Revelation 2:28

KJV

And I will give him the morning star.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I will give {G1325} him {G846} the morning {G4407} star {G792}.

Complete Jewish Bible

just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will give him the morning star.

American Standard Version

and I will give him the morning star.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 2:28 presents a profound promise from Jesus Christ to the faithful believers in Thyatira: the gift of "the morning star." This promise, extended to all who overcome spiritual compromise and remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ's works, signifies a unique and intimate share in Christ's own glorious identity, His future reign, and the dawning of His eternal kingdom, serving as a powerful incentive for perseverance and faithfulness amidst worldly pressures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the specific letter to the church in Thyatira, one of the [seven churches of Asia Minor](/revelation/2-1-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches"). The preceding verses ([Revelation 2:18-29](/revelation/2-18-29 "Revelation 2:18-29 - The Letter to Thyatira")) describe Thyatira as a church commended for its love, faith, service, and perseverance, yet severely rebuked for tolerating the false prophetess "Jezebel." This individual, or group, was leading believers into immorality and idolatry, practices linked to the "deep things of Satan" ([Revelation 2:24](/revelation/2-24 "Revelation 2:24 - Deep Things of Satan")). The promises in [Revelation 2:26-28](/revelation/2-26-28 "Revelation 2:26-28 - Promises to the Overcomer in Thyatira") are specifically directed to those who "hold fast" and "overcome" these corrupting influences, distinguishing the faithful remnant from those who compromise. The "morning star" is the final, climactic reward, following the promise of authority over the nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Thyatira was a prosperous commercial city known for its numerous trade guilds (e.g., dyers, weavers, tanners). Membership in these guilds was often essential for economic survival, but it typically required participation in guild feasts, which frequently involved idolatrous rituals and immoral practices, including eating meat sacrificed to idols. This presented a significant challenge for Christians, forcing a choice between economic livelihood and spiritual purity. The "Jezebel" figure likely represents a syncretistic movement within the church that advocated for compromise with these cultural pressures, arguing that believers could participate in pagan practices without spiritual harm. The stern warning and the subsequent promise highlight the intense spiritual battle faced by believers in Thyatira to remain undefiled by the surrounding pagan culture and its economic demands.
* **Key Themes:** The letter to Thyatira, and specifically the promise in [Revelation 2:28](/revelation/2-28 "Revelation 2:28 - The Morning Star Promise"), contributes to several major themes found throughout Revelation. Foremost is the theme of **faithfulness and perseverance** in the face of spiritual compromise and external pressures, echoing the call to "overcome" found in each of the [seven letters](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches"). It also underscores **Christ's sovereign authority and discerning judgment**, as He sees both the good works and the hidden sins within the church ([Revelation 2:23](/revelation/2-23 "Revelation 2:23 - Christ Searches Hearts and Minds")). The promise of the morning star further develops the theme of **eschatological reward and shared glory** with Christ, linking the believer's present faithfulness to their future participation in Christ's reign and the dawning of His kingdom, a theme also seen in [Revelation 20:4-6](/revelation/20-4-6 "Revelation 20:4-6 - Reigning with Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies a bestowal or grant, often implying a gift of authority, privilege, or possession. In this context, it emphasizes that the "morning star" is not earned but freely given by Christ as a divine promise and reward to those who prove faithful. The wide application of this word suggests the multifaceted nature of the gift.
* **morning (Greek, _prōïnós'_):** Derived from the word for "dawn," this adjective specifically refers to that which pertains to the early morning or the dawning of a new day. It carries connotations of new beginnings, the breaking of darkness, and the arrival of light. Its inclusion here is crucial, as the "morning star" is the herald of the sun, symbolizing the end of night and the commencement of a new era.
* **star (Greek, _astḗr'_):** This noun refers to a celestial body, often used figuratively in scripture to denote a person of prominence, a ruler, or a divine being. Here, it is used in conjunction with "morning" to form a specific symbolic title. Its literal meaning of being "strown over the sky" evokes the vastness and brilliance of the heavens, hinting at the cosmic significance of the promise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will give him the morning star.":** This concise statement is a powerful promise from Jesus Christ to the "overcomer" in Thyatira. The "him" refers to the individual believer who has remained faithful to Christ's works and resisted the corrupting influences of "Jezebel" and the "deep things of Satan." The core of the promise lies in the "morning star," which, as revealed in [Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star"), is a self-designation of Jesus Christ Himself. Therefore, the promise is not merely a symbolic object but a profound bestowal of intimacy, shared identity, and participation in Christ's own glory and future reign. It signifies the dawning of God's new age, heralded by Christ, and the believer's unique place within it.

