What does Revelation 3:20 mean?

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Explanation

Revelation 3:20 is a poignant verse that contains a spiritual invitation from Jesus Christ to individuals. It depicts Jesus as standing at a door and knocking, symbolizing his desire to enter into personal fellowship with anyone who is willing to respond to his voice and open the door. The door metaphorically represents the heart or life of an individual, and his knocking is an initiative for an intimate relationship rather than a passive waiting. The promise that accompanies opening the door is one of communion, with the imagery of sharing a meal (sup) indicating a warm, personal interaction.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Book of Revelation, a New Testament text traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. Revelation is apocalyptic literature, written in a time when Christians faced persecution and uncertainty, around 95 AD. The specific context of Revelation 3:20 is a message to the church in Laodicea, one of the seven churches addressed in chapters 2 and 3. Laodicea was known for its wealth, banking, textile industry, and medical school, but the church there is criticized for being lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—spiritually. The message is a call for repentance and recommitment.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives view this verse in various lights.

Evangelical Perspective: Often interpreted as an invitation to individual salvation, signifying that personal belief and acceptance of Jesus are necessary for spiritual renewal.

Catholic Perspective: Understood within the context of continual conversion and reconciliation with God, with an emphasis on the Eucharist as the literal communal meal with Christ.

Orthodox Perspective: May emphasize the mystical union with Christ, which is a continuous process of theosis or deification through participation in the life of the church and its sacraments.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse are applied in daily life through:

• Personal spirituality: Encouraging individuals to seek a personal relationship with Jesus by opening their hearts to him.
• Evangelism: Motivating believers to share the message of acceptance and communion with others.
• Church practices: Reflecting on this verse in the context of church services, particularly those involving communion or fellowship meals.
• Social interactions: Using this message as an impetus to build authentic relationships with others, based on openness and hospitality.

Cross-References

• Luke 12:36-37: “And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.”
• Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”
• John 10:9: “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• “Behold” (ἰδού, idou): A term commanding attention, emphasizing the importance of what follows.
• “Stand” (ἑστῶς, hestōs): The present participle of “to stand,” indicating a continuous action.
• “Knock” (κρούω, krouō): To strike or thump, indicating a deliberate action of seeking entrance.
• “Hear” (ἀκούω, akouō): To listen or heed, denoting a requirement for responsiveness.
• “Voice” (φωνή, phōnē): Refers to the sound or proclamation that one is making, often associated with divine messages.
• “Open” (ἀνοίγω, anoigō): To open, used metaphorically for the willingness to allow entry.
• “Sup” (δειπνήσω, deipnēsō): To dine or eat the main meal, symbolizing fellowship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar motifs of divine beings requesting entry or communion with humans can be found in various religions and myths. In Greco-Roman mythology, the gods often interact with mortals, sometimes requiring hospitality. In Hindu texts, deities might appear at a devotee’s door, seeking a connection or rewarding virtue. In many ancient cultures, sharing a meal signified a covenant or bond, both in religious and secular contexts.

Scientific Perspectives

While Revelation 3:20 deals with metaphysical and spiritual concepts, scientific perspectives can be applied in understanding the psychology behind the metaphor of the door as boundary and the impact of religious experiences on human behavior and brain activity.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Suggests that Christ not only brings us with him, but he dines with us, nourishing our souls for heaven.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: Emphasizes the individual aspect of the invitation, making it personal and direct to each reader or hearer.

The New International Commentary on the New Testament: It often implies that the verse speaks to both individual and corporate church contexts, focusing on the readiness to receive Christ.

Expert theological interpretations vary, but they commonly agree on the fundamental idea of an earnest, proactive invitation from Christ to individuals to partake in a personal and redeeming relationship with him.