Revelation 3:20-22

Revelation 3:20-22
Ascension of the Lord – A Women’s Lectionary

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20 Listen!A I am standingB at the door,C knocking;D

Notes on verse 20a

A “listen” = idou. From eido (to be aware, see, know, remember, appreciate). This is see! Lo! Behold! Look! Used to express surprise and or draw attention to the statement.
B “standing” = histemi. This is to stand, place, establish, appoint, stand ready, be steadfast.
C “door” = thura. This is opening or closure so it’s a door, gate, or entrance. Figuratively, this can refer to an opportunity.
D “knocking” = kruouo. 9x in NT. To knock, hit a door with a stick in order to enter.

if you hearE my voiceF and openG the door, I will come inH and eatI with you, and you with me. 

Notes on verse 20b

E “hear” = akouo. This is hear or listen, but it also means to understand by hearing. This is where the word “acoustics” comes from.
F “voice” = phone. Probably from phemi (to declare, say, use contrasts in speaking to shed light on one point of view); {from phao (to shine) or phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear). This is a voice, sound, tone or noise. It can also be a language or dialect.
G “open” = anoigo. From ana (up, back, again, among, between, anew) + oigo (to open). This is to open in  literal or figurative sense.
H “come in” = eiserchomai. From eis (to, into, for, among) + erchomai (to come, go). This is to go in in a literal or figurative sense.
I “eat” = deipneo. 4x in NT. From deipnon (a dinner or a feast – a meal in the afternoon or, more commonly, the evening); from the same as dapane (cost or expense); from dapto (to devour). This is to eat the main, evening meal.

21 To the one who conquersJ I will giveK a placeL with me on my throne,M just as I myself conquered and sat downN with my FatherO on his throne. 

Notes on verse 21

J “conquers” = nikao. From nike (victory, conquest; figurative for what makes one successful). This is to have victory, overcome, conquer, or prevail. It implies a victory that follows a battle. This root is part of “Nicodemus’s” name and it is also the root where Nike comes from.
K “give” = didomi. To give, offer, place, bestow, deliver. This is give in a literal or figurative sense.
L “place” = kathizo. From kathezomai (to sit down, be seated); {from kata (down, against, according to, among) + hezomai (to sit); {from aphedron (a seat, a base)}}. This is to sit, set, appoint, stay, rest.
M “throne” = thronos. Probably from thanos (bench); from thrao (to sit). This is throne or seat – the place where the king sits. So, it is used figuratively to mean power, dominion, or a potentate. This is where the word “throne” comes from.
N “sat down” = kathizo. Same as “place” in v21. See note L above.
O “Father” = Pater. This is father in a literal or figurative sense. Could be elder, senior, ancestor, originator, or patriarch.

22 Let anyone who has an earP listenQ to what the SpiritR is saying to the churches.”S

Notes on verse 22

P “ear” = ous. This is the physical ear, or the perception of hearing, whether physical or cognitive.
Q “listen” = akouo. Same as “hear” in v20. See note E above.
R “Spirit” = Pneuma. From pneo (to blow, breathe, breathe hard). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.
S “churches” = ekklesia. From ek (from, out from) + kaleo to call by name, invite, to name, bid, summon, call aloud) {related to keleuo (to command, order, direct); from kelomai (to urge on)}. This is properly a calling out or an assembly. It was used to refer to a church.


Image credit: “The Entrance to My World” by Nick Kenrick, 2009.

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