Revelation 3:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that overcometh {G3528}, the same {G3778} shall be clothed {G4016} in {G1722} white {G3022} raiment {G2440}; and {G2532} I will {G1813} not {G3364} blot out {G1813} his {G846} name {G3686} out of {G1537} the book {G976} of life {G2222}, but {G2532} I will confess {G1843} his {G846} name {G3686} before {G1799} my {G3450} Father {G3962}, and {G2532} before {G1799} his {G846} angels {G32}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who wins the victory will, like them, be dressed in white clothing; and I will not blot his name out of the Book of Life; in fact, I will acknowledge him individually before my Father and before his angels.

Berean Standard Bible

Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.

American Standard Version

He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:5 delivers a profound promise from Christ to the faithful remnant in Sardis and to all believers who persevere in their faith. It assures those who overcome spiritual apathy and compromise that they will be divinely honored with pure garments, their names will remain eternally secure in God's register of life, and Christ Himself will publicly acknowledge them before God the Father and His angels. This verse stands as a powerful testament to divine recognition and eternal security for those who maintain spiritual vitality amidst a spiritually dormant environment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Jesus Christ's message to the church in Sardis, one of the seven churches addressed in the opening chapters of the Book of Revelation. Each letter follows a similar structure, including an address to the church, a self-description of Christ, commendation (or lack thereof), rebuke, exhortation, and a promise to "him who overcomes." The Sardian church is unique in that it receives almost no commendation, being famously described as having a "name that you are alive, but you are dead" ([Revelation 3:1](/revelation/3-1 "Revelation 3:1 - Message to Sardis")). In stark contrast to the widespread spiritual lethargy and defilement within this church, Christ identifies a faithful few who had not "soiled their garments" ([Revelation 3:4](/revelation/3-4 "Revelation 3:4 - The Faithful Few in Sardis")). Revelation 3:5 directly follows this commendation of the faithful remnant, articulating the specific, glorious rewards awaiting these overcomers, thereby serving as a powerful incentive to awaken from spiritual slumber and pursue genuine faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sardis was an ancient city in Lydia, known for its past glory as the capital of the Lydian kingdom and its immense wealth under King Croesus. By the Roman era, it had declined but still retained a reputation. Historically, Sardis had been conquered twice due to its inhabitants' overconfidence and lack of vigilance—once by Cyrus the Great and later by Antiochus III. This historical precedent of unpreparedness and sudden fall resonates deeply with Christ's warning to the church to "wake up" and strengthen what remains, lest He come "like a thief" ([Revelation 3:2-3](/revelation/3-2-3 "Revelation 3:2-3 - Wake Up, Sardis!")). Culturally, the imagery of "white raiment" was significant. In the Greco-Roman world, white garments were worn by victors in athletic games, by those celebrating triumphs, and by candidates for public office (hence "candidate" from *candidus*, meaning white). This symbolism would have been immediately understood by the original audience as representing purity, honor, and victory, contrasting sharply with the "defiled garments" of the majority in Sardis.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 3:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Revelation and the broader New Testament. The theme of **Overcoming** (*nikáō*) is central, appearing repeatedly in the promises to each of the seven churches ([Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - Promise to Ephesus"), [Revelation 2:11](/revelation/2-11 "Revelation 2:11 - Promise to Smyrna"), [Revelation 2:17](/revelation/2-17 "Revelation 2:17 - Promise to Pergamum"), [Revelation 2:26](/revelation/2-26 "Revelation 2:26 - Promise to Thyatira"), [Revelation 3:12](/revelation/3-12 "Revelation 3:12 - Promise to Philadelphia"), [Revelation 3:21](/revelation/3-21 "Revelation 3:21 - Promise to Laodicea")). It signifies spiritual victory over temptation, persecution, and compromise. The theme of **Purity and Righteousness** is vividly portrayed through the "white raiment," symbolizing divine approval, moral integrity, and the righteousness imputed by Christ. This contrasts with the pervasive spiritual defilement Christ observes. Furthermore, the mention of the "book of life" introduces the theme of **Eternal Security and Divine Record-Keeping**, emphasizing that genuine faith leads to an unshakeable, eternal destiny with God. Finally, Christ's promise to "confess his name" highlights the theme of **Divine Affirmation and Advocacy**, assuring believers of Christ's personal recognition and intercession before the Father, echoing His teachings on confessing Him before men ([Matthew 10:32](/matthew/10-32 "Matthew 10:32 - Confessing Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **overcometh (Greek, _nikáō_):** From νίκη, meaning "victory." This verb signifies to subdue, conquer, prevail, or gain the victory. In the context of the Revelation letters, it consistently refers to the spiritual triumph of believers over the challenges of the world, false teaching, persecution, and spiritual apathy. It implies an active struggle and a successful triumph through faith in Christ.
* **blot out (Greek, _exaleíphō_):** From ἐκ and ἀλείφω, meaning "to smear out" or "obliterate." This term vividly describes the act of erasing or wiping away something, such as writing from a scroll or tears from the eyes. Its use here emphasizes the certainty and finality of God's promise: He will absolutely not erase the name of the true overcomer from His eternal record, signifying an enduring covenant and security.
