Revelation 3:20

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Revelation 3:20 presents a profound and tender invitation from Jesus Christ, directed initially to the lukewarm church in Laodicea but echoing through time as a universal appeal. It portrays Jesus not as a forceful conqueror, but as a gentle suitor, patiently seeking entry and intimate fellowship.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' closing message to the seven churches in Asia Minor, specifically addressing the church of Laodicea, which He describes as "lukewarm" (Revelation 3:16). They were self-sufficient and believed they had no need, yet Jesus saw them as "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17). Despite their spiritual apathy and self-deception, Christ stands outside, offering a path to true spiritual wealth and intimate communion, rather than forcing His way in.

Key Themes

  • Divine Invitation and Initiative: Jesus actively seeks fellowship. The phrase "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock" emphasizes Christ's persistent and personal invitation to every individual heart. He initiates the approach, demonstrating His desire for a relationship.
  • Human Free Will and Response: The condition "if any man hear my voice, and open the door" highlights the crucial role of human volition. Salvation and genuine spiritual fellowship are not forced but require a conscious, willing response to Christ's call. Hearing His voice implies spiritual discernment, and opening the door signifies a personal act of surrender and acceptance.
  • Intimate Fellowship and Communion: The promise "I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" speaks of profound intimacy. In ancient cultures, sharing a meal (supping) was a deeply personal act of hospitality, friendship, and communion. It signifies a shared life, mutual enjoyment, and abiding presence with Christ, both now and eternally. This promise extends beyond salvation to ongoing, deepening relationship.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sup" is deipneo (δεῖπνον), referring to the main evening meal. This was typically the most significant meal of the day, shared not just for sustenance but as a time of fellowship, conversation, and bonding with family and close friends. Its use here underscores the depth of the personal relationship and hospitality Jesus offers, a spiritual communion that transcends mere acquaintance.

Practical 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 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 of Christ. It reminds us that hearing Jesus' voice and responding is key to a dynamic, living faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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