Revelation 3:20

KJV

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {G2400}, I stand {G2476} at {G1909} the door {G2374}, and {G2532} knock {G2925}: if {G1437} any man {G5100} hear {G191} my {G3450} voice {G5456}, and {G2532} open {G455} the door {G2374}, I will come in {G1525} to {G4314} him {G846}, and {G2532} will sup {G1172} with {G3326} him {G846}, and {G2532} he {G846} with {G3326} me {G1700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here, I’m standing at the door, knocking. If someone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

American Standard Version

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:20 presents a tender and profound invitation from Jesus Christ, initially directed to the complacent church in Laodicea, yet resonating as a universal appeal to all. It depicts Christ not as a forceful invader, but as a patient, loving suitor, actively seeking entry and intimate fellowship with individuals. The verse underscores divine initiative, human free will in response, and the promise of deep, mutual communion for those who welcome Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea, the last of the seven churches addressed in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2 "Letters to the Seven Churches"). Each letter follows a similar pattern: an address from Christ, commendation (or lack thereof), rebuke, exhortation, and a promise to those who overcome. The Laodicean church receives no commendation, only a severe rebuke for its spiritual apathy and self-deception, being described as "lukewarm" ([Revelation 3:16](/revelation/3-16 "Revelation 3:16 - The Lukewarm Church")). Despite their deplorable spiritual state, Christ stands outside, offering a path to genuine spiritual wealth and intimate communion, highlighting His persistent love even in the face of indifference.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Laodicea was a wealthy city, renowned for its banking, textile industry (producing black wool), and a famous eye-salve. Ironically, Jesus critiques them for being "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" ([Revelation 3:17](/revelation/3-17 "Revelation 3:17 - Laodicea's Spiritual Poverty")), directly addressing their perceived strengths. The city's water supply, piped from distant hot springs (Hierapolis) and cold springs (Colossae), arrived lukewarm and often caused nausea, a vivid metaphor for their spiritual condition. Christ's offer of "gold refined by fire," "white garments," and "eye-salve" ([Revelation 3:18](/revelation/3-18 "Revelation 3:18 - Christ's Counsel to Laodicea")) directly counters their material pride with a call to true spiritual riches, purity, and discernment.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is Christ's persistent love and desire for genuine relationship, even with a spiritually apathetic church. It highlights the **divine initiative** in seeking humanity, as Jesus actively stands and knocks. Simultaneously, it emphasizes **human responsibility and free will**, as the invitation is conditional upon hearing His voice and opening the door. The promise of "supping with him" speaks to themes of **intimate fellowship and communion**, echoing the covenant meal imagery found throughout scripture and foreshadowing the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). This verse also underscores the **transformative power of Christ's presence**, offering true spiritual wealth in contrast to worldly self-sufficiency.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stand (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This word (G2476) means "to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications." Here, it signifies Christ's active posture of readiness and availability. He is not merely passing by or waiting passively, but is positioned at the door, indicating a deliberate and persistent presence, ready to enter upon invitation. It conveys a sense of enduring patience and a continued offer.
* **knock (Greek, _kroúō'_):** This verb (G2925) means "to rap." It implies a gentle, non-coercive action. Jesus does not force His way in; His knocking is an appeal, an invitation, a respectful gesture that honors human free will. It suggests a persistent but humble request for entry, underscoring His desire for a relationship based on willing consent, not compulsion.
* **sup (Greek, _deipnéō'_):** Derived from _deîpnon_ (the main meal), this word (G1172) means "to dine, i.e., take the principal (or evening) meal." In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal, especially the evening meal, was a profound act of hospitality, friendship, and intimate communion. It signified a deep bond, shared life, and mutual enjoyment. Its use here elevates the promised fellowship with Christ far beyond a mere acquaintance, pointing to a rich, abiding, and life-sustaining relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock":** This opening phrase immediately draws attention to Christ's active and persistent initiative. "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) serves as an imperative, urging the listener to observe this crucial truth. Jesus is depicted as being physically present at the threshold, not distant or indifferent. His "knocking" is a gentle, yet persistent, call for attention and an invitation to open the door, respecting the individual's autonomy.
* **"if any man hear my voice, and open the door":** This crucial conditional clause highlights the human element of response. The invitation is universal ("if any man"), but requires two specific actions: "hear my voice" and "open the door." "Hearing" (G191, _akoúō_) implies not just physical perception, but spiritual discernment, understanding, and obedience. "Opening the door" (G455, _anoígō_) signifies a conscious act of welcoming, a volitional surrender and acceptance of Christ's invitation into one's life.
* **"I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me":** This is the profound promise of intimate communion. Upon the individual's response, Christ promises to "come in" (G1525, _eisérchomai_), signifying His entry into their life. The phrase "will sup with him, and he with me" (G1172, _deipnéō_) speaks of a mutual, reciprocal fellowship of the deepest kind. It denotes a shared life, a spiritual intimacy, and an abiding presence, symbolizing a relationship of trust, friendship, and shared sustenance, both spiritual and relational.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 3:20 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The "door" is a powerful **metaphor** for the human heart or the threshold of one's life, representing the point of decision and entry. Christ's action of "standing at the door, and knocking" is an instance of **Personification**, attributing human actions to the divine, making His invitation relatable and personal. The act of "supping" (sharing a meal) is highly **symbolic**, representing deep, intimate fellowship, communion, and shared life, a concept deeply rooted in ancient cultural practices and biblical covenant theology. The entire verse functions as an **Allegory**, where the literal actions (standing, knocking, opening, supping) represent a spiritual reality of Christ's persistent pursuit of relationship and the reciprocal human response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:20 stands as a profound testament to God's relentless grace and His respect for human free will. It underscores the New Testament emphasis on a personal relationship with Christ, not merely adherence to religious rituals. While the immediate context is a church that has grown cold, the invitation extends to all, demonstrating that even in spiritual apathy, Christ actively seeks reconciliation and communion. This verse beautifully balances divine initiative with human responsibility, showing that while God initiates, He awaits a willing response, promising a depth of intimacy that transforms life from within. It highlights the ongoing nature of Christian life as a journey of deepening fellowship with the Savior.

