Revelation 3:4

KJV

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast {G2192} a few {G3641} names {G3686} even {G2532} in {G1722} Sardis {G4554} which {G3739} have {G3435} not {G3756} defiled {G3435} their {G846} garments {G2440}; and {G2532} they shall walk {G4043} with {G3326} me {G1700} in {G1722} white {G3022}: for {G3754} they are {G1526} worthy {G514}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes; and they will walk with me, clothed in white, because they are worthy.

Berean Standard Bible

But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white.

American Standard Version

But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:4 offers a poignant commendation within the otherwise severe rebuke to the church in Sardis, highlighting God's discerning eye for individual faithfulness. Amidst a community largely characterized by spiritual apathy and a "name" for being alive while being spiritually dead, Jesus acknowledges a precious remnant—a "few names"—who have steadfastly maintained their spiritual and moral purity, symbolized by their undefiled garments. This verse promises these faithful ones intimate fellowship with Christ, depicted as walking with Him in white, affirming their worthiness and divine recognition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 3:4 is nestled within the letter to the church in Sardis, one of the [seven churches of Asia Minor](/revelation/1-11 "Revelation 1:11 - The Seven Churches of Asia"). The preceding verses ([Revelation 3:1-3](/revelation/3-1-3 "Revelation 3:1-3 - Rebuke to Sardis")) deliver a scathing indictment against the majority of the church for their spiritual lifelessness, despite possessing a reputation for vitality. This verse, therefore, serves as a stark contrast, introducing a note of hope and divine commendation for a faithful minority. It emphasizes God's precise knowledge of each individual's spiritual state, distinguishing the truly alive from the merely reputed. The promise of walking in white also foreshadows the broader theme of victory and righteousness for overcomers found throughout [the book of Revelation](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - Promise to the Overcomers").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Sardis, once a powerful capital of Lydia, had a notable history of complacency leading to sudden, unexpected defeats. Famously, it was captured twice (by Cyrus the Great in 546 BC and by Antiochus III in 214 BC) because its inhabitants, confident in their seemingly impregnable acropolis, neglected their watch. This historical pattern provides a powerful backdrop for Jesus's warning to the church in [Revelation 3:2-3](/revelation/3-2-3 "Revelation 3:2-3 - Wake Up, Sardis!"), urging them to "wake up" and strengthen what remained. Culturally, white garments were highly significant in the ancient world, symbolizing purity, celebration, victory, and honor. They were worn by priests, by those celebrating triumphs, and by individuals of high status. The imagery of "defiled garments" would have evoked a strong sense of shame or ritual impurity, making the "undefiled" status of the remnant all the more striking.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **individual faithfulness amidst compromise**, demonstrating that even within a compromised or lukewarm community, God recognizes and honors those who maintain their spiritual integrity. Secondly, the imagery of "undefiled garments" highlights the theme of **purity and righteousness**, emphasizing the call to live a life free from the defilement of sin and worldly compromise. This purity is not merely external but reflects an inward consecration to Christ. Thirdly, the promise of walking with Christ in white, because "they are worthy," speaks to the theme of **divine recognition and reward** for perseverance and holiness. This aligns with the broader message of [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Letters to the Churches") where promises are given to those who "overcome," culminating in a glorious future with Christ, as seen in the vision of the [multitude in white robes](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude in White Robes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **defiled (Greek, _molýnō'_):** This word (G3435) means "to soil (figuratively)." In this context, it refers to a spiritual or moral staining, polluting, or corrupting. It implies a compromise with the world's values, sinful practices, or false doctrines that would render one spiritually impure in God's sight. The faithful few in Sardis had avoided such contamination.
* **garments (Greek, _himátion'_):** This term (G2440) denotes a "dress (inner or outer)" or "raiment." In biblical symbolism, garments often represent one's character, conduct, or spiritual state. To have "defiled their garments" would mean to have stained one's spiritual reputation, moral integrity, or righteous standing through sin or compromise. The undefiled garments of the remnant signify their preserved purity and blameless conduct.
* **walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** This verb (G4043) literally means "to tread all around, i.e. walk at large." Figuratively, it means "to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)." Here, "they shall walk with me" signifies an intimate, ongoing fellowship and communion with Christ, a life lived in His presence and according to His ways. It is a promise of sustained, honored companionship with the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis":** Despite the pervasive spiritual deadness of the church in Sardis, Jesus's omniscient gaze identifies a small, distinct group of individuals. The phrase "a few names" (G3641 _olígos_ for "few," G3686 _ónoma_ for "names") underscores God's personal knowledge and recognition of each faithful believer, even within a compromised collective. This highlights divine discernment and the reality of a faithful remnant.
* **"which have not defiled their garments":** This is a powerful metaphorical statement describing the spiritual and moral integrity of the remnant. Their "garments" (representing their character, conduct, and spiritual purity) have remained unstained by the prevailing spiritual apathy, worldliness, or sin that characterized the broader Sardian church. It speaks to a conscious choice to live a life of holiness and separation unto God.
* **"and they shall walk with me in white":** This clause presents the glorious promise to the undefiled remnant. "Walking with me" (G3326 _metá_ "with" + G1700 _emoû_ "me") signifies intimate fellowship and communion with Christ, a privileged and honored position. The phrase "in white" (G1722 _en_ "in" + G3022 _leukós_ "white") symbolizes purity, righteousness, victory, and honor. It is a sign of divine approval and shared glory, indicating their acceptance into God's presence and their participation in Christ's triumph.
* **"for they are worthy.":** This concluding phrase (G3754 _hóti_ "for" + G1526 _eisí_ "they are" + G514 _áxios_ "worthy") provides the divine rationale for the promised reward. Their worthiness is not inherent merit but stems from their faithful perseverance, their commitment to purity, and their steadfastness in a compromising environment. It is a worthiness recognized and affirmed by Christ Himself, signifying their suitability for the honor bestowed upon them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the imagery of "defiled their garments" and "walk with me in white." These phrases are not literal descriptions of clothing but powerful representations of spiritual and moral states. "Defiled garments" metaphorically signifies a life stained by sin, compromise, or spiritual impurity, while "walking in white" metaphorically represents a life of purity, righteousness, and intimate fellowship with Christ. **Symbolism** is also prominent, with the white garments serving as a recurring symbol throughout Revelation for purity, victory, divine approval, and the righteousness of the saints. The contrast between the "few names" and the implied majority of the church in Sardis creates a striking **juxtaposition**, highlighting God's discerning judgment and the value He places on individual faithfulness even within a large, compromised community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:4 deeply affirms the biblical truth of God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His precise discernment of individual hearts, even within a collective body that may have strayed. It underscores that while corporate witness is vital, personal accountability and integrity remain paramount in God's eyes. The concept of a "remnant" is a recurring theological theme throughout scripture, from Noah to Elijah, highlighting God's preservation of a faithful few even in times of widespread apostasy. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to pursue personal sanctification and to guard their spiritual purity, knowing that such faithfulness is not overlooked but is divinely recognized and rewarded with the most intimate fellowship with Christ. The promise of walking in white is a profound assurance of future glory and vindication for those who endure in holiness.

