The Meaning of Revelation 3:10 Explained

Revelation 3:10

KJV: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

YLT: 'Because thou didst keep the word of my endurance, I also will keep thee from the hour of the trial that is about to come upon all the world, to try those dwelling upon the earth.

Darby: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee out of the hour of trial, which is about to come upon the whole habitable world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

ASV: Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Because  thou hast kept  the word  of my  patience,  I also  will keep  thee  from  the hour  of temptation,  which  shall come  upon  all  the world,  to try  them that dwell  upon  the earth. 

What does Revelation 3:10 Mean?

Study Notes

world
"oikoumene" = inhabited earth.
(Greek - οἰκουμένη = "inhabited earth)." This passage is noteworthy as defining the usual N.T. use of oikoumene as the sphere of Roman rule at its greatest extent, that is, of the great Gentile world-monarchies Daniel 2:7 . That part of the earth is therefore peculiarly the sphere of prophecy.

Context Summary

Revelation 3:7-13 - Let No One Take Thy Crown
For those who have but a little strength, the Lord sets open a wide door. You may not be able to open the door, but you can enter it in His Name. Once He opens the door, all the opposition you may be called upon to encounter will not avail to shut it; and if He shuts the door against your adversaries, all their craft and strength will beat against its exterior in vain. Get Christ to shut the door against the tempting at would allure you from your allegiance, may be sorely beset, but He will keep them in the hour of trial. They shall not miss their crown, but shall become permanent and important constituents in the eternal Temple. "We have often stood to notice the strength and stability of a pillar in an old church. It has looked unmoved on generations that have grown from youth to age at its base, and so shall Christ's saints endure.
It is marvelous how much Christ can make of our poor lives, if only we yield to Him. It was said of a great statesman recently deceased, "He was a resounding example of what a great thing a great man may make of a life." But how much greater can Christ make a life, once a mere block of stone, but now inscribed with His own mystic handwriting and engraving! [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 3

1  The angel of the church of Sardis is reproved and exhorted to repent
7  The angel of the church of Philadelphia is approved for his diligence and patience;
14  the angel of Laodicea rebuked for being neither hot nor cold
20  Christ stands at the door and knocks

Greek Commentary for Revelation 3:10

Patience [υπομενης]
“Endurance” as in Revelation 13:10; Revelation 14:12 as also in 2 Thessalonians 3:5. [source]
Thou didst keep [ετηρησας]
Aorist active indicative and future active corresponding to each other. For a like play on the tenses of this verb by Christ see John 17:6 This use of εκ — ek after τηρεω — tēreō in John 17:15, απο — apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks.Which is to come Agreeing with ωρας — hōras (feminine), not with πειρασμου — peirasmou (masculine).Upon the whole world (επι της εποικουμενης ολης — epi tēs epoikoumenēs holēs). The inhabited earth (γης — gēs) as in Revelation 12:9; Luke 2:1; Acts 16:6, etc.), not the physical earth, but the world of men as explained by the next clause.To try First aorist active infinitive of purpose from πειραζω — peirazō probably to tempt (cf. the demons in 9:1-21), not merely to afflict (Revelation 2:10).That dwell upon the earth (τους κατοικουντας επι της γης — tous katoikountas epi tēs gēs). Present active articular participle of κατοικεω — katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
- I also will keep [καγω τηρησω]
Aorist active indicative and future active corresponding to each other. For a like play on the tenses of this verb by Christ see John 17:6 This use of εκ — ek after τηρεω — tēreō in John 17:15, απο — apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks.Which is to come Agreeing with ωρας — hōras (feminine), not with πειρασμου — peirasmou (masculine).Upon the whole world (επι της εποικουμενης ολης — epi tēs epoikoumenēs holēs). The inhabited earth (γης — gēs) as in Revelation 12:9; Luke 2:1; Acts 16:6, etc.), not the physical earth, but the world of men as explained by the next clause.To try First aorist active infinitive of purpose from πειραζω — peirazō probably to tempt (cf. the demons in 9:1-21), not merely to afflict (Revelation 2:10).That dwell upon the earth (τους κατοικουντας επι της γης — tous katoikountas epi tēs gēs). Present active articular participle of κατοικεω — katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
From the hour of trial [εκ της ωρας του πειρασμου]
This use of εκ — ek after τηρεω — tēreō in John 17:15, απο — apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks. [source]
Which is to come [της μελλουσης ερχεσται]
Agreeing with ωρας — hōras (feminine), not with πειρασμου — peirasmou (masculine).Upon the whole world (επι της εποικουμενης ολης — epi tēs epoikoumenēs holēs). The inhabited earth (γης — gēs) as in Revelation 12:9; Luke 2:1; Acts 16:6, etc.), not the physical earth, but the world of men as explained by the next clause.To try First aorist active infinitive of purpose from πειραζω — peirazō probably to tempt (cf. the demons in 9:1-21), not merely to afflict (Revelation 2:10).That dwell upon the earth (τους κατοικουντας επι της γης — tous katoikountas epi tēs gēs). Present active articular participle of κατοικεω — katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
Upon the whole world [επι της εποικουμενης ολης]
The inhabited earth (γης — gēs) as in Revelation 12:9; Luke 2:1; Acts 16:6, etc.), not the physical earth, but the world of men as explained by the next clause. [source]
To try [πειρασαι]
First aorist active infinitive of purpose from πειραζω — peirazō probably to tempt (cf. the demons in 9:1-21), not merely to afflict (Revelation 2:10).That dwell upon the earth (τους κατοικουντας επι της γης — tous katoikountas epi tēs gēs). Present active articular participle of κατοικεω — katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
That dwell upon the earth [τους κατοικουντας επι της γης]
Present active articular participle of κατοικεω — katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
The word of my patience [τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου]
Not the words which Christ has spoken concerning patience, but the word of Christ which requires patience to keep it; the gospel which teaches the need o£ a patient waiting for Christ. On patience, see on 2 Peter 1:6; see on James 5:7. [source]
From the hour [ἐκ]
The preposition implies, not a keeping from temptation, but a keeping in temptation, as the result of which they shall be delivered out of its power. Compare John 17:15. [source]
Of temptation [τοῦ πειρασμοῦ]
Lit., “of the trial” See on Matthew 6:13; see on 1 Peter 1:7. Rev., trial. [source]
World [οἰκουμένης]
See on Luke 2:1 [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 3:10

