Revelation 3:4

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Revelation 3:4 is a powerful verse from the letter to the church in Sardis, one of the seven churches of Asia Minor addressed by Jesus through John. While the majority of the church in Sardis is admonished for being "dead" despite their reputation (Revelation 3:1), this verse offers a glimmer of hope and commendation for a faithful remnant.

Context

The city of Sardis had a history of overconfidence leading to sudden defeats. Spiritually, the church there mirrored this complacency; they had a "name" that they were alive, but were spiritually dormant. Amidst this general spiritual apathy, Jesus acknowledges a small, faithful group. This highlights God's discerning eye, recognizing true devotion even within a compromised community. It contrasts sharply with the overall rebuke given to the church, emphasizing the importance of individual faithfulness regardless of the surrounding spiritual climate.

Key Themes

  • Individual Faithfulness Amidst Compromise: Even in a church that has largely strayed, there are always those who remain true to their convictions. This verse is a testament to the fact that God sees and honors individual purity.
  • Purity and Righteousness: The phrase "have not defiled their garments" is a vivid metaphor for maintaining spiritual and moral purity. It signifies those who have kept themselves untainted by the world's corrupting influences, false doctrines, or sinful practices. This purity is not merely external but reflects an inward consecration to Christ.
  • Divine Recognition and Reward: The promise "they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy" speaks of intimate fellowship with Christ and a public vindication. Walking in white garments symbolizes righteousness, victory, and honor. It is a reward for their steadfastness, signifying their acceptance and shared glory with Christ, much like the multitude in white robes before the throne.

Linguistic Insights

The imagery of "defiled garments" (Greek: moluno, meaning to stain, defile, pollute) refers to a moral and spiritual defilement rather than physical dirt. It suggests a spiritual compromise or impurity. Conversely, "walking in white" (Greek: leukos) symbolizes purity, righteousness, and victory. In ancient times, white robes were often worn by those celebrating triumph or holding positions of honor. This imagery is consistent throughout Revelation, promising white robes to those who overcome (Revelation 3:5).

Practical Application

Revelation 3:4 encourages believers to pursue personal holiness and integrity, even when surrounded by spiritual lukewarmness or compromise. It reminds us that God values individual faithfulness above outward appearances or congregational reputation. We are called to "keep ourselves unspotted from the world" (James 1:27) and to live lives worthy of our calling. The promise of walking with Christ in white serves as a powerful motivation for enduring purity and dedication, assuring us that our faithfulness will be recognized and rewarded by God.

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.

  • 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.

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