#### Literary Devices
The promise of the "morning star" is rich in **Symbolism**. The "morning star" (often identified with the planet Venus) is the last and brightest star visible before the sunrise, heralding the new day and the coming of the sun. In this context, it powerfully symbolizes Jesus Christ Himself, who is the "bright and morning star" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star")), the one who dispels the darkness of night (sin, death, evil) and ushers in the new day of God's eternal kingdom. The act of "giving" the morning star to the overcomer is a profound **Metaphor** for sharing in Christ's glory, His victory, and His kingly authority. It is not merely a reward but an intimate union and participation in Christ's own radiant identity and His role as the bringer of the ultimate dawn. This imagery contrasts sharply with the spiritual darkness and compromise prevalent in Thyatira, offering a vivid picture of divine light and hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The promise of the "morning star" in Revelation 2:28 is deeply theological, primarily serving as a profound revelation of Christ's identity and the believer's union with Him. By promising to give "the morning star," Jesus is essentially promising to give Himself, or a share in His own radiant glory and authority. This connects the faithful believer's perseverance to an ultimate, intimate relationship with the resurrected Christ, who is the harbinger of the new creation and the coming kingdom. It signifies a participation in His triumph over darkness and a share in the dawning of His eternal reign, assuring believers that their steadfastness will culminate in unparalleled glory and fellowship with the Lord.

* [Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star")
* [2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The Prophetic Word and the Morning Star")
* [Daniel 12:3](/daniel/12-3 "Daniel 12:3 - The Wise Shine Like Stars")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The promise of the "morning star" in Revelation 2:28 serves as a powerful beacon of hope and a profound call to unwavering faithfulness for believers across all generations. In a world that constantly tempts us to compromise our convictions for comfort, acceptance, or material gain, this verse reminds us that our ultimate reward is not found in earthly accolades but in an intimate and glorious union with Christ Himself. It encourages us to discern carefully between true light and deceptive darkness, to resist the "deep things of Satan" in their various contemporary forms, and to hold fast to the pure teachings and works of Christ. Living with the anticipation of receiving the "morning star" transforms our perspective, enabling us to endure present trials with joy, knowing that a glorious new day, heralded by our Lord, awaits those who overcome. It challenges us to reflect Christ's light in a dark world, becoming, in a sense, "morning stars" ourselves, pointing others to the true source of all light and hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "deep things of Satan" or forms of spiritual compromise might be present in my life or church today, and how can I actively resist them?**
* **How does the promise of sharing in Christ's glory as the "morning star" motivate me to persevere in faithfulness during difficult times?**
* **In what ways can I better reflect the "morning star" (Jesus Christ) in my daily life, pointing others to the dawning of His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What is "the morning star" promised in Revelation 2:28?**

Answer: In the immediate context of [Revelation 2:28](/revelation/2-28 "Revelation 2:28 - The Morning Star Promise"), "the morning star" is a profound symbol and a direct self-designation of Jesus Christ Himself. As explicitly stated in [Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star"), Jesus declares, "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." Therefore, the promise is not merely a literal star or a generic heavenly reward, but an intimate bestowal of Christ's own radiant identity, His glory, and a share in His kingly authority to those who overcome. It signifies the dawning of God's new age, with Christ as its herald and central figure.

**Why is the "morning star" given specifically to "him that overcometh"?**

Answer: The "morning star" is promised to the "overcomer" because it represents the ultimate victory over spiritual darkness and compromise, a victory achieved through steadfast faithfulness to Christ. In the letter to Thyatira, believers faced immense pressure to participate in idolatrous and immoral practices associated with trade guilds. Those who resisted these temptations and held fast to Christ's teachings were demonstrating true loyalty. The gift of the "morning star" is thus a reward for their perseverance, signifying their intimate union with Christ in His triumph over all evil and their participation in His glorious future reign, contrasting sharply with the spiritual darkness they resisted.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promise of the "morning star" finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is not merely the one who *gives* the morning star; He *is* the "bright and morning star" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star")). This title encapsulates His divine nature, His role as the bringer of light into a dark world, and His preeminence as the herald of God's new creation. Just as the morning star precedes the sunrise, Jesus' first coming brought the dawn of salvation, dispelling the darkness of sin and death ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - Life and Light")). His second coming will be the full and final dawning of God's eternal kingdom, where He will reign in unblemished glory. Therefore, to be given the morning star means to be intimately united with Christ in His victory, to share in His radiant glory, and to participate in His eternal reign over the nations ([Revelation 2:26-27](/revelation/2-26-27 "Revelation 2:26-27 - Authority Over the Nations")). This promise assures believers that their perseverance in faithfulness will culminate in a profound, personal, and glorious fellowship with the Lord, who is the source and summation of all hope and light ([2 Peter 1:19](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19 - The Prophetic Word and the Morning Star")).

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 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Luke 1:78

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

Luke 1:79

To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.