Revelation 3:13

KJV

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that hath {G2192} an ear {G3775}, let him hear {G191} what {G5101} the Spirit {G4151} saith {G3004} unto the churches {G1577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities.”’

Berean Standard Bible

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

American Standard Version

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:13 serves as a profound and universal concluding exhortation within the letters to the seven churches, urging all who possess spiritual receptivity to attentively heed the divine message conveyed by the Holy Spirit. This imperative call transcends its immediate context within the letter to Laodicea, underscoring the critical importance of discerning and obedient listening for every believer and congregation throughout history, as God continues to communicate His truth and will to His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the concluding refrain for each of the seven letters dictated by Jesus Christ to the churches in Asia Minor, found in [Revelation chapters 2 and 3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira") and [Revelation chapters 2 and 3](/revelation/3 "Revelation 3 - Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea"). Its placement at the end of each specific message—whether commendation, rebuke, or exhortation—elevates its significance, transforming it from a mere closing statement into a powerful, universal imperative. While it immediately follows the severe rebuke to the lukewarm church of Laodicea in [Revelation 3:14-22](/revelation/3-14-22 "Revelation 3:14-22 - Message to Laodicea"), its consistent repetition across all seven letters signals that the call to "hear what the Spirit saith" is not limited to one congregation but is a foundational requirement for all who claim to be part of Christ's body. This structural repetition emphasizes the unified source and universal applicability of the divine communication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The seven churches addressed in Revelation (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea) were real congregations situated in significant cities of the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey). These cities were centers of commerce, Roman imperial cult worship, and diverse religious practices. Believers in these churches faced unique pressures, including economic boycotts, social ostracism, persecution, and the allure of syncretism. The call to "hear" would have resonated deeply within a culture where public pronouncements, prophetic utterances, and philosophical discourses were common. However, this hearing was not merely auditory; it was a call to spiritual discernment in an environment saturated with competing voices and ideologies. The phrase itself echoes ancient prophetic calls for Israel to listen to God's word, reminding the churches that their ultimate allegiance and source of truth lay with Christ and His Spirit, not the surrounding pagan or imperial demands.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes embodied in [Revelation 3:13](/revelation/3-13 "Revelation 3:13 - Call to Hear the Spirit") are multifaceted. Firstly, it highlights the **divine authority and ongoing communication** of Christ through the Holy Spirit to His church. The messages are not human opinions but direct pronouncements from the Lord. Secondly, it underscores the imperative of **spiritual discernment and attentive hearing**. The phrase "He that hath an ear" implies that not all who physically hear will spiritually comprehend or respond. It is a call to cultivate a posture of humility and openness to divine truth, distinguishing it from mere intellectual assent, as seen in Jesus's parables (e.g., [Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - Parable of the Sower")). Thirdly, the repetition "unto the churches" emphasizes the **universal relevance and corporate responsibility** of these messages. While specific to historical congregations, the principles of faithfulness, repentance, and perseverance apply to the entire global church throughout all ages. This theme of universal applicability is crucial for understanding the enduring power of Revelation's message for contemporary believers, as highlighted in [Revelation 1:3](/revelation/1-3 "Revelation 1:3 - Blessed is the one who reads").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ear (Greek, _oûs_):** This term refers to the physical organ of hearing, but in this spiritual context, it signifies the faculty of spiritual perception and receptivity. It implies a readiness and capacity, granted by God, to apprehend divine truth beyond mere auditory sensation. To "have an ear" is to possess a spiritual sensitivity that allows one to discern and understand the deeper meaning of God's communication, distinguishing it from those who hear but do not truly perceive (e.g., [Matthew 13:13](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13 - Why Jesus speaks in parables")).
* **Hear (Greek, _akoúō_):** More than just passive listening, _akoúō_ in this imperative sense denotes an active, discerning, and obedient reception of a message. It implies not only understanding but also a willingness to respond to what is heard. This kind of hearing leads to action and transformation, as opposed to simply processing sounds. It is the kind of hearing that leads to faith and obedience, as seen in the call to hear the voice of the Shepherd in [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice").
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma_):** In this context, _pneûma_ unequivocally refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The Spirit is the divine agent through whom Christ communicates His messages to the churches. This highlights the Spirit's role as the revealer of truth, the interpreter of Christ's will, and the empowerer of believers to understand and obey God's word. The Spirit's voice is authoritative and divine, making the call to hear an imperative to listen to God Himself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that hath an ear":** This opening clause functions as a selective invitation, addressing not just anyone, but specifically those who possess a spiritual capacity or willingness to receive divine revelation. It suggests an internal readiness, a spiritual faculty that enables one to perceive and comprehend truths that are not accessible through mere physical hearing or intellectual reasoning alone. It is a call to individual spiritual responsibility and discernment.
* **"let him hear":** This is a direct command, an imperative that demands active and intentional listening. It moves beyond passive reception to an engaged process of understanding, internalizing, and responding to the message. The emphasis is on a hearing that leads to comprehension and, by implication, obedience and transformation. It is a call to action based on what is perceived.
* **"what the Spirit saith":** This phrase identifies the authoritative source and content of the message. The "Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, who is the divine mouthpiece for Christ's messages to the churches. This confirms that the words being spoken are not human opinions or interpretations but divinely inspired truth, carrying the full weight of God's authority. It underscores the Spirit's ongoing role in communicating God's will to His people.
* **"unto the churches":** While the phrase concludes each of the seven individual letters, the plural "churches" broadens the scope of the message. It signifies that the divine communication, and the imperative to hear it, is not confined to a single congregation or a specific historical period. Instead, it is universally applicable to the entire body of Christ across all time and geographical locations, emphasizing the corporate responsibility of the church to listen and respond to the Spirit's ongoing guidance.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 3:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Idiom**, as "He that hath an ear, let him hear" is a well-known proverbial phrase frequently used by Jesus throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 11:15](/matthew/11-15 "Matthew 11:15 - Jesus on John the Baptist")). Its repetition here signifies a continuity of divine communication and underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment. The phrase also utilizes **Imperative Mood** ("let him hear"), transforming a general observation into a direct command, demanding a specific response from the audience. Furthermore, the concept of the Spirit "saith" employs a subtle form of **Personification**, attributing human speech to the divine Spirit, thereby emphasizing the active and personal nature of God's communication with His people. Finally, the **Repetition** of this entire verse at the close of each of the seven letters in Revelation 2-3 serves as a powerful rhetorical device, highlighting its universal significance and ensuring its impact on every reader and hearer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:13 stands as a theological cornerstone, emphasizing God's continuous and active communication with His people through the Holy Spirit. It highlights the divine expectation that believers will not merely hear sounds but will engage in a deep, spiritual listening that leads to understanding, conviction, and obedience. This verse underscores the Spirit's vital role as the interpreter and conveyer of Christ's will to the church, making the messages not just historical artifacts but living words relevant for every generation. The call to hear is intrinsically linked to the concept of covenant faithfulness, where God speaks and His people are called to respond in trust and obedience, shaping their corporate and individual lives in anticipation of Christ's return.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel!")
* [Luke 8:8](/luke/8-8 "Luke 8:8 - Parable of the Sower: Who has ears to hear, let him hear")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:13 is a timeless summons to cultivate a posture of profound spiritual attentiveness. In a world saturated with noise and competing voices, this verse challenges us, both individually and corporately as the church, to prioritize listening to the singular, authoritative voice of the Holy Spirit. It demands more than passive reception; it calls for active discernment, humility to receive correction, and courage to obey challenging truths. Are we truly listening for what the Spirit is saying to *our* church, to *our* lives, in *this* season? This requires intentional quietness, prayer, deep engagement with Scripture, and openness to prophetic insight. The Spirit continues to speak, guiding, comforting, rebuking, and preparing the church for Christ's glorious return. Our spiritual vitality and effectiveness depend on our willingness to truly hear and respond to His ongoing communication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our church's life might we be "hearing" but not truly "listening" to the Spirit's guidance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more attentive and discerning ear to the Holy Spirit's voice in my daily life?**
* **How might our church collectively improve its capacity to hear and obey what the Spirit is saying to us in this present age?**

