3:8a

I know your deeds: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as deeds means “actions” or “activities.” You should translate this clause as you did in 3:1.

your: The Greek pronoun that the Berean Standard Bible translates as your is singular. It refers to the angel of the church as the representative of all the believers there.

In many languages it is more natural to use plural pronouns here and in the following verses to refer to the believers directly. This is the same issue as in 3:1d.

3:8b

See: The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. The word is not a command to look at something. Other ways to translate this word are:

Indeed/Wow
-or-
Listen/Hey!

See how you translated this word in 1:7 or 2:22 (“Behold” in Berean Standard Bible).

I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut: There are several ways to interpret the metaphor of an open door. The two main ways are:

(1) The “open door” represents the way into God’s kingdom.

(2) The “open door” represents the opportunity to serve and witness and help people to follow Christ.

Some languages can use the metaphor of an open door to allow for one or both interpretations. But in some languages a literal translation would mean something else entirely. If that is true in your language, use a different metaphor or plain language that allows for one or both interpretations. For example:

I have placed a road before you that no one can block
-or-
I have given to you an opportunity that no one can thwart/frustrate

3:8c

you have only a little strength: Here this phrase probably refers to the fact that this was a small church. It was not strong in numbers, wealth, or influence in society. The people of this church were, therefore, not able to do much for Jesus. This phrase does not imply that they were sinning. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

you are not very strong (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
you are weak ⌊in what you able to do⌋

3:8d

have kept My word: The word kept here means “followed” or “obeyed.” The believers in Philadelphia had obeyed Jesus’ commands and teachings. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

have followed my teaching (Good News Translation)
-or-
have kept my commandments (New Jerusalem Bible)

have not denied My name: This clause indicates that the believers in Philadelphia had not rejected Jesus. They had openly declared that they followed him. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

did not deny me (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
did not deny that you are my followers (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
have not disowned me
-or-
have been faithful/loyal to me

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