* [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - Kept from Stumbling")
* [Zechariah 3:3-5](/zechariah/3-3-5 "Zechariah 3:3-5 - Joshua's Clean Garments")
* [Revelation 7:9-14](/revelation/7-9-14 "Revelation 7:9-14 - The Multitude in White Robes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:4 serves as a profound call to introspection and a powerful motivation for personal holiness in an age often characterized by spiritual complacency or compromise. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances or congregational reputation and to examine the true state of our hearts and lives before God. Are our "garments"—our character, our conduct, our inner spiritual condition—being preserved from the defilement of the world, sin, and spiritual apathy? This verse reminds us that genuine faith is not merely a name or a past reputation, but a vibrant, ongoing walk with Christ that manifests in purity and integrity. It encourages us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with the Lord, knowing that He sees and values our individual faithfulness, even when it feels like we are among "a few." The promise of walking with Him in white offers a glorious future hope, providing immense motivation to persevere in holiness today, assuring us that our dedication will culminate in intimate fellowship and eternal honor with our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "garments" (my character, actions, or spiritual state) be subtly defiled by the world's influences or spiritual lukewarmness?**
* **Am I genuinely "walking with Christ" in a way that reflects purity and intimate fellowship, or am I merely maintaining a religious facade?**
* **What specific steps can I take to guard my spiritual integrity and ensure my life truly reflects the "worthiness" that Christ recognizes in His faithful ones?**

### FAQ
**What does "defiled their garments" mean spiritually for believers today?**

Answer: Spiritually, "defiling one's garments" refers to allowing sin, worldly compromise, false teachings, or spiritual apathy to stain one's character, conduct, and relationship with God. It implies a loss of moral and spiritual purity, a deviation from the holy standard of Christ. For believers today, it means actively resisting the temptations of the world, maintaining a clear conscience, adhering to sound doctrine, and living a life that honors God, rather than conforming to the patterns of sin or spiritual indifference prevalent in society or even within the church. It's about preserving the integrity of one's faith and walk with God, as [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion") describes pure religion as keeping oneself "unspotted from the world."

**Why are "white garments" significant in the book of Revelation?**

Answer: White garments are a powerful and recurring symbol throughout the [book of Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ"), consistently representing purity, righteousness, victory, and divine approval. They are worn by Christ Himself ([Revelation 1:14](/revelation/1-14 "Revelation 1:14 - Jesus' Appearance")), by the angels ([Revelation 15:6](/revelation/15-6 "Revelation 15:6 - Seven Angels with Seven Plagues")), and most significantly, by the redeemed saints who have overcome ([Revelation 3:5](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - White Raiment for Overcomers"), [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude in White Robes"), [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The Bride's Fine Linen")). The white robes signify that these individuals have been cleansed from sin by the blood of the Lamb ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed in the Blood of the Lamb")) and are now clothed in the righteousness of Christ, fit to stand in God's holy presence and participate in His triumph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promise of walking with Christ in white, for "they are worthy," finds its ultimate fulfillment and foundation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, by nature, is unworthy and defiled by sin, incapable of earning such purity or intimate fellowship with God. However, Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, entered into our defiled state to cleanse us. He became sin for us, "that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The "worthy" status of the Sardian remnant, and indeed of all believers, is not based on their own perfect merit but on the imputed righteousness of Christ, received through faith ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness through Faith")). It is His atoning sacrifice that washes our "garments" white, making us pure and acceptable before God. Therefore, the "walking with me in white" is a profound picture of the believer's union with Christ, a participation in His victory and holiness that is entirely His accomplishment. Our ability to "walk" in purity and worthiness is a direct result of His transformative power and indwelling Spirit, enabling us to live a life "worthy of the calling" ([Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")) as we fix our eyes on "Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")). He is the one who presents His church to Himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - A Spotless Church")).

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 7:9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Revelation 3:5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Ecclesiastes 9:8

Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.

Revelation 6:11

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

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?

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 4:4

And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.