Revelation 3:10

KJV

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G3754} thou hast kept {G5083} the word {G3056} of my {G3450} patience {G5281}, I also {G2504} will keep {G5083} thee {G4571} from {G1537} the hour {G5610} of temptation {G3986}, which {G3588} shall come {G3195}{G2064} upon {G1909} all {G3650} the world {G3625}, to try {G3985} them that dwell {G2730} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because you did obey my message about persevering, I will keep you from the time of trial coming upon the whole world to put the people living on earth to the test.

Berean Standard Bible

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

American Standard Version

Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:10 is a pivotal promise from Jesus Christ to the faithful church in Philadelphia, assuring them of divine preservation from a future global period of intense testing. This assurance is a direct consequence of their steadfast endurance and faithfulness in keeping Christ's word, particularly His call to patient perseverance amidst tribulation. The verse highlights the Lord's intimate knowledge of His church's struggles and His commitment to protect those who remain true to Him during a time of universal trial designed to expose the hearts of all who are fixated on earthly concerns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the letter to the church in Philadelphia, one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Unlike most of the other churches, Philadelphia receives no rebuke, only commendation and promises. The preceding verses (Revelation 3:7-9) praise the Philadelphian believers for their "little strength" yet their faithfulness in keeping Christ's word and not denying His name, even when faced with opposition from those who falsely claimed to be God's people. Verse 10 builds directly on this commendation, presenting a specific promise of preservation as a reward for their patient endurance, setting the stage for further promises of future blessing and stability in Revelation 3:11-13. The immediate context underscores the importance of perseverance and loyalty to Christ in the face of adversity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The seven churches of Asia Minor were real congregations existing in the Roman province of Asia during the late first century AD. Philadelphia, located in a seismically active region, was prone to earthquakes, which might have contributed to a cultural understanding of instability and the need for endurance. The city was also a center for the imperial cult and various pagan religions, creating an environment where Christians faced pressure to conform and potentially deny their faith. The "synagogue of Satan" mentioned in [Revelation 3:9](/revelation/3-9 "Revelation 3:9 - The Synagogue of Satan") likely refers to a Jewish community that was hostile to Christians, perhaps even persecuting them, adding to the trials faced by the Philadelphian believers. The concept of "keeping" a word or command was deeply significant in both Jewish and Roman cultures, signifying loyalty and obedience, which would resonate strongly with the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of the letter to Philadelphia, and specifically [Revelation 3:10](/revelation/3-10 "Revelation 3:10 - Promise to Philadelphia"), is **divine faithfulness met with human perseverance**. Christ acknowledges their "little strength" but commends their steadfastness, emphasizing that true strength lies in adherence to His word, as seen in [Revelation 3:8](/revelation/3-8 "Revelation 3:8 - Philadelphia's Open Door"). This leads to the theme of **divine preservation and protection**, where Christ promises to "keep" them from a future global trial. This "hour of temptation" introduces the theme of **eschatological tribulation**, a period of intense testing that will affect "all the world" and serve to "try them that dwell upon the earth." This contrasts sharply with the heavenly citizenship of believers, a concept articulated in [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven"), highlighting the distinction between those whose focus is earthly and those whose hope is in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kept (Greek, _tēréō'_):** This verb appears twice in the verse, first describing the Philadelphians' faithfulness ("thou hast kept the word of my patience") and then Christ's reciprocal promise ("I also will keep thee"). From G5083, _tēréō_ means "to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon)" or "to preserve." It implies active watchfulness and diligent adherence. In the first instance, it signifies the church's careful observance and preservation of Christ's teachings and example of endurance. In the second, it denotes Christ's active protection and preservation of His faithful ones.
* **patience (Greek, _hypomonḗ'_):** From G5281, _hypomonḗ_ refers to "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy." It is not passive waiting but active, steadfast perseverance under trial, often with an expectation of a positive outcome. It encapsulates the idea of remaining firm and unyielding in faith despite suffering or opposition. The "word of my patience" refers to Christ's own example of endurance (e.g., in His suffering) and His command to His followers to likewise endure.
* **temptation (Greek, _peirasmós'_):** From G3986, _peirasmós_ denotes "a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity." It can mean both "temptation" (an enticement to evil) and "trial" or "testing" (a proving of character). In this context, it refers to a period of intense global tribulation and testing, designed to reveal the true spiritual state of humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience":** This clause establishes the ground for Christ's promise. The Philadelphian church demonstrated faithfulness not merely by passive waiting, but by actively holding fast to Christ's teaching and example of patient endurance in the face of tribulation. This "word of patience" embodies both Christ's command to persevere and His own steadfast character, which they emulated.
* **"I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation":** This is the core promise. Christ pledges to protect the Philadelphian believers. The verb "keep" (_tēréō_) suggests active preservation. The crucial preposition "from" (Greek, _ek_, G1537) typically means "out of" or "from within," implying a removal or separation from the sphere of the "hour of temptation," rather than merely preservation through it. This phrase is central to eschatological discussions regarding the timing of the church's removal before or during the Great Tribulation.
* **"which shall come upon all the world":** This specifies the scope and nature of the "hour of temptation." It is not a localized event but a universal, global phenomenon, affecting "all the world" (Greek, _oikouménē_, G3625, referring to the inhabited earth, often implying the Roman Empire but here clearly global in scope). The phrase "shall come" (Greek, _méllō érchomai_, G3195, G2064) indicates a definite future event that is about to happen.
* **"to try them that dwell upon the earth":** This clause reveals the purpose and target of this global trial. The verb "to try" (Greek, _peirázō_, G3985) means "to test" or "to prove." The trial's specific target is "them that dwell upon the earth" (Greek, _katoikéō epí gē_, G2730, G1909, G1093). This phrase, used elsewhere in Revelation, often describes those whose allegiance and focus are entirely earthly, in contrast to believers whose citizenship is heavenly. The purpose of the trial is to expose the true nature and allegiance of these earth-dwellers, revealing their spiritual bankruptcy.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 3:10 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Conditional Promise**, where Christ's assurance of preservation is directly linked to the Philadelphians' prior faithfulness ("Because thou hast kept... I also will keep thee"). This highlights the reciprocal nature of the divine-human relationship. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between those who "keep the word of my patience" and "them that dwell upon the earth." This distinction sets apart the faithful, heaven-focused believers from the unfaithful, earth-bound inhabitants, emphasizing different allegiances and destinies. Furthermore, the phrase "the hour of temptation" functions as **Metonymy**, where "hour" stands for a specific period or season of intense trial, rather than a literal 60-minute duration. The entire verse also serves as a powerful **Exhortation** by example, encouraging other churches and believers throughout history to emulate the Philadelphians' steadfastness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:10 is a profound statement on divine sovereignty, human faithfulness, and eschatological promise. It underscores the Lord's intimate knowledge of His people's struggles and His commitment to protect those who remain steadfast in their faith. The "word of my patience" points to Christ's own example of endurance and His call for His followers to persevere through trials, trusting in His ultimate victory. The promise to "keep thee from the hour of temptation" has been a cornerstone for various eschatological interpretations, particularly regarding the timing of the church's removal in relation to the Great Tribulation. Regardless of specific timing, the verse unequivocally teaches that God will provide a unique form of preservation for His faithful church during a period of unprecedented global testing, distinguishing them from those whose lives are solely defined by earthly pursuits. This divine protection is not earned but is a gracious response to obedient endurance, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

* [John 17:15](/john/17-15 "John 17:15 - Jesus' Prayer for Protection") - Jesus prays for His disciples, not that they be taken out of the world, but that they be kept from the evil one. This parallels the idea of divine preservation amidst a hostile world.
* [Luke 21:36](/luke/21-36 "Luke 21:36 - Watch and Pray to Escape") - Jesus exhorts His disciples to "watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." This speaks to a divine enablement to escape future judgment.
* [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Deliverance from Wrath") - Paul speaks of Jesus, "which delivered us from the wrath to come." This verse assures believers of deliverance from God's future judgment, aligning with the protective promise of Revelation 3:10.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:10 offers profound encouragement and a call to steadfastness for believers in every generation. It reminds us that our faithfulness, even when we feel we have "little strength," is deeply valued by Christ. The "word of His patience" is not just a historical command but an ongoing invitation to embody His resilient character in our own lives, especially when facing opposition, suffering, or the pressures of a world increasingly hostile to Christian values. This verse challenges us to consider where our true allegiance lies: are we among those whose focus is "upon the earth," or are our hearts set on heavenly things, eagerly awaiting Christ's return? The promise of divine preservation should motivate us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our endurance is not in vain. It assures us that God is actively watching over His own, and He will fulfill His promise to protect them in His perfect timing and way. This should inspire both hope and a renewed commitment to hold fast to His word, knowing that our perseverance is intrinsically linked to His protective hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways am I currently "keeping the word of Christ's patience" in my life, even when I feel I have "little strength"?**
* **How does the promise of Christ's protection from the "hour of temptation" influence my perspective on current trials and future uncertainties?**
* **Am I living as one whose primary focus is "upon the earth," or is my citizenship truly in heaven, influencing my daily choices and priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater patience and perseverance in my walk with Christ, especially when facing spiritual or worldly opposition?**

### FAQ
**What is the "hour of temptation" mentioned in Revelation 3:10?**

Answer: The "hour of temptation" (Greek: _hṓra peirasmós_) refers to a specific, intense, and universal period of tribulation and testing that will "come upon all the world." While its exact nature and timing are debated among eschatological viewpoints, it is generally understood to be a time of unprecedented global distress designed to "try them that dwell upon the earth"—that is, to expose the true spiritual allegiance of all humanity, particularly those whose lives are solely focused on earthly matters. It is a time of divine judgment and purification, distinguishing between genuine faith and mere profession. This period is often identified with the Great Tribulation described in [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - Great Tribulation") and various passages throughout the book of Revelation, such as [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Great Tribulation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "word of my patience," having perfectly endured the cross "for the joy that was set before Him," despising its shame ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). His steadfastness in suffering, His unwavering obedience to the Father's will even unto death, provides the supreme example of the "patience" that His followers are called to emulate. Furthermore, Christ is the faithful and true witness, the one who holds the keys of David, opening doors that no one can shut and shutting doors that no one can open ([Revelation 3:7](/revelation/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - The Holy and True One")). It is His power and authority that enable Him to "keep" His church from the coming "hour of temptation." This promise of preservation is a direct outflow of His atoning work and His ongoing intercession for believers ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). Just as He conquered sin and death through His own trial, He now stands as the protector and deliverer of His people, ensuring that those who remain faithful to Him will be preserved from the ultimate testing that will befall the ungodly. His return, often referred to as the "blessed hope" ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope")), is the ultimate expression of this keeping, as He will gather His elect to Himself before or during the climactic events of the end times, fulfilling His promise to be with them always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")).

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

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Revelation 14:12

Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

Daniel 12:10

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

1 Peter 4:12

¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: