Bible Strands
Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia through John, speaking immediately after promising to keep them from the coming hour of testing. He delivers this command at the threshold of his promised return.
The words — The imperative κράτει (kratei) literally commands "do hold fast," while the adverb ταχὺ (tachu) modifies the following verb with the sense "quickly" or "soon." The conjunction ἵνα (ina) introduces the purpose clause "so that," directly linking the command to the preservation of the crown.
The thread — The connection between enduring trial and receiving a crown matches James 1:12, while the promise of an imminent return with rewards aligns with Revelation 22:12. The warning against losing what is earned through perseverance parallels the testing warnings in Revelation 2:10.
Why it lands — The text demands active retention of current faith and obedience rather than passive waiting. It requires the reader to prioritize steadfastness now to prevent the loss of a future reward.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Cross-references
- James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
- Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done.
- Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
- Revelation 2:25 than to hold fast to what you have until I come.
- 2 Timothy 4:8 From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
- 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
- 2 Timothy 2:5 Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
- Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
- Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
- Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying: