Revelation 3:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {G2400}, I come {G2064} quickly {G5035}: hold that fast {G2902} which {G3739} thou hast {G2192}, that {G2443} no man {G3367} take {G2983} thy {G4675} crown {G4735}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am coming soon; hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.

Berean Standard Bible

I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:11 delivers an urgent and profound message from Jesus Christ to the faithful church in Philadelphia, a message that echoes through all generations of believers. It serves as a powerful exhortation to steadfast perseverance, a solemn warning against spiritual complacency or loss, and a comforting promise of Christ's swift and certain return, underscoring the vital importance of guarding one's spiritual inheritance and maintaining fidelity to Christ in anticipation of His coming.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the series of seven letters dictated by the resurrected Christ to John for the churches in Asia Minor, found in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches"). The letter to Philadelphia (meaning "brotherly love") stands out significantly, as it is one of only two churches (Smyrna being the other) that receives no direct rebuke from Christ. Instead, the Philadelphian church is commended for its faithfulness despite possessing "little strength" ([Revelation 3:8](/revelation/3-8 "Revelation 3:8 - The Open Door for Philadelphia")), for keeping Christ's word, and for not denying His name. The preceding verses highlight an "open door" set before them by Christ, symbolizing opportunity for ministry and protection from those who falsely claim to be God's people. Against this backdrop of commendation and divine provision, the admonition to "hold fast" in [Revelation 3:11](/revelation/3-11 "Revelation 3:11 - Hold Fast to Your Crown") becomes a crucial call for continued vigilance and endurance, even for those already demonstrating commendable faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Philadelphia was a strategically important city in Lydia, known as the "gateway to the East" due to its position on a major trade route. It was also a region highly susceptible to earthquakes, requiring its inhabitants to constantly rebuild and demonstrating a cultural familiarity with perseverance in the face of disruption. The city's prosperity was linked to its fertile agricultural land, particularly vineyards. The concept of a "crown" (_stéphanos_) would have been well understood in this Greco-Roman context, referring not to a royal diadem but to a victor's wreath awarded in athletic contests (like the Olympic or Isthmian games) or as a civic honor for distinguished service. This imagery would have resonated with believers who understood life as a spiritual race or battle, where faithfulness and endurance led to a coveted prize. The mention of those "who say they are Jews and are not" ([Revelation 3:9](/revelation/3-9 "Revelation 3:9 - Synagogue of Satan")) points to internal Jewish opposition or false claims that the Philadelphian Christians faced, adding another layer to the need for steadfastness.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 3:11](/revelation/3-11 "Revelation 3:11 - Hold Fast to Your Crown") contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Revelation and the broader New Testament. The opening declaration, "Behold, I come quickly," powerfully reinforces the theme of the **Imminent Return of Christ** (the Parousia), a central eschatological expectation that pervades the book of Revelation and serves as a constant motivation for vigilance and readiness among believers, as seen in passages like [John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises to Return") and [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus' Ascension and Promise to Return"). The command to "hold that fast which thou hast" emphasizes the theme of **Perseverance and Steadfastness** in faith, highlighting that even commended believers must actively maintain their spiritual ground against potential erosion or opposition. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent call for endurance in the Christian walk, as exemplified in [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - The Need for Endurance"). Finally, the warning "that no man take thy crown" introduces the theme of **Spiritual Rewards and Accountability**, signifying that faithfulness leads to a glorious inheritance, yet this reward can be jeopardized if one falters or allows external pressures or internal compromise to diminish their commitment to Christ. This concept of a spiritual "crown" is echoed in other New Testament epistles, such as [2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This interjection serves as an emphatic call to attention, signaling an important and urgent declaration. It functions much like "Look!" or "Pay attention!" and is frequently used in prophetic or significant pronouncements in the New Testament to underscore the gravity and certainty of what is about to be said. Here, it draws the reader's focus directly to Christ's imminent return.
* **hold that fast (Greek, _kratéō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "strength" or "power," _kratéō_ signifies to seize, grasp, or retain with firmness and power. It implies a strong, determined grip, suggesting that maintaining one's spiritual possessions (faith, truth, obedience) requires active effort and resolve. It is not a passive waiting but an active, tenacious preservation against forces that would seek to loosen one's hold.
* **crown (Greek, _stéphanos'_):** This term refers specifically to a victor's wreath or garland, typically made of leaves or flowers, awarded to athletes in ancient games or to individuals for civic achievements, military triumphs, or even festive occasions. It is a symbol of honor, victory, and reward for accomplishment, distinct from a royal diadem (_diadema_). In this context, it represents the spiritual reward, honor, or eternal life promised to faithful believers who persevere to the end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I come quickly:"** This opening clause is a direct, emphatic declaration from Christ Himself, drawing immediate attention to His impending return. The adverb "quickly" (_tachý_) conveys not necessarily a rapid chronological speed, but rather the certainty, suddenness, and unexpectedness of His arrival. It serves as a constant call to vigilance and readiness for believers, emphasizing that the time of His coming is unknown but assured.
* **"hold that fast which thou hast,"** This is an urgent imperative, a direct command to the Philadelphian church and, by extension, to all believers. "That which thou hast" refers to their commendable spiritual state: their faith, their adherence to Christ's word, their endurance, their open door of opportunity, and their proven faithfulness. The command is to firmly and tenaciously retain these spiritual possessions, resisting any temptation or pressure to compromise or abandon them.
* **"that no man take thy crown."** This final clause presents the critical consequence and motivation for holding fast. The "crown" (_stéphanos_) symbolizes the spiritual reward, honor, or eternal life promised to those who remain faithful. The warning "that no man take thy crown" implies that this precious reward can be forfeited or usurped, not necessarily stolen by another person in a literal sense, but lost through spiritual negligence, compromise, or succumbing to external pressures (persecution, false teaching) or internal failings. It underscores the believer's personal responsibility to guard their spiritual inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The opening word, **"Behold,"** functions as an **Interjection** or **Imperative**, immediately grabbing the reader's attention and signaling the profound importance of the ensuing declaration. The phrase "I come quickly" creates a sense of **Anticipation** and **Urgency**, establishing an eschatological tension that demands immediate response. The command to "hold that fast" is a direct **Imperative Mood**, emphasizing the active and determined effort required from the believers. Most significantly, the "crown" is a powerful **Metaphor** for the spiritual reward, honor, and eternal life awaiting the faithful. This metaphor draws on the familiar imagery of victor's wreaths in ancient athletic games, making the concept of striving and winning a prize highly relatable. The warning "that no man take thy crown" introduces an element of **Antithesis** or **Conflict**, implying an adversarial force (whether human or spiritual) that seeks to deprive believers of their rightful reward, thereby highlighting the stakes involved in spiritual perseverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:11 profoundly connects to core theological truths regarding Christ's sovereignty, the nature of Christian perseverance, and the reality of divine reward. It asserts Christ's absolute authority over time and history, as He declares His own swift return, positioning Him as the ultimate judge and rewarder. The exhortation to "hold fast" underscores the critical role of human responsibility in maintaining faith and obedience, even as grace empowers it. This verse also highlights the preciousness of spiritual rewards, not as earned merit, but as the gracious outcome of a life lived in faithful response to God. The "crown" is a tangible symbol of God's recognition and honor for those who endure, reminding believers that their present struggles and faithfulness have eternal significance. It challenges the notion that salvation, once received, negates the need for ongoing vigilance and active pursuit of Christlikeness, emphasizing that while salvation is secure in Christ, the fullness of one's spiritual inheritance and reward can be impacted by one's perseverance.

