Behold: see 1.7. New Revised Standard Version has “Listen!”

I stand at the door and knock: the figure is of Christ’s standing outside the house and seeking (not demanding) admission by knocking at the front door. Ways of seeking admission to a house vary, and the proper cultural equivalent must be used here to avoid a wrong implication. One may say, for example, “I clear my throat.” Or the visitor claps his hands or uses a particular word or phrase that indicates to the people in the house that someone is outside wishing to enter. In cases where houses do not have doors, one may say “I stand outside your house asking you to let me enter.” But nothing so modern as “I ring the front doorbell” should be used. If a specific way of requesting admission is unsuitable, the generic “I stand at the door of the house and ask to be allowed in” or its equivalent may be used. It is interesting to notice that what follows is “if anyone hears my voice and opens the door” (Good News Translation), which may be the reason why Biblia Dios Habla Hoy translates here “I am at the door, calling.” Commentators are divided as to whether this figure is of Christ’s seeking admission to the heart of every individual believer, or represents the final coming of Christ. It seems more in keeping with the context to follow the first option.

If any one hears my voice and opens the door: the words imply that, not only does Christ knock at the door, but he also calls out, requesting admission. Opens the door may be rendered in certain cultures as “invites me into the house.”

I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me: New Revised Standard Version avoids the exclusively masculine him and he by changing to the second person singular, “if you hear my voice….” Revised Standard Version‘s literal come in to him is not only unnatural English but may carry a sexual connotation; it is unfortunate that New Revised Standard Version has not changed this wording. Good News Translation‘s rendering “come into his house” is more natural.

The matter of direction in the use of the verb come in as opposed to “go in” may be of vital importance: “come” represents the point of view of the host; “go” represents the point of view of the guest. Of all English translations consulted, only Phillips has “go.” See 1.1-2, page 15 [point (5)], on the use of modal verbs indicating direction.

It is not necessary to repeat the literal I will … eat with him, and he (will eat) with me; something like “we will eat together” or “we will have a meal together” is sufficient. It seems somewhat fanciful to imagine that the words mean that at the meal Christ will first be the guest and then play the part of the host, which a literal translation may imply.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• Pay attention! I am standing in front of the house and clearing my throat (or, clapping my hands). If anyone hears me and invites me into the house, I will come (or, go) in and eat a meal with him.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .