Revelation 3:12

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

Him {G846} that overcometh {G3528} will I make {G4160} a pillar {G4769} in {G1722} the temple {G3485} of my {G3450} God {G2316}, and {G2532} he shall go {G1831} no {G3364} more {G2089} out {G1854}: and {G2532} I will write {G1125} upon {G1909} him {G846} the name {G3686} of my {G3450} God {G2316}, and {G2532} the name {G3686} of the city {G4172} of my {G3450} God {G2316}, which is {G3588} new {G2537} Jerusalem {G2419}, which {G3588} cometh down {G2597}{G2597} out of {G1537} heaven {G3772} from {G575} my {G3450} God {G2316}: and {G2532} I will write upon him my {G3450} new {G2537} name {G3686}.

I will make him who wins the victory a pillar in the Temple of my God, and he will never leave it. Also I will write on him the name of my God and the name of my God’s city, the new Yerushalayim coming down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name.

The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.

He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name.

Commentary

Revelation 3:12 contains a profound promise from Jesus Christ to those who persevere in faith, specifically addressed to the faithful church in Philadelphia. This verse assures believers of an eternal, secure, and intimate relationship with God, marked by divine identification and permanence in His presence.

Context

This verse is part of the letter to the church in Philadelphia, one of the seven churches of Asia Minor addressed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Unlike some other churches that received strong rebukes, Philadelphia is commended for its faithfulness, perseverance despite little strength, and for keeping Christ's word without denying His name (Revelation 3:8). The promise in verse 12 is a direct reward for their steadfastness and a powerful encouragement for all who overcome.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Overcomer's Reward: The condition "Him that overcometh" (Greek: nikao, meaning to conquer, prevail, or get the victory) is central. This recurring theme in the letters to the churches emphasizes the necessity of spiritual endurance and faithfulness in the face of trials. It is a promise to those who remain true to Christ amidst worldly pressures and spiritual opposition, echoing similar promises found in Revelation 2:7 and Revelation 2:11.
  • Permanence and Security: To be made "a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out" signifies an eternal, honored, and secure place in God's presence. In ancient architecture, pillars were vital for support and often erected as monuments to signify stability and importance. This imagery contrasts with the instability of earthly life and promises an unbreakable bond with God, ensuring eternal security and belonging in the heavenly dwelling.
  • Divine Identification and Ownership: The promise "I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name" speaks of ultimate identification and possession.
    • The Name of God: Signifies divine ownership and protection, marking the believer as belonging to God.
    • The Name of the New Jerusalem: This links the believer to the ultimate, eternal dwelling place of God's people, the New Jerusalem, which is described in greater detail in Revelation 21:10-27. It symbolizes the believer's citizenship in God's eternal kingdom.
    • My New Name: This refers to Christ's own new name, signifying a deeper, more personal revelation of His identity and a unique intimacy with the believer. It underscores a profound, transformative union with Christ, echoing the promise in Revelation 22:4 that God's name will be on His servants' foreheads.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Overcometh" (Greek: nikao): This verb is used 17 times in Revelation and is key to understanding the book's message of victory through Christ. It's not about achieving perfection but about enduring in faith and remaining loyal to Jesus despite opposition.
  • "Pillar" (Greek: stylos): Beyond a mere structural element, pillars in the ancient world often symbolized strength, stability, and even honor (e.g., James, Cephas, and John were considered "pillars" in the early church). To be a pillar in God's temple signifies an eternal, secure, and honored position.
  • "Temple" (Greek: naos): This refers to the inner sanctuary, the dwelling place of God Himself, not the entire temple complex. Thus, the promise implies an intimate and permanent presence with God in the holiest of places.

Practical Application

Revelation 3:12 offers immense encouragement and motivation for believers today:

  • Persevere in Faith: The call to "overcome" reminds us that Christian life involves spiritual warfare and perseverance. Our reward is tied to our steadfastness in Christ.
  • Assurance of Security: This verse provides deep comfort, assuring believers of their eternal security and permanent place in God's kingdom. We are not temporary residents but eternal pillars in His dwelling.
  • Identity in Christ: Understanding that God's name, the New Jerusalem's name, and Christ's new name will be written upon us underscores our transformed identity and ultimate belonging to Him. This divine branding gives us purpose and confidence.
  • Look to the Future Hope: The promise of the New Jerusalem directs our gaze to the ultimate hope of the believer – a perfect, eternal home with God, free from all sorrow and evil (Revelation 21:4).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 22:4 (20 votes)

    And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads.

  • Revelation 21:2 (15 votes)

    And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

  • Revelation 14:1 (12 votes)

    ¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

  • Galatians 2:9 (11 votes)

    And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

  • Jeremiah 1:18 (10 votes)

    For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

  • Revelation 2:17 (9 votes)

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

  • Hebrews 12:22 (8 votes)

    But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,