* [1 Corinthians 9:24-27](/1_corinthians/9-24-27 "Running to Win the Prize")
* [2 Timothy 4:7-8](/2_timothy/4-7-8 "The Crown of Righteousness")
* [James 1:12](/james/1-12 "The Crown of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:11 serves as a timeless and urgent call for spiritual vigilance and unwavering perseverance for believers today. It compels us to live with an acute awareness of Christ's imminent return, allowing this profound truth to shape our priorities, actions, and attitudes. We are challenged to honestly assess what we "have" in our spiritual lives—our faith, our commitment to God's Word, our love for Christ and His people, our integrity, and our hope—and to actively "hold fast" to these precious possessions. This means guarding against the subtle erosions of complacency, the overt attacks of persecution, the deceptive allure of false teachings, and the corrosive effects of worldliness. The warning about the "crown" reminds us that our spiritual journey is not without stakes; while our salvation is secure in Christ, our future rewards and the fullness of our participation in His glory are tied to our faithfulness. This verse encourages us to live purposefully, to run the race with endurance, and to protect our spiritual inheritance with the same zeal we would protect any earthly treasure, knowing that our steadfastness is seen, valued, and will be eternally rewarded by our returning Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty and imminence of Christ's return (His coming "quickly") influence my daily decisions and long-term priorities?**
* **What specific spiritual "possessions" (e.g., faith, truth, character, ministry opportunities) do I need to actively "hold fast" to in my current season of life?**
* **What external pressures or internal struggles might threaten to "take my crown," and how can I proactively guard against them?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of vigilance and perseverance in my Christian walk, in light of the promised reward?**

