Revelation 3:18

KJV

I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

KJV (with Strong's)

I counsel {G4823} thee {G4671} to buy {G59} of {G3844} me {G1700} gold {G5553} tried {G4448} in {G1537} the fire {G4442}, that {G2443} thou mayest be rich {G4147}; and {G2532} white {G3022} raiment {G2440}, that {G2443} thou mayest be clothed {G4016}, and {G2532} that the shame {G152} of thy {G4675} nakedness {G1132} do {G5319} not {G3361} appear {G5319}; and {G2532} anoint {G1472} thine {G4675} eyes {G3788} with eyesalve {G2854}, that {G2443} thou mayest see {G991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My advice to you is to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich; and white clothing, so that you may be dressed and not have to be ashamed of your nakedness; and eyesalve to rub on your eyes, so that you may see.

Berean Standard Bible

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

American Standard Version

I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:18 presents Jesus Christ's urgent and compassionate counsel to the self-deceived church in Laodicea, offering three vital spiritual remedies to counteract their perceived material wealth and spiritual destitution. He calls them to acquire true spiritual riches—a faith purified by trial—to be clothed in His righteousness, and to receive divine insight to see their true condition and His truth, thereby exposing their spiritual poverty, nakedness, and blindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic and most direct counsel within Jesus's message to the church in Laodicea, the last of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Preceding this verse, Jesus delivers a scathing indictment in [Revelation 3:15-17](/revelation/3-15-17 "Revelation 3:15-17 - The Lukewarm Laodiceans"), declaring them "lukewarm" and detailing their self-deception: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Verse 3:18 immediately follows this diagnosis, presenting the divine antidote to their spiritual maladies. The subsequent verses ([Revelation 3:19-22](/revelation/3-19-22 "Revelation 3:19-22 - Christ's Call to Repentance and Intimacy")) transition to a call for repentance, a promise of intimate fellowship, and the ultimate reward for those who overcome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Laodicea was a highly prosperous city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for three primary industries. First, it was a major banking center, accumulating vast wealth. Second, it was famous for its production of high-quality black wool, derived from local sheep, which was exported widely. Third, it housed a celebrated medical school, particularly known for its ophthalmic remedies, including a popular eyesalve (Phrygian powder) used to treat eye conditions. Ironically, these very strengths became metaphors for the church's spiritual weaknesses. Their material wealth bred spiritual self-sufficiency, their fine clothing contrasted with their spiritual nakedness, and their famous eyesalve highlighted their profound spiritual blindness, as articulated by Christ in [Revelation 3:17](/revelation/3-17 "Revelation 3:17 - Laodicea's Self-Deception").
* **Key Themes:** The central themes in this passage revolve around the stark contrast between worldly prosperity and spiritual poverty, and the divine provision for genuine spiritual transformation. The theme of **true wealth** versus material riches is paramount, as Jesus offers "gold tried in the fire" as the only enduring treasure, directly challenging their reliance on earthly riches. The theme of **righteousness and purity** is conveyed through the "white raiment," symbolizing Christ's covering for their spiritual nakedness, emphasizing that true standing before God is by His grace, not human merit. Finally, **spiritual discernment** is a critical theme, with the "eyesalve" representing the divine illumination needed to perceive spiritual truth and one's true condition, contrasting sharply with the city's celebrated physical medicine. These themes collectively underscore the call for radical repentance and absolute dependence on Christ for all spiritual needs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **buy (Greek, _agorázō'_):** From ἀγορά (agora), meaning "market-place." Properly, to go to market, by implication, to purchase. Specially, it can mean to redeem. In this context, it implies a transaction, not necessarily with money, but with spiritual earnestness and commitment, a willingness to relinquish self-sufficiency to acquire something of ultimate value from Christ.
* **nakedness (Greek, _gymnótēs'_):** From γυμνός (gymnos), meaning "naked." It denotes nudity, either absolute or comparative. Here, it signifies spiritual exposure, shame, and vulnerability before God due to sin and lack of righteousness, a condition the Laodiceans were oblivious to despite their fine garments.
* **eyesalve (Greek, _kolloúrion'_):** Neuter of a presumed derivative of a cake (probably akin to the base of κολλάω, meaning "to glue"). Properly, a poultice (as made of or in the form of crackers), by analogy, a plaster. This refers to a specific medicinal ointment for the eyes. Spiritually, it represents divine anointing or revelation necessary to heal spiritual blindness and gain true insight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich":** Jesus, as the divine counselor, offers a remedy for their spiritual poverty. The "gold tried in the fire" symbolizes a faith that has been purified and proven through trials, genuine and enduring, unlike their fleeting material wealth. This true spiritual richness comes only from Him, implying a spiritual transaction where they must surrender their self-sufficiency to receive His invaluable provision.
* **"and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear":** This command addresses their spiritual nakedness and the shame of their sin. "White raiment" represents Christ's imputed righteousness, purity, and the covering of salvation. By being clothed in it, their spiritual vulnerability and the disgrace of their unrighteousness would be hidden, signifying a divine provision for their spiritual defilement.
* **"and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see":** This final counsel targets their spiritual blindness. The "eyesalve" is a metaphor for divine illumination and spiritual discernment. Just as Laodicea was known for its physical eye medicine, Jesus offers a spiritual remedy to open their eyes to their true spiritual condition, to understand God's truth, and to perceive His will, enabling them to move from self-deception to clear spiritual vision.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 3:18 is rich in **Symbolism**, employing three powerful metaphors that directly counter Laodicea's material strengths: "gold tried in the fire" symbolizes spiritual wealth and purified faith, contrasting with their material riches; "white raiment" represents Christ's righteousness and purity, covering their spiritual nakedness; and "eyesalve" signifies divine illumination and spiritual discernment, healing their spiritual blindness. This use of **Irony** is profound, as Jesus uses the very things Laodicea prided itself on (wealth, fine textiles, eye medicine) to highlight their spiritual deficiencies. The entire verse functions as an extended **Metaphor**, where physical items represent spiritual realities, urging the church to shift its focus from external appearances to internal spiritual truth. The repeated phrase "that thou mayest..." emphasizes the **Purpose** of Christ's counsel, highlighting the intended outcome of spiritual transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the New Testament's consistent emphasis on spiritual realities over material possessions, and the absolute necessity of Christ's provision for salvation and sanctification. It highlights that true wealth is not found in earthly goods but in a purified faith and a relationship with Christ, which ends through trials. The concept of being clothed in white raiment points to the doctrine of imputed righteousness, where believers are declared righteous not by their own works but by Christ's perfect life and atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, the need for spiritual eyesalve speaks to the Holy Spirit's role in granting discernment and understanding of divine truth, without which humanity remains spiritually blind to its true condition and God's saving grace.

