Revelation 3:6

KJV

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that hath {G2192} an ear {G3775}, let him hear {G191} what {G5101} the Spirit {G4151} saith {G3004} unto the churches {G1577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities.”’

Berean Standard Bible

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

American Standard Version

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 3:6 serves as a profound, universal exhortation concluding the specific message to the church in Laodicea, yet resonating as a vital, recurring refrain throughout the initial chapters of Revelation. It functions as a divine summons to spiritual attentiveness and discernment, urging every individual believer and every church to actively and obediently heed the crucial message communicated by the Holy Spirit. This concise verse underscores the imperative of internalizing divine truth, distinguishing it from mere physical hearing, and applying it to one's life and community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the concluding and unifying statement in the letter addressed to the church in Laodicea, following a severe indictment of their spiritual apathy and lukewarmness. It is not an isolated command but the seventh and final instance of an identical exhortation that closes each of the seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor, as found in [Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - To Ephesus"), [Revelation 2:11](/revelation/2-11 "Revelation 2:11 - To Smyrna"), [Revelation 2:17](/revelation/2-17 "Revelation 2:17 - To Pergamum"), [Revelation 2:29](/revelation/2-29 "Revelation 2:29 - To Thyatira"), [Revelation 3:6](/revelation/3-6 "Revelation 3:6 - To Sardis"), [Revelation 3:13](/revelation/3-13 "Revelation 3:13 - To Philadelphia"), and [Revelation 3:22](/revelation/3-22 "Revelation 3:22 - To Laodicea"). This consistent repetition elevates the phrase from a mere closing remark to a foundational principle for understanding and responding to the entirety of the Spirit's message to the churches, emphasizing that the specific warnings, commendations, and promises within each letter carry universal implications.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The seven churches were literal congregations located in significant cities within the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey) during the late 1st century AD. These cities were centers of Roman imperial cult worship, trade, and diverse religious practices, presenting unique challenges to the nascent Christian communities. The concept of "hearing" was particularly vital in ancient cultures, which were predominantly oral; messages were spoken, heard, and then often memorized and passed on. For a community facing external pressures (persecution, economic exclusion for not participating in pagan guilds) and internal struggles (heresy, complacency), the call to "hear" was not passive reception but an active, discerning engagement with a message that demanded a response, often involving costly obedience. The Spirit's voice was understood as the authoritative divine communication, contrasting sharply with the myriad of competing voices from pagan temples, imperial decrees, or philosophical schools.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the letters to the seven churches and the book of Revelation. Firstly, **Spiritual Receptivity** is paramount; the phrase "He that hath an ear" implies a spiritual capacity for understanding and discernment beyond mere physical hearing, echoing Jesus' frequent call for those with "ears to hear" to grasp deeper truths, as seen in [Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - Jesus' call to hear"). Secondly, the **Divine Authority** of the message is underscored by "what the Spirit saith," emphasizing that these are not human opinions but direct, inspired words from the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who reveals God's will and truth. This highlights the Spirit's active and ongoing role in communicating with God's people. Finally, the phrase "unto the churches" signifies the **Universal Application** of these messages. While addressed to specific historical congregations, the principles, warnings, and promises contained within the letters are timeless and applicable to all churches and individual believers across all generations, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries to call the global church to faithfulness and perseverance until the [return of Christ](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha!").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ear (Greek, _oûs'_):** This word refers to the physical organ of hearing, but in this context, it is used metaphorically to denote a spiritual capacity or willingness to understand and receive divine truth. It implies an internal disposition that enables one to perceive the deeper meaning of God's message, distinguishing it from superficial auditory reception. The presence of an "ear" signifies spiritual attentiveness and discernment.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** More than just perceiving sound, _akoúō_ often carries the connotation of hearing with understanding, attention, and obedience. It implies a receptive and responsive listening that leads to action. In the biblical sense, to "hear" God's word means to internalize it and allow it to shape one's thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. It is an active, not passive, engagement with the message.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** In this context, _pneûma_ specifically refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is the divine agent who inspires prophecy, reveals truth, and communicates God's will to humanity. His "speaking" signifies the authoritative, divine origin of the messages delivered to the churches, making them not merely human counsel but infallible divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that hath an ear":** This opening clause functions as a selective invitation. It acknowledges that while the message is publicly declared, not everyone possesses the spiritual faculty or willingness to truly comprehend it. It calls for a spiritual receptivity, an inner attentiveness that goes beyond mere physical hearing. It implies a capacity for discernment, distinguishing those who are spiritually attuned from those who are not.
* **"let him hear what the Spirit saith":** This is the core imperative of the verse. The verb "hear" (ἀκούω, _akouō_) here carries the weight of not just perceiving sound, but of understanding, heeding, and obeying. The source of the message is explicitly identified as "the Spirit," referring to the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes the divine authority and inspiration behind the words delivered to the churches, asserting that these are not human opinions or interpretations but direct revelations from God Himself through His Spirit.
* **"unto the churches":** This phrase clarifies the intended audience. While each letter was specifically addressed to one of the seven historical congregations in Asia Minor, the plural "churches" indicates that the messages, warnings, promises, and principles contained within them are not limited to those specific communities. They possess universal applicability, intended for all Christian congregations and individual believers throughout history, serving as a timeless guide for spiritual health and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Revelation 3:6, and indeed at the close of each of the seven letters, is **Repetition**. The exact phrasing "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" is repeated seven times, creating a powerful refrain that underscores its immense importance and universal application. This repetition serves to emphasize the critical nature of spiritual attentiveness and obedience to the divine message. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the phrase "hath an ear," where the physical ear symbolizes spiritual receptivity and discernment. It's not about biological hearing but about an internal capacity to understand and respond to God's truth. The "Spirit" also functions as a symbol of divine authority and revelation, representing the Holy Spirit as the active agent of God's communication to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 3:6 profoundly highlights the ongoing reality of divine communication and the human responsibility to respond. It asserts the Holy Spirit's active role as the voice of God to His people, not just in the past, but continually speaking to the Church across generations. This divine utterance demands more than passive listening; it calls for active spiritual discernment, understanding, and obedient action. The message implies that spiritual hearing is a gift and a discipline, enabling believers to grasp the deeper truths of God's will amidst the clamor of the world. It underscores the unity of the Spirit's message across diverse contexts, ensuring that the principles for faithfulness, repentance, and perseverance remain universally relevant for all who profess Christ.