### FAQ

**What does "I come quickly" mean in Revelation?**

Answer: The phrase "I come quickly" (Greek: _erchomai tachý_) does not primarily refer to a rapid chronological speed, implying that Jesus will return within a very short timeframe from John's perspective. Instead, it conveys the suddenness, certainty, and unexpectedness of Christ's return. Like a thief in the night, His coming will be swift and unannounced when it does occur, demanding constant readiness from believers. It is a theological statement about the nature of His return – it is definite, it is sudden, and it requires vigilance – rather than a precise timetable. This understanding aligns with other New Testament passages that emphasize the need for preparedness, such as [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42-44 "Matthew 24:42-44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming") and [1 Thessalonians 5:2-6](/1_thessalonians/5-2-6 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief").

**What is the "crown" mentioned in this verse, and can it truly be "taken"?**

Answer: The "crown" here is the Greek word _stéphanos_, which refers to a victor's wreath or garland, not a royal diadem (_diadema_). It symbolizes the spiritual reward, honor, and triumph granted to faithful believers for their perseverance, endurance, and obedience in the Christian life. This can include the "crown of life" ([James 1:12](/james/1-12 "James 1:12 - The Crown of Life")), the "crown of righteousness" ([2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness")), or the "crown of glory" ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Crown of Glory")). While a believer's salvation (their relationship with Christ) is secure, the "taking" of the crown refers to the potential loss of this specific reward or honor due to spiritual negligence, compromise, or succumbing to false teaching or persecution. It serves as a powerful incentive for believers to remain vigilant and faithful, ensuring they complete the race and receive the full reward promised to those who endure.

**Who is "no man" that might take the crown?**

Answer: The phrase "no man" (_mēdeís_) is comprehensive, encompassing any person or influence that could lead a believer to falter and thus forfeit their spiritual reward. This could include literal persecutors who attempt to force believers to deny Christ, false teachers who introduce doctrines that lead people astray from the truth, or even the subtle temptations and pressures of the world that cause believers to grow complacent or compromise their faith. Ultimately, it emphasizes the personal responsibility of each believer to guard their spiritual walk, remain firm in their convictions, and actively resist anything that would undermine their faithfulness to Christ and jeopardize their eternal reward. The warning is a call to active self-preservation of one's spiritual integrity and inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:11, while a direct exhortation to believers, finds its ultimate fulfillment and power in Christ Himself. He is the one who declares, "Behold, I come quickly," establishing His sovereign authority over history and time, demonstrating that the future belongs entirely to Him ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Alpha and Omega")). Our ability to "hold fast" is not rooted in our own strength, but in His empowering grace and the indwelling Holy Spirit, for it is only by abiding in Him that we can bear fruit and persevere ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")). Furthermore, the "crown" that believers are urged to protect is a participation in Christ's own victory and glory. He is the ultimate Victor, who through His death and resurrection, triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Our "crown" is not merely a personal achievement but a reflection of His perfect faithfulness and His promise to share His reign with those who overcome ([Revelation 2:26-27](/revelation/2-26-27 "Revelation 2:26-27 - Authority Over the Nations")). Thus, the call to hold fast is a call to remain intimately connected to the One who is Himself the source of our strength, the assurance of our hope, and the giver of all eternal rewards, embodying the ultimate example of perseverance even unto death ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8-9 "Philippians 2:8-9 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")).

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

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Revelation 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

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.

Revelation 2:25

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

2 Timothy 4:8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

1 Peter 5:3

Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

1 Peter 5:4

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.