Revelation 2:3

KJV

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} hast borne {G941}, and {G2532} hast {G2192} patience {G5281}, and {G2532} for {G1223} my {G3450} name's sake {G1223}{G3686} hast laboured {G2872}, and {G2532} hast {G2577} not {G3756} fainted {G2577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are persevering, and you have suffered for my sake without growing weary.

Berean Standard Bible

Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.

American Standard Version

and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name’s sake, and hast not grown weary.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 2:3 commends the Ephesian church for their steadfast endurance, patient perseverance, and diligent labor undertaken for the sake of Christ's name, highlighting their unwavering faithfulness despite challenges. This verse underscores the Lord's intimate knowledge of their struggles and His appreciation for their sustained commitment to His cause, setting a high standard for spiritual fortitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the opening commendation in Jesus' letter to the church in Ephesus, the first of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Following the initial greeting and self-description of Christ as the one who "holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands" ([Revelation 2:1](/revelation/2-1 "Revelation 2:1 - Christ's Authority over the Churches")), the letter immediately pivots to praise. Before any rebuke or exhortation, Christ details their commendable works, including their "toil and patient endurance" ([Revelation 2:2](/revelation/2-2 "Revelation 2:2 - Ephesian Church's Works and Discernment")). Revelation 2:3 expands on this endurance, specifically mentioning their labor for His name and their refusal to faint. This strong commendation builds a foundation of affirmation before the crucial, yet gentle, rebuke regarding their "lost first love" in [Revelation 2:4](/revelation/2-4 "Revelation 2:4 - The Loss of First Love").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a preeminent city in the Roman province of Asia, serving as a major port, commercial hub, and religious center. It was home to the massive Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and a focal point for emperor worship. The Ephesian church had a rich history, having been influenced by the ministries of Paul, Apollos, Timothy, and likely John himself. This vibrant spiritual environment, however, was not without its challenges. Believers faced the pervasive idolatry and pagan practices of the city, as well as potential economic and social pressures for not conforming to Roman cults. Internally, they contended with false apostles and deceitful doctrines, which they commendably exposed ([Revelation 2:2](/revelation/2-2 "Revelation 2:2 - Ephesian Church's Discernment of False Apostles")). Their "borne," "patience," and "labour" mentioned in this verse speak to the very real and demanding spiritual warfare and societal resistance they experienced.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 2:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the letter to Ephesus and the broader book. The most prominent is **perseverance and endurance** (Greek: _hypomonē_), which is presented not as passive waiting but as active, steadfast continuance in the face of adversity. This theme is central to the Christian life, as seen in the call to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" in [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1 - Running the Race with Endurance"). Another key theme is **diligent labor and faithfulness in service** ("hast laboured"), emphasizing that true faith is active and productive, not stagnant. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent call for believers to be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Abounding in the Work of the Lord")). Finally, the phrase "for my name's sake" highlights **Christ-centered motivation**, underscoring that all Christian effort and suffering should ultimately stem from devotion and loyalty to Jesus. This motivation is crucial for enduring persecution, as Jesus himself taught His disciples that they would be "hated by all for my name's sake" ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **borne (Greek, _bastázō'_):** This verb means to lift, carry, or endure. In this context, it signifies the act of carrying a burden or facing a difficulty, implying a sustained effort in bearing up under trials, responsibilities, or even persecution. It suggests an active capacity to shoulder spiritual burdens without collapse.
* **patience (Greek, _hypomonḗ'_):** Derived from _hypomenō_ (to remain under), this noun denotes cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy, and steadfastness. It is not a passive resignation but an active, unwavering persistence in the face of opposition, suffering, or delay, rooted in hope and faith. It speaks to a quality of character forged through trials.
* **laboured (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** This verb means to feel fatigue, and by implication, to work hard or toil to the point of exhaustion. It describes intense, dedicated effort, often in the context of strenuous spiritual service or evangelism. It emphasizes the demanding nature of their work for Christ, suggesting significant exertion and commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hast borne,"**: This clause acknowledges the Ephesian church's capacity to carry burdens and endure hardships. It implies they have faced significant pressure, opposition, or difficult circumstances, and have successfully sustained themselves through them without succumbing. This "bearing" points to their resilience in the face of external and internal challenges.
* **"and hast patience,"**: Following "borne," this phrase specifies the manner of their endurance: with steadfast patience. It highlights their unwavering constancy and fortitude, indicating that their ability to bear burdens was accompanied by a hopeful and active perseverance, not a grudging or despairing one. This patience is a mark of spiritual maturity and commitment.
* **"and for my name's sake hast laboured,"**: This crucial part reveals the motivation and intensity of their work. Their "labour" (strenuous effort, toil) was not for personal gain or human recognition, but "for my name's sake," meaning out of devotion, loyalty, and allegiance to Jesus Christ. This underscores the selfless, Christ-centered nature of their diligent service and spiritual exertions, implying they worked tirelessly to uphold His honor and spread His message.
* **"and hast not fainted."**: This concluding affirmation emphasizes the sustained nature of their commitment. Despite the burdens borne, the patience required, and the arduous labor expended, they did not grow weary, lose heart, or give up. Their faithfulness remained unwavering, demonstrating remarkable spiritual stamina and an unyielding resolve in their service to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Commendation** and **Affirmation**, as Jesus directly praises the Ephesian church for their commendable qualities. There is a strong sense of **Parallelism** through the repeated conjunction "and" ("And hast borne, and hast patience, and... hast laboured, and hast not fainted"), which creates a rhythmic flow and emphasizes the cumulative nature of their positive attributes. The phrase "for my name's sake" functions as a powerful **Motif**, highlighting the central, Christ-centered motivation behind all their actions. Furthermore, the final clause, "hast not fainted," acts as an **Antithesis** to the natural outcome of intense labor and burden-bearing, underscoring their exceptional resilience and unwavering commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 2:3 offers profound theological insights into the nature of genuine discipleship and the divine recognition of faithful service. It teaches that true Christian witness is characterized not merely by initial fervor but by sustained endurance, patient perseverance, and diligent labor, all rooted in a selfless devotion to Christ's name. This verse affirms that God sees and values the often unseen struggles, the quiet fortitude, and the tireless efforts of His people, even when they feel weary. It underscores that the Christian life is a journey requiring active participation and unwavering commitment, where trials are not meant to break but to refine and prove the authenticity of faith. The commendation serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance through hardship, motivated by love for Christ, is a hallmark of a thriving church and a pleasing offering to the Lord.