John 17:15 Shouldest take [αρηις]
First aorist active subjunctive of αιρω — airō (liquid verb). From the evil one Ablative case with εκ — ek but can mean the evil man, Satan, or the evil deed. See same ambiguity in Matthew 6:13. But in 1 John 5:18 ο πονηρος — ho ponēros is masculine (the evil one). Cf. Revelation 3:10. [source]
1 Peter 5:4 Ye shall receive [κομιζω]
Future of τον αμαραντινον της δοχης στεπανον — komizō (1 Peter 1:9, which see).The crown of glory that fadeth not away (στεπανος — ton amarantinon tēs doxēs stephanon). For “crown” (αμαραντος — stephanos) see James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 4:4. In the Gospels it is used only of the crown of thorns, but Jesus is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9). In all these passages it is the crown of victory as it is here. See 1 Peter 1:4 for Αμαραντινος — amarantos unfading. αμαραντ — Amarantinos is made from that word as the name of a flower amaranth (so called because it never withers and revives if moistened with water and so used as a symbol of immortality), “composed of amaranth” or “amarantine,” “the amarantine (unfading) crown of glory.” [source]
1 John 5:18 Sinneth not [ουχ αμαρτανει]
Lineal present active indicative, “does not keep on sinning,” as he has already shown in 1 John 3:4-10.He that was begotten of God (ο γεννητεις εκ του τεου — ho gennētheis ek tou theou). First aorist passive articular participle referring to Christ, if the reading of A B is correct (τηρει αυτον — tērei auton not τηρει εαυτον — tērei heauton). It is Christ who keeps the one begotten of God (γεγεννημενος εκ του τεου — gegennēmenos ek tou theou as in 1 John 3:9 and so different from ο γεννητεις — ho gennētheis here). It is a difficult phrase, but this is probably the idea. Jesus (John 18:37) uses γεγεννημαι — gegennēmai of himself and uses also τηρεω — tēreō of keeping the disciples (John 17:12, John 17:15; Revelation 3:10).The evil one Masculine and personal as in 1 John 2:13, not neuter, and probably Satan as in Matthew 6:13, not just any evil man.Touchest him not (ουχ απτεται αυτου — ouch haptetai autou). Present middle indicative of απτω — haptō elsewhere in John only John 20:17. It means to lay hold of or to grasp rather than a mere superficial touch (τιγγανω — thigganō both in Colossians 2:21). Here the idea is to touch to harm. The devil cannot snatch such a man from Christ (John 6:38.). [source]
1 John 5:18 He that was begotten of God [ο γεννητεις εκ του τεου]
First aorist passive articular participle referring to Christ, if the reading of A B is correct It is Christ who keeps the one begotten of God It is a difficult phrase, but this is probably the idea. Jesus (John 18:37) uses γεγεννημαι — gegennēmai of himself and uses also τηρεω — tēreō of keeping the disciples (John 17:12, John 17:15; Revelation 3:10). [source]
Revelation 11:10 They that dwell upon the earth [οι κατοικουντες επι της γης]
Present active articular participle of κατοικεω — katoikeō “an Apocalyptic formula” (Swete) for the non-Christian world (Revelation 3:10; Revelation 6:10; Revelation 8:13; Revelation 13:8, Revelation 13:12, Revelation 13:14; Revelation 17:8). [source]
Revelation 12:9 Was cast down [εβλητη]
Effective first aorist passive indicative of βαλλω — ballō cast down for good and all, a glorious consummation. This vision of final victory over Satan is given by Jesus in Luke 10:18; John 12:31. It has not come yet, but it is coming, and the hope of it should be a spur to missionary activity and zeal. The word megas (great) occurs here with δρακων — drakōn as in Revelation 12:3, and the whole picture is repeated in Revelation 20:2. The dragon in both places is identified with the old serpent (Genesis 3:1.) and called αρχαιος — archaios (from αρχη — archē beginning), as Jesus said that the devil was a murderer “from the beginning” (John 8:44). Both διαβολος — diabolos (slanderer) and Satan This is his aim and his occupation, pictured here by the nominative articular present active participle of πλαναω — planaō to lead astray. For “the inhabited world” see Luke 2:1; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 16:14. Satan can almost “lead astray” the very elect of God (Matthew 24:24), so artful is he in his beguilings as he teaches us how to deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8). [source]
Revelation 2:10 That ye may be tried [ινα πειραστητε]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of πειραζω — peirazō John himself is in exile. Peter and John had often been in prison together. James the brother of John, Paul, and Peter had all suffered martyrdom. In Revelation 3:10 a general persecution is outlined by πειρασμος — peirasmos shall have Future active, but some MSS. read εχητε — echēte (present active subjunctive with hina, “that ye may have”). [source]
Revelation 6:10 Avenge our blood on them that dwell upon the earth [εκδικεις το αιμα ημων εκ των κατοικουντων επι της γης]