* [Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - Jesus' call to hear and understand")
* [John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit will guide into all truth")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Today, if you hear His voice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 3:6 serves as a timeless summons for every believer to cultivate a posture of profound spiritual attentiveness. In an age saturated with information and distractions, the call to "hear what the Spirit saith" is more urgent than ever. It challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with spiritual matters to a deep, discerning listening that leads to transformative action. This requires intentionally quieting the noise of the world, immersing ourselves in God's Word, and earnestly seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance through prayer. True spiritual hearing is not merely intellectual assent but a willingness to be corrected, challenged, and conformed to Christ's image. It compels us to examine our lives and our churches in light of divine truth, prompting repentance where necessary and inspiring perseverance in faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What distractions or internal resistances prevent me from truly "hearing what the Spirit saith" in my life today?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater spiritual sensitivity and discernment to recognize the Spirit's voice amidst competing narratives and influences?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or our church's life does the Spirit seem to be calling for a deeper level of obedience or change, and how will I respond?**

### FAQ

**Why is this phrase repeated seven times at the end of each letter to the churches?**

Answer: The repetition of "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" seven times, once for each letter, serves a crucial literary and theological purpose. It emphasizes the universal importance and divine authority of the messages. The number seven in Revelation often symbolizes completeness or perfection, suggesting that this command is a complete and perfect call to all believers throughout history. It elevates the exhortation from a mere closing remark to a foundational principle for understanding and responding to the entirety of God's communication to His Church, ensuring that the specific warnings and promises for each church are understood as applicable to the broader body of Christ.

**What does it mean to "have an ear" in this context? Is it about physical hearing?**

Answer: To "have an ear" in Revelation 3:6, and in similar biblical contexts, goes beyond mere physical hearing. It refers to a spiritual capacity for understanding, discernment, and receptivity to divine truth. It implies an inner willingness and ability to perceive the deeper, spiritual meaning of God's message, distinguishing it from superficial auditory reception. Jesus often used this phrase (e.g., [Matthew 11:15](/matthew/11-15 "Matthew 11:15 - Jesus' call to hear")) to challenge His listeners to move beyond simply hearing words to internalizing and acting upon the truth. It's about having a heart open and attuned to the Holy Spirit's voice.

**Are the messages to the seven churches, and this command, only relevant to the original historical churches or to all believers today?**

Answer: While the letters were addressed to specific historical congregations in Asia Minor, the phrase "unto the churches" (plural) at the end of each letter, including [Revelation 3:6](/revelation/3-6 "Revelation 3:6 - Hear what the Spirit says"), clearly indicates their universal applicability. The challenges, commendations, warnings, and promises contained within these letters address timeless spiritual principles relevant to all Christian congregations and individual believers across all generations. They serve as a prophetic mirror for the Church throughout history, calling all to faithfulness, repentance, perseverance, and spiritual vitality until the [return of Christ](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' return").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 3:6, with its urgent call to "hear what the Spirit saith," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very Word of God made flesh, the perfect revelation of the Father, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh"). The Holy Spirit, who speaks to the churches, does not speak of His own accord but testifies about Christ and glorifies Him, as Jesus Himself promised in [John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "John 16:13-14 - The Spirit glorifies Christ"). Therefore, to "hear what the Spirit saith" is fundamentally to hear the voice of Christ, the Head of the Church, who continues to shepherd His flock through His Spirit. The messages to the churches are Christ's assessment of their spiritual condition, His call to repentance, and His promise of reward for those who overcome through Him. The "ear" that is able to hear is opened by Christ, who grants spiritual understanding, just as He opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures in [Luke 24:45](/luke/24-45 "Luke 24:45 - Jesus opens their minds"). Ultimately, this verse is a perpetual reminder that the Spirit's ongoing communication is always centered on revealing Christ, drawing believers into deeper fellowship with Him, and equipping them to live as His faithful witnesses until His glorious appearing, when every ear will hear His triumphant voice, as prophesied in [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every eye will see Him").

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 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.