Section 3:7–13
Jesus spoke to the church at Philadelphia
In this section, Jesus spoke to the people who believed in him at Philadelphia. He prophesied that they would have an opportunity to do great things for him. He said that the Jews there would acknowledge that God loves the believers. Jesus then also said that he would protect them from a time of hardship. He encouraged them to remain strong in their faith. Lastly, he gave a promise to any believer who persevered in his faith.
Translate this section heading as you did for the other messages to the churches.
Paragraph 3:7–10
3:7a
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: You should translate this clause in the same way as you did in 3:1. You only need to change the name to Philadelphia.
3:7b–d
These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open: These words are an introduction to the words in 3:8–13. You should translate the phrase These are the words of the One who in a way similar to 3:1.
Jesus spoke these words about himself. He continues to speak in 3:8, using the pronoun “I.” In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Jesus was talking about someone else here. If that is true in your language, indicate that Jesus spoke about himself. For example:
These are my words, and I am holy and true. I hold the key of David. What I open no one can shut, and what I shut no one can open.
3:7b
the One who is holy and true: The Greek words are literally “the holy one, the true one” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Both phrases are like titles. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
him who is the holy one and the true one
-or-
the holy and true one
holy: Here this word indicates that Jesus is perfect and unique, as God is. He only does what is right. He is different from all other beings because he is perfect and divine. Other ways to translate holy are:
sacred/divine
-or-
pure/perfect ⌊spiritually/morally⌋
-or-
unique/separate
true: Here the word true probably means “genuine” or “without lies.” Other ways to translate this word are:
⌊a man of⌋ truth
-or-
⌊one who speaks⌋ truth
3:7c–8b
These verses contain a metaphor about a key. These verses also contain a metaphor about opening or shutting something. Both metaphors refer to authority. See the notes below for more information.
3:7c
who holds the key of David: The Greek clause is literally “the one having the key of David.” John described Jesus as possessing this key. This clause figuratively represents the idea that he has the authority that the key represents. For example:
who has the key of David (Revised Standard Version)
the key of David: This phrase is a metaphor. The word key refers to authority. As King David had authority over the kingdom of God’s people, so Jesus also has authority over the kingdom. Jesus fulfills the prophecies that God gave about David’s descendant and heir. Jesus has the right to rule as that descendant.
In some languages a literal translation would not have the figurative meaning of authority. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Explain the symbolic meaning in your translation. For example:
the key of ⌊authority over⌋ David’s ⌊kingdom⌋
-or-
the key of David, ⌊namely, authority over his kingdom⌋
• Translate the meaning without the symbol. For example:
full authority over David’s kingdom
-or-
the right to rule as king in David’s line/place
You may then want a footnote to explain the literal words. An example footnote is:
Literally: “the key of David.” This phrase refers to authority to rule.
• Translate literally and explain the Greek words in a footnote. An example footnote is:
The “key of David” refers to authority to rule God’s kingdom. God promised to David that his descendant would rule over that kingdom.
David: David was the second king of Israel. He lived about a thousand years before Revelation was written. He was faithful to God, and God promised him that someone from his family would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:16, Isaiah 9:6–7).
In some languages it will be helpful to say that David was the king of Israel, God’s people. For example:
⌊King⌋ David
-or-
David ⌊the former/ancient king of Israel⌋
-or-
⌊King⌋ David ⌊who ruled God’s people⌋ ⌊long ago⌋
3:7d
What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open: 3:7d continues describing Jesus. He has full authority. Once he decides something, no one can change that decision. The New Revised Standard Version follows the Greek word order and Greek grammar:
who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens
As in the above example, the Greek words are not a new sentence here. But in some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here, as the Berean Standard Bible does.
opens…shuts: These verses do not say what Jesus opens and shuts. The word “doors” is probably implied, as in 3:8b.
In some languages it is more natural to include the implied information in your translation. For example:
When he opens a door, no one can close it. And when he closes it, no one can open it. (New Century Version)
The words of 3:7d refers figuratively to authority. It probably refers specifically to the authority to let people enter through the door. Jesus makes all decisions about who can enter the kingdom of God’s people.
In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to opening and closing physical doors. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
⌊He is sovereign, and so⌋ when he opens the door ⌊of/to the kingdom⌋ , no one can shut it, and when he shuts the door, no one can open it.
• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:
This saying indicates that Jesus allows some people to enter his kingdom and prevents others from doing so. ⌊He is sovereign, and⌋ he alone decides.
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