* [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Growing Weary in Well Doing")
* [James 1:3-4](/james/1-3-4 "James 1:3-4 - The Testing of Faith Produces Steadfastness")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - Perseverance for God's Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:3 stands as a timeless commendation and a powerful call to contemporary believers. In a world that often values immediate results and comfort, this verse reminds us that Christ deeply values our sustained effort, our willingness to bear burdens, and our patient endurance, especially when these are undertaken out of love for Him. It challenges us to examine the motivation behind our service: are we laboring "for His name's sake," or for personal recognition, worldly success, or fleeting satisfaction? The Ephesian church's refusal to "faint" despite their toil is a powerful encouragement to draw strength from Christ when we feel weary, reminding us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. This verse invites us to cultivate a spirit of resilience, to embrace the demanding aspects of discipleship, and to find our ultimate strength and purpose in Christ, knowing that our faithful perseverance is seen and celebrated by our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry are you currently being called to "bear" a burden or "labour" diligently?**
* **How does the motivation "for my name's sake" transform your perspective on difficult tasks or prolonged challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater "patience" and prevent yourself from "fainting" in your spiritual journey?**
* **How does knowing that Christ sees and commends your endurance encourage you in your walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "bear" and "have patience" in the context of this verse?**

Answer: To "bear" (Greek: _bastázō_) in this context means to carry burdens, endure hardships, or sustain responsibilities. It implies an active capacity to shoulder difficulties without collapsing. To "have patience" (Greek: _hypomonḗ_) signifies not mere passive waiting, but an active, steadfast endurance and constancy in the face of trials, opposition, or delay. It's a hopeful persistence that remains firm under pressure, a quality forged through adversity. Together, they describe a resilient and unwavering commitment to Christ despite challenging circumstances.

**How does "for my name's sake" inform the motivation for Christian service?**

Answer: The phrase "for my name's sake" (Greek: _diá to ónoma mou_) is crucial, as it defines the ultimate motivation for the Ephesian church's labor and endurance. It means their efforts were driven by devotion, loyalty, and allegiance to Jesus Christ, rather than for personal gain, human applause, or worldly reward. This highlights that genuine Christian service flows from a deep love and commitment to the Lord, seeking to honor His character and advance His kingdom. This Christ-centered motivation is essential for sustained faithfulness, especially when facing opposition or weariness, as seen in Jesus' teaching that His followers would be persecuted [for His name's sake](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name").

**What is the significance of "hast not fainted"?**

Answer: The phrase "hast not fainted" (Greek: _ou kámnō_) means "you have not grown weary" or "you have not tired out." It emphasizes the sustained energy and unwavering commitment of the Ephesian believers despite the arduous nature of their "labour" and the burdens they "borne." This signifies their remarkable spiritual stamina and resilience. It's a powerful affirmation that, unlike many who start strong but eventually give up, they maintained their resolve and dedication to Christ, echoing the biblical encouragement to [not grow weary in doing good](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Growing Weary in Doing Good").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:3, while commending the Ephesian church's endurance, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The Ephesian believers "bore" burdens and "labored" for His name, but Christ supremely "bore" the weight of the world's sin and the wrath of God on the cross, enduring unimaginable suffering [for the joy that was set before him](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith"). His "patience" was demonstrated in His willingness to submit to the Father's will, even unto death, embodying the ultimate [obedience to the point of death](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). He "labored" tirelessly in His earthly ministry, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the kingdom, ultimately culminating in the exhaustive work of redemption. Most profoundly, Jesus "did not faint" (or grow weary) in His mission; He resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem and the cross, declaring "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Final Words on the Cross")), signifying the completion of His redemptive work without faltering. Thus, the Ephesian church's commendable qualities reflect a participation in Christ's own enduring faithfulness, and their strength to persevere comes from His indwelling Spirit and His perfect example of sustained, selfless labor for the Father's name. He is the true source and perfecter of the very endurance He commends.

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

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

James 5:7

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

James 5:11

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Hebrews 12:1

¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

James 1:3

Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:4

But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.