* [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")
* [Song of Solomon 5:2](/song_of_solomon/5-2 "Song of Solomon 5:2 - The Beloved Knocks")
* [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - God Dwells with Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:20 is one of the most beloved and frequently quoted verses, often used in evangelism to illustrate Jesus' desire for a personal relationship with every individual. It serves as a powerful reminder that Christ stands at the door of each heart, patiently waiting for an invitation to enter. For those who have not yet welcomed Him, it is a tender call to open the door of their lives to the Savior. For believers, it's an ongoing call to deeper intimacy. Even within the church, individuals can become "lukewarm" or allow Christ to be relegated to the periphery of their lives. This verse encourages a continual opening of the heart to Jesus, allowing Him full access to every area, leading to renewed spiritual vitality and a richer, abiding presence. It reminds us that hearing Jesus' voice and responding is key to a dynamic, living faith, transforming us from self-sufficiency to Christ-sufficiency.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I have unknowingly closed the door to Christ, or relegated Him to a less central position?**
* **How am I actively "hearing" Christ's voice in my daily life, and what steps am I taking to "open the door" in response?**
* **What does "supping with Christ" look like practically in my spiritual walk, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of intimate fellowship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Is Revelation 3:20 primarily for evangelism, or does it apply to believers too?**

Answer: While Revelation 3:20 is widely and effectively used in evangelism to invite individuals to accept Christ, its original context is a message to a church—specifically, the lukewarm church in Laodicea. This indicates that the invitation is not solely for those outside the faith, but also for believers who may have grown spiritually apathetic, self-sufficient, or have allowed Christ to be marginalized in their lives. Therefore, it applies both as an initial call to salvation and as an ongoing call to deeper intimacy, repentance, and renewed fellowship for those who already profess faith in Christ. It reminds all that Christ desires a vibrant, active relationship, not just a nominal one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:20 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the ultimate Host and the very embodiment of divine invitation and communion. He is the one who initiates reconciliation, not waiting for humanity to perfectly prepare itself, but coming to us in our spiritual poverty and blindness, as described in [Revelation 3:17-18](/revelation/3-17-18 "Revelation 3:17-18 - Christ's Counsel to Laodicea"). This image of Christ knocking at the door echoes His own teaching that He is the "door" through whom one must enter to find salvation and abundant life ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). The promise of "supping with Him" foreshadows the ultimate Messianic banquet, the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where believers will enjoy eternal, perfect communion with Christ. Furthermore, this verse beautifully reflects Jesus' character as the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the one who desires to dwell within His followers, making His abode with them ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - God Dwells with Believers")), a profound reality made possible through His atoning work and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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

Luke 12:36

And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Luke 12:37

Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Revelation 19:9

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Matthew 24:33

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.

Song Of Solomon 5:2

¶ I sleep, but my heart waketh: [it is] the voice of my beloved that knocketh, [saying], Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, [and] my locks with the drops of the night.