* [Isaiah 55:1-2](/isaiah/55-1-2 "Isaiah 55:1-2 - Invitation to Spiritual Riches")
* [Philippians 3:7-9](/philippians/3-7-9 "Philippians 3:7-9 - Paul's Pursuit of Christ's Righteousness")
* [Ephesians 1:17-18](/ephesians/1-17-18 "Ephesians 1:17-18 - Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom and Revelation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:18 is a timeless call to radical self-assessment and absolute dependence on Christ. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and derive our sense of security and value. Are we, like the Laodiceans, subtly relying on our own achievements, resources, or even spiritual activities, believing we "have need of nothing"? Or are we humbly acknowledging our spiritual poverty, nakedness, and blindness, and actively seeking Christ's transformative provision? This verse compels us to prioritize cultivating a faith refined by trials, embracing Christ's righteousness as our only covering, and continually seeking the Holy Spirit's illumination to truly see and walk in God's truth. It is a powerful reminder that genuine spiritual prosperity is not about what we accumulate, but what we receive from the One who possesses all true riches.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be self-deceived about my spiritual condition, similar to the Laodiceans?**
* **What does "gold tried in the fire" mean for my faith journey, and how am I allowing trials to purify my trust in Christ?**
* **How does understanding Christ's "white raiment" impact my view of my own righteousness and my reliance on His grace?**
* **What spiritual "eyesalve" do I need from Christ today to see myself, others, or God's truth more clearly?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus tell them to "buy" these spiritual gifts if salvation is free?**

Answer: The command to "buy" (Greek, _agorázō'_) does not imply a monetary transaction for salvation, which is freely given by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Instead, it signifies a spiritual exchange or commitment. The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, believing they had no needs. To "buy" from Christ means to relinquish their self-reliance and perceived wealth, to acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy, and to earnestly seek and receive from Him what they truly lack. It implies a willingness to give up their pride, independence, and worldly values in exchange for Christ's invaluable spiritual provisions. It's a call to prioritize and invest in eternal realities over fleeting earthly ones, demonstrating a true desire for what only Christ can provide.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself, as He is the very source and substance of the spiritual remedies He offers. He is the "gold tried in the fire," representing the purity of His divine nature and the perfection of His obedience, which endured the ultimate trial of the cross, providing the foundation for our true spiritual riches ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). He is the "white raiment," for He is our righteousness, and through His atoning sacrifice, we are clothed in His perfect holiness, covering the shame of our spiritual nakedness before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us, That We Might Be Made the Righteousness of God")). Furthermore, Christ is the divine "eyesalve," the Light of the World ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), who opens the eyes of the blind, granting spiritual discernment and understanding through the Holy Spirit. He is the one who reveals truth and exposes sin, enabling us to see our true condition and the glorious reality of His saving grace ([John 9:39-41](/john/9-39-41 "John 9:39-41 - Jesus Comes to Bring Sight to the Blind")). Thus, every aspect of the counsel in [Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - Christ's Counsel to Laodicea") points to Christ as the complete and sufficient provision for humanity's deepest spiritual needs, inviting all to come to Him and receive life in abundance.

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 16:15

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Isaiah 55:1

¶ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Revelation 19:8

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

Malachi 3:3

And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Revelation 7:13

¶ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

Matthew 13:44

¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.