Revelation 3:3

KJV

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {G3421} therefore {G3767} how {G4459} thou hast received {G2983} and {G2532} heard {G191}, and {G2532} hold fast {G5083}, and {G2532} repent {G3340}. If {G3362} therefore {G3767} thou shalt {G1127} not {G3362} watch {G1127}, I will come {G2240} on {G1909} thee {G4571} as {G5613} a thief {G2812}, and {G2532} thou shalt {G1097} not {G3364} know {G1097} what {G4169} hour {G5610} I will come {G2240} upon {G1909} thee {G4571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and turn from your sin! For if you don’t wake up, I will come like a thief; and you don’t know at what moment I will come upon you.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

American Standard Version

Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:3 delivers a solemn and urgent mandate from Jesus Christ to the church in Sardis, a community outwardly perceived as vibrant but inwardly spiritually moribund. The message calls for a profound act of remembrance regarding their initial spiritual reception and hearing of the Gospel, an immediate and steadfast adherence to those foundational truths, and a decisive turning from their current state of apathy. It culminates in a stark warning: failure to maintain spiritual vigilance will result in Christ's unexpected arrival, likened to a thief, bringing judgment at an unknown hour.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Christ's third letter to the seven churches in Asia Minor, specifically addressed to the church in Sardis, as recorded in [Revelation 3:1-6](/revelation/3-1-6 "Revelation 3:1-6 - Letter to the Church in Sardis"). Following the commendations and rebukes to Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum, the message to Sardis stands out for its almost complete lack of commendation, save for a "few names" who had not defiled their garments ([Revelation 3:4](/revelation/3-4 "Revelation 3:4 - Few Undefiled in Sardis")). The preceding verse, [Revelation 3:2](/revelation/3-2 "Revelation 3:2 - Wake Up, Sardis!"), directly sets the stage by commanding them to "be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die," highlighting their precarious spiritual condition. Verse 3 then elaborates on the necessary actions—remembering, holding fast, and repenting—and underscores the grave consequences of neglecting these commands, emphasizing the suddenness of Christ's coming as a judgment on their spiritual slumber.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sardis was an ancient and historically significant city, once the capital of the Lydian kingdom, renowned for its wealth and military strength. However, it had a history of falling to surprise attacks due to overconfidence and lack of vigilance, notably to Cyrus the Great in 546 BC and Antiochus III in 214 BC. Its acropolis, thought impregnable, was twice breached by stealth. This historical vulnerability to unexpected invasion serves as a powerful and ironic backdrop for Christ's warning to the church. Culturally, Sardis was a center for the worship of Cybele, a goddess whose cult involved elaborate rituals and a focus on outward display rather than inward transformation. This societal emphasis on reputation and external appearance likely influenced the church, leading to its "name that thou livest, and art dead" ([Revelation 3:1](/revelation/3-1 "Revelation 3:1 - The Reputation of Sardis")). The warning of Christ coming "as a thief" would have resonated deeply with the collective memory and historical trauma of the city's past.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this letter, and particularly in [Revelation 3:3](/revelation/3-3 "Revelation 3:3 - Remember, Repent, Watch"), is the critical importance of **spiritual vigilance and authenticity**. The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was spiritually dead, underscoring the theme of **hypocrisy versus genuine faith**. The call to "remember," "hold fast," and "repent" highlights the necessity of **returning to foundational truths and initial commitment**, echoing similar calls to other churches like Ephesus ([Revelation 2:5](/revelation/2-5 "Revelation 2:5 - Repent and Do the First Works")). The warning of Christ's sudden coming "as a thief" reinforces the **imminence of divine accountability and judgment** for those who remain spiritually unprepared, a motif found throughout the New Testament concerning the Lord's return ([Matthew 24:43-44](/matthew/24-43-44 "Matthew 24:43-44 - The Unexpected Coming of the Son of Man"); [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")). This passage emphasizes that true faith is not a static possession but a dynamic, active state requiring constant watchfulness and responsiveness to God's call.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Greek, _mnēmoneúō'_):** This verb signifies more than mere mental recall; it implies an active engagement with past experiences or truths, bringing them to mind with a view to their present application. In this context, it is a command to actively recollect the initial reception of the Gospel and the truths they heard, not as a nostalgic exercise, but as a basis for renewed commitment and action. It suggests that the church in Sardis had forgotten or neglected the very foundations of their faith.
* **Repent (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** This powerful term denotes a fundamental change of mind, leading to a change of heart and behavior. It is not merely regret or sorrow for past actions but a decisive turning away from a former way of life or thinking and a turning towards God. For Sardis, it meant a radical shift from their spiritual apathy and dead works to a vibrant, active faith consistent with their initial calling.
* **Watch (Greek, _grēgoreúō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to keep awake," this word signifies spiritual alertness, vigilance, and readiness. It implies being spiritually awake, attentive to God's will, and prepared for Christ's coming or any divine visitation. The opposite of watching is spiritual slumber or complacency, which characterized the church in Sardis.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard":** This clause serves as a poignant reminder of the Sardian church's past spiritual vitality. "Received" (lambánō) refers to the active appropriation of the Gospel message and spiritual gifts, while "heard" (akoúō) points to the initial proclamation and understanding of divine truth. The emphasis is on the manner ("how") in which they embraced these truths—likely with initial fervor and conviction—contrasting sharply with their present lukewarm state. It's a call to recall their first love and the pure doctrine they initially embraced.
* **"and hold fast, and repent.":** These are two urgent, interconnected imperatives. "Hold fast" (tēréō) means to guard, preserve, or keep diligently. It commands them to cling firmly to the truths and spiritual vitality they had received, preventing further decay. This is immediately followed by "repent" (metanoéō), which demands a complete change of mind and direction from their spiritual deadness. It's a call to turn from their present apathy and return to active faith and obedience.
* **"If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief":** This is a conditional warning, highlighting the consequence of disobedience. "If...not watch" (eàn mḗ grēgoreúō) directly links their failure to maintain spiritual vigilance with Christ's impending action. The metaphor "as a thief" (kléptēs) emphasizes the unexpected, sudden, and unwelcome nature of His coming for the unprepared, implying judgment rather than blessing. It signifies a surprise visitation that will catch them off guard.
* **"and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.":** This final clause reinforces the element of surprise and uncertainty. The lack of knowing the "hour" (hṓra) underscores the futility of trying to predict Christ's timing and the absolute necessity of constant readiness. For the unwatchful, this ignorance will lead to being caught unprepared for divine assessment or judgment, resulting in spiritual loss or condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 3:3 is rich with rhetorical and literary devices that amplify its urgent message. The use of **Imperative Mood** in "Remember," "hold fast," and "repent" conveys the absolute urgency and non-negotiable nature of Christ's commands. The most prominent device is **Simile**, where Christ declares, "I will come on thee as a thief." This comparison vividly portrays the unexpected and unwelcome nature of His arrival for those who are spiritually unprepared, much like a thief who comes unannounced to plunder. It evokes a sense of suddenness and potential loss. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** between the church's past reception of truth and their present spiritual deadness, and between their outward reputation and inward reality. The entire passage functions as a **Warning**, designed to shock the complacent church into immediate action, leveraging their historical vulnerability to surprise attacks to underscore the spiritual danger they face.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:3 profoundly underscores the New Testament emphasis on perseverance in faith and the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance. It teaches that an initial profession of faith is insufficient; true discipleship demands continuous adherence to truth, active repentance from spiritual complacency, and a posture of constant readiness for Christ's return or divine intervention. The warning of Christ's coming "as a thief" is a recurring eschatological motif, not primarily to instill fear of a malicious intruder, but to highlight the unexpected nature of divine judgment or the Lord's return for those who are not prepared. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual vitality is not a past achievement but a present, active state.