This same idiom in Revelation 19:2 and see it also in Luke 18:7., “a passage which goes far to answer many questions in theodicy” (Swete). We find εκδικεω — ekdikeō late compound, used with εκ — ek as here in Deuteronomy 18:19; 1 Samuel 24:13, but with απο — apo in Luke 18:3. For επι της γης — epi tēs gēs (upon the earth) see Revelation 3:10. [source]
Revelation 6:11 Until should be fulfilled [εως πληρωτωσιν]
Future indefinite temporal clause with εως — heōs and the first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροω — plēroō to fill full (Matthew 23:32; Colossians 2:10), “until be filled full” (the number of), regular Greek idiom.Which should be killed (οι μελλοντες αποκτεννεσται — hoi mellontes apoktennesthai). Regular construction of articular present active participle of μελλω — mellō (about to be, going to be) with the present passive infinitive of αποκτεννω — apoktennō Aeolic and late form for αποκτεινω — apokteinō to kill (also in Mark 12:5). John foresees more persecution coming (Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:10). [source]
Revelation 6:11 Which should be killed [οι μελλοντες αποκτεννεσται]
Regular construction of articular present active participle of μελλω — mellō (about to be, going to be) with the present passive infinitive of αποκτεννω — apoktennō Aeolic and late form for αποκτεινω — apokteinō to kill (also in Mark 12:5). John foresees more persecution coming (Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:10). [source]
Revelation 2:10 Some of you [εχ υμων]
Without τινας — tinas (some) before εχ υμων — ex humōn a common idiom as in Revelation 3:9; Revelation 11:19; Luke 11:49.That ye may be tried (ινα πειραστητε — hina peirasthēte). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of πειραζω — peirazō John himself is in exile. Peter and John had often been in prison together. James the brother of John, Paul, and Peter had all suffered martyrdom. In Revelation 3:10 a general persecution is outlined by πειρασμος — peirasmos shall have (εχετε — hexete). Future active, but some MSS. read εχητε — echēte (present active subjunctive with hina, “that ye may have”).Tribulation ten days “Tribulation of ten days” (or “within ten days”). It is unwise to seek a literal meaning for ten days. Even ten days of suffering might seem an eternity while they lasted.Be thou faithful (γινου πιστος — ginou pistos). “Keep on becoming faithful” (present middle imperative of γινομαι — ginomai), “keep on proving faithful unto death” (Hebrews 12:4) as the martyrs have done (Jesus most of all).The crown of life See this very image in James 1:12, a familiar metaphor in the games at Smyrna and elsewhere in which the prize was a garland. See also Revelation 3:11. The crown consists in life (Revelation 2:7). See Paul‘s use of στεπανος — stephanos in 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8. [source]
Revelation 6:10 O Master [ο δεσποτης]
Nominative articular form, but used as vocative On δεσποτης — despotēs (correlative of δουλος — doulos) see Luke 2:29. Here (alone in the Apocalypse) it is applied to God as in Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24, but to Christ in Judges 1:4; 2 Peter 2:1.The holy and true (ο αγιος και αλητινος — ho hagios kai alēthinos). See Revelation 3:7 for these attributes of God.Avenge our blood on them that dwell upon the earth This same idiom in Revelation 19:2 and see it also in Luke 18:7., “a passage which goes far to answer many questions in theodicy” (Swete). We find εκδικεω — ekdikeō late compound, used with εκ — ek as here in Deuteronomy 18:19; 1 Samuel 24:13, but with απο — apo in Luke 18:3. For επι της γης — epi tēs gēs (upon the earth) see Revelation 3:10. [source]
Revelation 6:11 That they should rest [ινα αναπαυσονται]
Sub-final clause with ινα — hina and the future indicative (as in Revelation 3:9; Revelation 6:4) middle rather than the aorist middle subjunctive αναπαυσωνται — anapausōntai of Aleph C.Yet for a little time (ετι χρονον μικρον — eti chronon mikron). Accusative of extension of time as in Revelation 20:3. Perhaps rest from their cry for vengeance and also rest in peace (Revelation 14:13). For the verb αναπαυω — anapauō see note on Matthew 11:28.Until should be fulfilled Future indefinite temporal clause with εως — heōs and the first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροω — plēroō to fill full (Matthew 23:32; Colossians 2:10), “until be filled full” (the number of), regular Greek idiom.Which should be killed (οι μελλοντες αποκτεννεσται — hoi mellontes apoktennesthai). Regular construction of articular present active participle of μελλω — mellō (about to be, going to be) with the present passive infinitive of αποκτεννω — apoktennō Aeolic and late form for αποκτεινω — apokteinō to kill (also in Mark 12:5). John foresees more persecution coming (Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:10). [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 3:10 mean?