* **confess (Greek, _exomologéō_):** From ἐκ and ὁμολογέω, meaning "to acknowledge" or "agree fully." This word denotes a public and full declaration or acknowledgment. When Christ promises to "confess" the overcomer's name, it signifies His public affirmation and personal advocacy for His faithful followers before the highest heavenly court, validating their identity and standing in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that overcometh,"**: This opening clause establishes the condition for the subsequent promises. It refers to the individual believer who actively triumphs over the spiritual challenges, temptations, and compromises prevalent in their environment, specifically the spiritual deadness of Sardis. This is not a passive state but an ongoing, victorious walk of faith.
* **"the same shall be clothed in white raiment;"**: This is the first of three promises. Being "clothed in white raiment" is a powerful symbolic act. White garments universally represent purity, righteousness, victory, and honor. For the Sardian believers, whose spiritual garments were largely "defiled," this promise signifies divine cleansing, imputed righteousness from Christ, and a public declaration of their blameless standing before God. It is a mark of divine approval and participation in Christ's triumph.
* **"and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life,"**: This is the second, deeply assuring promise. The "book of life" is a divine register, mentioned throughout Scripture, containing the names of those who belong to God and are destined for eternal life. The promise that Christ "will not blot out" an overcomer's name guarantees their eternal security and salvation. It underscores the permanence of their redemption and their unshakeable place in God's eternal kingdom, contrasting with the possibility of being erased for those who do not persevere.
* **"but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."**: This final promise highlights the ultimate honor and vindication awaiting the faithful. Christ Himself, the Son of God, pledges to personally acknowledge and affirm the overcomer's identity and allegiance before God the Father and all the heavenly hosts. This public confession by Christ validates the believer's relationship with God, confirming their status as true children of God and co-heirs with Christ, a profound and glorious recognition.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 3:5 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "white raiment" is a potent symbol of purity, righteousness, and victory, contrasting with the "defiled garments" mentioned in the preceding verse. It also evokes imagery of heavenly beings and the redeemed in glory, often depicted in white robes. The "book of life" is a symbolic register, representing God's divine knowledge and eternal decree concerning those who belong to Him, emphasizing **Eternal Security**. There is a strong element of **Contrast** in the passage, juxtaposing the spiritual deadness of the majority in Sardis with the vibrant, overcoming faith of the faithful remnant, and the potential for one's name to be "blotted out" versus Christ's promise not to do so. The act of "confessing" one's name before the Father and angels employs **Personification**, as Christ acts as an advocate, publicly acknowledging His followers in a heavenly court, thereby providing a powerful **Metaphor** for divine affirmation and vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:5 offers profound theological insights into the nature of salvation, perseverance, and divine justice. It underscores that while salvation is by grace through faith, genuine faith is active and persevering, leading to victory over spiritual compromise. The promise of "white raiment" speaks to the imputed righteousness of Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, assuring believers of their clean standing before a holy God. The "book of life" reinforces the concept of election and the eternal security of the believer, emphasizing God's sovereign knowledge and unwavering commitment to those who are truly His. Christ's promise to confess His followers before the Father highlights His role as our great High Priest and Advocate, interceding on our behalf and publicly affirming our identity in Him, a truth that provides immense comfort and motivation for faithful living.
* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude in White Robes")
* [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names in the Book of Life")
* [Matthew 10:32](/matthew/10-32 "Matthew 10:32 - Confessing Christ Before Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:5 serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination and a profound source of encouragement for the contemporary believer. In a world often characterized by spiritual apathy, nominal faith, or compromise, this verse challenges us to ask: Am I truly "overcoming" the spiritual battles in my life, or am I merely existing with a reputation of being alive, while spiritually dormant? It calls us to vigilance, to "wake up" to the realities of our spiritual walk, and to strengthen what remains of our faith. The promise of being clothed in "white raiment" reminds us of the call to live lives of purity and integrity, reflecting the righteousness of Christ. Furthermore, the assurance that our name will not be blotted out of the Book of Life and that Christ Himself will confess us before the Father offers immense comfort and security. This divine affirmation provides the ultimate motivation to persevere, knowing that our faithful endurance is not only seen but will be eternally celebrated by our Lord. It compels us to live in a manner worthy of such a glorious inheritance, striving for genuine spiritual vitality over mere outward appearance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel called to "overcome" spiritual apathy or compromise?**
* **How does the imagery of "white raiment" challenge or encourage your pursuit of purity and righteousness in daily life?**
* **What does the assurance of your name being in the "book of life" mean to you personally, and how does it impact your sense of security in Christ?**
* **How does the promise of Christ confessing your name before the Father and His angels motivate you to live a life that honors Him?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "overcome" in the context of Revelation 3:5?**