* [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42-44 "Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:1-6](/1_thessalonians/5-1-6 "The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")
* [2 Peter 3:8-10](/2_peter/3-8-10 "The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:3 serves as a piercing mirror for contemporary believers and churches, challenging us to move beyond a mere reputation of faith to a vibrant, authentic spiritual reality. It compels us to regularly examine the depth of our commitment, asking if we are truly living out the truths we have received or merely resting on past experiences. The call to "remember" urges us to revisit the foundational doctrines and initial passion of our faith, ensuring our spiritual practices are rooted in genuine conviction, not just tradition or habit. "Hold fast" is a summons to steadfastness in an age of shifting values, while "repent" demands an honest assessment of any spiritual apathy, compromise, or dead works that may have crept into our lives. The solemn warning about Christ's unexpected coming underscores the urgency of living in constant readiness, cultivating a watchful spirit that is attuned to God's voice and prepared for His return or any moment of divine accountability. This verse is a powerful reminder that true faith is dynamic, requiring continuous engagement, vigilance, and a willingness to turn back to God whenever we stray.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my personal faith or our church community have a "name that you live, but are dead"?**
* **What foundational truths or initial spiritual experiences do I need to "remember" and "hold fast" to in my current walk with Christ?**
* **What specific areas of spiritual complacency or "dead works" do I need to "repent" of today?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "watchful" and vigilant spirit in my daily life, preparing for the Lord's unexpected coming?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Christ to "come as a thief" in this context? Is it about the Second Coming?**

Answer: The phrase "come as a thief" in [Revelation 3:3](/revelation/3-3 "Christ Comes as a Thief") primarily emphasizes the unexpected and unwelcome nature of Christ's arrival for those who are spiritually unprepared, rather than exclusively referring to the literal Second Coming of Christ for all believers. For the church in Sardis, it implies a sudden, surprising divine visitation bringing judgment or severe consequences upon their spiritual apathy and deadness. Just as a thief comes at an hour unknown to the homeowner, Christ would come at an hour unknown to the unwatchful church, leading to spiritual loss or discipline. While the imagery of Christ's coming "as a thief" is indeed used elsewhere in the New Testament to describe the ultimate return of Christ for all ([Matthew 24:43-44](/matthew/24-43-44 "The Unexpected Coming of the Son of Man"); [1 Thessalonians 5:2](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief"); [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief")), in Revelation 3:3, it specifically warns the Sardian church of a sudden, disciplinary intervention due to their spiritual negligence. This could manifest as a loss of their lampstand ([Revelation 2:5](/revelation/2-5 "Remove the Lampstand")), a removal of their witness, or other forms of divine judgment unique to their specific spiritual condition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 3:3 is a direct warning to a specific church, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it underscores the very nature of Christ as the vigilant and righteous Judge, and simultaneously the merciful Savior who calls His people to Himself. Jesus, who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars ([Revelation 3:1](/revelation/3-1 "Christ's Authority Over the Churches")), is the one who perfectly embodied watchfulness and obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). His call to "remember, hold fast, and repent" is an invitation to align with His own perfect righteousness and to participate in the new life He offers through His atoning work ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life in Christ")). The warning of His coming "as a thief" for the unwatchful ultimately points to His role as the sovereign Lord who will return to judge the living and the dead ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead")) and to gather His elect ([Matthew 24:30-31](/matthew/24-30-31 "The Gathering of the Elect")). Therefore, the call to vigilance in Sardis is a call to live in light of the finished work of Christ and the promised return of Christ, ensuring that one's faith is not a mere outward show but a living, active relationship with the resurrected Lord who is "the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the ending" ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Christ, the Alpha and Omega")).

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 2:5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Matthew 24:42

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 24:43

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Luke 12:39

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Luke 12:40

Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.