Because you have kept the word of the patient endurance of Me I also you will keep out of the hour of the trial - being about to come upon inhabited world whole to try those dwelling earth
Ὅτι ἐτήρησας τὸν λόγον τῆς ὑπομονῆς μου κἀγώ σε τηρήσω ἐκ τῆς ὥρας τοῦ πειρασμοῦ τῆς μελλούσης ἔρχεσθαι ἐπὶ οἰκουμένης ὅλης πειράσαι τοὺς κατοικοῦντας γῆς

Ὅτι  Because 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
ἐτήρησας  you  have  kept 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: τηρέω  
Sense: to attend to carefully, take care of.
λόγον  word 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
τῆς  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ὑπομονῆς  patient  endurance 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ὑπομονή  
Sense: steadfastness, constancy, endurance.
μου  of  Me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
κἀγώ  I  also 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Nominative 1st Person Singular
Root: κἀγώ  
Sense: and I.
τηρήσω  will  keep 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: τηρέω  
Sense: to attend to carefully, take care of.
ἐκ  out  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐκ 
Sense: out of, from, by, away from.
ὥρας  hour 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ὥρα  
Sense: a certain definite time or season fixed by natural law and returning with the revolving year.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πειρασμοῦ  trial 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: πειρασμός  
Sense: an experiment, attempt, trial, proving.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
μελλούσης  being  about 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: μέλλω  
Sense: to be about.
ἔρχεσθαι  to  come 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Root: ἔρχομαι  
Sense: to come.
ἐπὶ  upon 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
οἰκουμένης  inhabited  world 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: οἰκουμένη  
Sense: the inhabited earth.
ὅλης  whole 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ὅλος  
Sense: all, whole, completely.
πειράσαι  to  try 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: πειράζω  
Sense: to try whether a thing can be done.
τοὺς  those 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
κατοικοῦντας  dwelling 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: κατοικέω 
Sense: to dwell, settle.
γῆς  earth 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: γῆ  
Sense: arable land.