### FAQ
**Why is this phrase repeated so often in Revelation?**

Answer: The repetition of "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" at the conclusion of each of the seven letters (found in [Revelation chapters 2 and 3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Letters to the Churches") and [Revelation chapters 2 and 3](/revelation/3 "Revelation 3 - Letters to the Churches")) serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the universal applicability and timeless relevance of the messages. While each letter addresses specific issues within a particular historical church, the concluding call ensures that the principles, warnings, and promises are intended for all believers and congregations throughout history. Secondly, it highlights the divine authority of the messages, affirming that they originate from the Holy Spirit, who is conveying Christ's mind to His church. Thirdly, the repetition acts as a rhetorical device, underscoring the critical importance of spiritual discernment and active obedience. It's a solemn and urgent summons, ensuring that the reader grasps the gravity of what has been said and the necessity of a personal and corporate response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:13 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing reality of Jesus Christ as the living Head of the Church, actively communicating His will and truth through the Holy Spirit. The "Spirit" who "saith unto the churches" is none other than the Spirit of Christ, sent by the Father to continue the work of revelation and guidance that Jesus initiated during His earthly ministry (as promised in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). This verse powerfully affirms Christ's present reign and His intimate involvement in the affairs of His people, speaking prophetically to correct, encourage, and prepare them for His glorious return. To "hear what the Spirit saith" is, therefore, to hear the voice of the resurrected Lord, who continues to shepherd His flock, revealing His truth and calling them to deeper communion and faithfulness. This divine communication through the Spirit ensures that the church remains aligned with Christ's purposes, empowered to live out His mission until He comes again (as seen in [Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "Revelation 22:17 - The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come!'")).

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 2:7

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 tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.