Answer: To "overcome" (Greek: *nikáō*) in Revelation 3:5, and throughout the letters to the seven churches, means to conquer or prevail over spiritual challenges. For the church in Sardis, it specifically meant overcoming spiritual deadness, apathy, and compromise. It implies an active, persevering faith that resists the pressures of the world, false teachings, and internal spiritual lethargy. It is not merely enduring, but actively triumphing through reliance on Christ, demonstrating genuine spiritual vitality in contrast to a superficial religious reputation.

**Does Revelation 3:5 suggest that one's name can be erased from the "book of life," implying a loss of salvation?**

Answer: The phrase "I will not blot out his name out of the book of life" is a promise of assurance to the overcomer, not a threat that genuine believers can lose their salvation. The "book of life" (also mentioned in [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books Opened") and [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life")) is God's eternal register of those who truly belong to Him. The promise here emphasizes the *certainty* of the overcomer's eternal security. Those whose names are *not* blotted out are those who demonstrate genuine, persevering faith. The warning is against a superficial faith that never truly overcomes, indicating that such individuals were never truly written in the book in the first place, or that their initial inclusion was conditional on a genuine, living faith that they failed to demonstrate. It affirms the security of the truly faithful, rather than suggesting a precarious state for the genuinely saved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. It is because Christ Himself is the ultimate Overcomer—He "has overcome the world" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and triumphed over sin and death through His cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"))—that His followers are empowered to overcome. The "white raiment" promised to the overcomer is not earned by human merit but is a direct result of Christ's perfect righteousness, imputed to believers through faith. We are "clothed with Christ" ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed with Christ")) and our robes are made "white in the blood of the Lamb" ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed in the Blood of the Lamb")). Furthermore, the security of our name in the "book of life" is entirely dependent on Christ's atoning sacrifice and His intercessory work. He is the Lamb "slain from the foundation of the world" ([Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain")) whose redemption secures our place. Finally, Christ's promise to "confess his name before my Father, and before his angels" highlights His role as our faithful High Priest and Advocate ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Christ Our High Priest"); [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")). Just as He confessed us by dying for us, He continues to confess and intercede for us in heaven, ensuring our eternal standing and public vindication before the divine court. Thus, every promise in Revelation 3:5 flows directly from Christ's finished work and ongoing ministry.

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

Matthew 10:32

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Luke 12:8

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Revelation 17:8

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

Revelation 20:12

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Psalms 69:28

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.