pressures. This resonates with the broader biblical call to stand firm in the faith, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 16:13](/1_corinthians/16-13 "1 Corinthians 16:13 - Stand Firm in the Faith"). Another key theme is **Spiritual Purity and Non-Compromise**, emphasizing the necessity of guarding against false teaching and moral laxity, a warning echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - Warnings Against False Teachers"). Finally, the phrase "till I come" introduces the critical theme of **Eschatological Hope and Accountability**, reminding believers that their perseverance is not in vain but is tied to the certain return of Christ, who will bring both judgment and reward ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return and Reward")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **plḗn (Greek, _plḗn'_):** This particle, translated "But," functions as an adversative, indicating a strong contrast or exception. Here, it sharply distinguishes the faithful minority, to whom this command is given, from those who had succumbed to Jezebel's influence. It signals a shift from the rebuke of the unfaithful to an exhortation for the steadfast.
* **échō (Greek, _échō'_):** Translated "ye have," this verb signifies possession, holding, or having a certain condition. In this context, it refers to the spiritual truths, sound doctrine, and righteous practices that the faithful believers already possessed and maintained. It implies that they had received and were currently holding onto something valuable that needed to be preserved.
* **kratéō (Greek, _kratéō'_):** Translated "hold fast," this verb means "to use strength, to seize or retain (literally or figuratively)." It conveys a sense of firm, active grasping and holding onto something, implying a deliberate and persistent effort to maintain their spiritual standing and not let go of the truth, even under pressure or temptation. It's not a passive retention but an active, strong grip.
* **áchri (Greek, _áchri'_):** Translated "till," this preposition denotes a temporal limit, indicating "up to" or "until" a certain point in time. Here, it sets the duration for their perseverance – until Christ's return. It implies a continuous, ongoing action of holding fast until the eschatological event of Christ's advent.
* **hḗkō (Greek, _hḗkō'_):** Translated "I come," this primary verb means "to arrive, i.e., be present." It refers specifically to the future, personal return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the certainty and significance of this event as the ultimate culmination and vindication for those who persevere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But that which ye have":** This phrase serves as a direct address to the faithful minority within the Thyatiran church, those who had not embraced the false teachings of "Jezebel" and had maintained their spiritual integrity. "That which ye have" refers to their existing sound doctrine, their genuine faith, their love, service, and patience, and their increasing works, all of which were commended earlier in the letter. It acknowledges their current spiritual standing and possessions, distinguishing them from the compromised members.
* **"hold fast":** This is a strong imperative, commanding active and resolute perseverance. It means to firmly grasp, retain, and not let go of the spiritual truths and righteous practices they already possessed. In the face of seductive false teaching and the pressures of a pagan culture, this command urges a deliberate and unwavering commitment to their faith and purity. It implies a struggle and the necessity of strength to maintain their position.
* **"till I come":** This phrase provides the temporal scope and the ultimate motivation for their perseverance. It points to the future, personal return of Jesus Christ, which serves as the definitive endpoint for their period of steadfastness. The certainty of Christ's return offers hope and assurance that their endurance will be vindicated and rewarded, transforming the command to "hold fast" into an act of hopeful anticipation and faithful waiting.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 2:25 employs several potent literary devices. **Imperative Mood** is central, as "hold fast" is a direct command from Christ, emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This command functions as a **Call to Action**, specifically for the faithful within the church to maintain their spiritual integrity. The phrase "that which ye have" uses **Metonymy**, where "that which they have" stands for their spiritual possessions—their faith, doctrine, and righteous practices. This is also a form of **Synecdoche**, as a part (their current spiritual state) represents the whole of their Christian walk. The concluding phrase, "till I come," serves as a powerful **Eschatological Marker**, anchoring the present command in the future hope of Christ's return, thereby providing both motivation and a temporal boundary for their perseverance. This also functions as a form of **Anticipation**, building expectation for the Lord's advent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 2:25 underscores a foundational theological principle: the necessity of perseverance in faith until the end. It highlights that while God's grace initiates salvation, human responsibility is required to "hold fast" to the truth received. This command is not merely about enduring hardship but about actively guarding against spiritual compromise and false teaching, recognizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through steadfastness. The promise of Christ's return serves as the ultimate motivation, transforming present trials into opportunities for faithful endurance, knowing that the Lord Himself will ultimately vindicate and reward His diligent servants.

* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Hold Fast to the Confession of Hope")
* [Philippians 4:1](/philippians/4-1 "Philippians 4:1 - Stand Firm in the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfast in the Work of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:25 offers a timeless and deeply relevant message for believers today. In an age characterized by shifting moral landscapes, spiritual syncretism, and a proliferation of diverse teachings, the call to "hold fast" is more crucial than ever. It compels us to critically examine what we "have" – our foundational beliefs, our commitment to biblical truth, and our practices of holiness. Are we diligently guarding these spiritual treasures, or are we allowing them to be eroded by cultural pressures, worldly philosophies, or even subtle errors within the church? This verse challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to remain rooted in sound doctrine, and to live with an unwavering commitment to Christ, knowing that our steadfastness is not in vain. Our perseverance is a testament to our faith and a hopeful anticipation of the Lord's return, when all hidden things will be revealed and faithfulness will be justly rewarded.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "spiritual possessions" (doctrines, practices, convictions) do I currently "have" that I need to consciously "hold fast" to in my daily life?**
* **What specific temptations or cultural pressures might be subtly eroding my commitment to biblical truth or personal holiness, requiring me to "hold fast" more firmly?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return motivate my perseverance and faithfulness in the present moment?**

### FAQ

**What does "that which ye have" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "That which ye have" refers to the sound doctrine, genuine faith, love, service, patience, and increasing good works that the faithful minority within the church of Thyatira already possessed and practiced. It distinguishes them from those who had compromised their faith by tolerating the false teachings and immoral practices of "Jezebel" ([Revelation 2:20](/revelation/2-20 "Revelation 2:20 - Jezebel's Influence")). It's a commendation of their existing spiritual integrity and a command to preserve it.

**Why is it important to "hold fast" until Christ comes?**

Answer: The command to "hold fast" until Christ's return is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes the ongoing nature of Christian discipleship; faithfulness is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment. Secondly, it provides a powerful eschatological motivation: believers are called to persevere because Christ's return is certain, and it will be the time of ultimate vindication, judgment, and reward for those who have remained faithful ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Christ's Return and Reward")). This hope encourages steadfastness through trials and temptations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:25, though a command to believers, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Christ is the perfect embodiment of "holding fast" to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, demonstrating unwavering obedience and perseverance ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the very "truth" and "sound doctrine" that the Thyatiran believers were commanded to hold fast to are ultimately revealed in and centered upon Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the one who "comes" again, not merely as a judge, but as the faithful and true witness, the Alpha and Omega, who secures the eternal destiny of those who persevere in Him ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega"); [Revelation 22:13](/revelation/22-13 "Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")). Thus, the call to "hold fast till I come" is a call to remain intimately connected to and reliant upon the One who has already accomplished the ultimate act of faithfulness and who guarantees the future hope of all who belong to Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelation 22:7

Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 3:3

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)

Revelation 22:20

¶ He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Romans 12:9

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.