What does Revelation 3:21 mean?

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21

Explanation

Revelation 3:21 presents a promise to the faithful followers of Christ who endure trials and tribulations. In this verse, the term ‘overcometh’ refers to those who prevail or are victorious in their Christian faith despite the challenges and opposition they face. The concept of overcoming in the context of Revelation often implies remaining faithful to Jesus and the Gospel until the end, whether through life or in death.

The reward for overcoming is described as the privilege to sit with Jesus on his throne, an image that signifies a sharing in Jesus’ authority, sovereignty, and victory. This imagery is meant to convey a sense of honor and power bestowed upon those who have proved faithful. As Jesus overcame and sits with His Father, the believers too are promised a similar exalted partnership in the kingdom of God.

The use of the term ‘throne’ is symbolic of the ultimate authority and dominion, not just in a temporal or earthly sense, but in a cosmic and eternal dimension. It reflects the Christian belief in the glorified and exalted state of Christ after His resurrection and ascension, allegorizing the believer’s own potential ascension into glory by association with Christ.

Historical Context

Revelation is the last book of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, and written during a time of persecution for early Christians. The book was likely composed toward the end of the 1st century A.D., at a time when the Roman Empire was administering harsh treatment to Christians who refused to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious customs.

The book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature, which uses symbolic language, visions, and allegory to convey messages of hope and judgment. The particular verse in Revelation 3:21 is part of a section addressed to the Seven Churches in Asia Minor, providing both admonitions and encouragements, tailored to the circumstances of each community.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, views on Revelation 3:21 can vary. One common insight is that of an eschatological promise – a hope for the future when justice will be served, and faith will be rewarded. The verse symbolizes the ultimate vindication of Christian believers and can be interpreted as a prophecy of the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.

Some theological interpretations follow an amillennial perspective, viewing the reign with Christ as a current reality in the spiritual sense, where the church presently shares in Christ’s rule over the cosmos. Others, of a premillennial viewpoint, see this as a literal future event following Christ’s return.

There are also postmillennial interpretations that regard this promise as a gradual process where the Christian influence will eventually prevail in the world over time, leading to an age of peace and righteousness before Christ’s return.

Practical Applications

Revelation 3:21 offers several practical applications for believers. It encourages perseverance and faithfulness in the face of hardship, reminding Christians that their current struggles have eternal significance. The promised reward can be seen as motivation to strive for a life of righteousness, moral integrity, and steadfastness in one’s faith.

Furthermore, the verse can inspire Christians to seek a deeper spiritual authority in their lives and communities, reflecting the kingdom of God in their conduct and fostering a culture of hope and victory over sin and despair.

Cross-References

• Revelation 2:26-27: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”
• Revelation 20:4: “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.”
• 2 Timothy 2:12: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.”
• Romans 8:17: “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Language Study

The original Greek term for ‘overcometh’ is “νικῶν” (nikōn), a present participle form of the verb “νικάω” (nikaó), meaning ‘to conquer’ or ‘to carry off the victory’. The continuous aspect of this verb form implies a constant state of overcoming or persevering.

The word for ‘throne’ in Greek is “θρόνος” (thronos), often associated with the seat of a king or deity and thus symbolizing sovereign power, rule, and dignity. When combined, these words richly depict ongoing triumph and the subsequent sharing in divine rule.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn between the Christian concept of overcoming and ruling with Christ to other ancient religious and cultural stories of triumph and exaltation. For example, in Greco-Roman mythology, heroes often undergo trials to receive honor and reward from the gods. In some Eastern religions, the concept of transcending suffering and achieving enlightenment has some parallels to the Christian idea of overcoming worldly challenges and receiving spiritual awakening or reward.

Scientific Perspectives

Revelation 3:21 does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives as its language is highly metaphorical and spiritual, dealing with concepts such as faith, perseverance, and eternal rewards. Scientific disciplines typically do not address such theological and eschatological matters directly, as they lie outside the empirical realm of measurement and observation.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer interpretations of Revelation 3:21. For instance, some commentaries emphasize the participatory nature of the Christian’s eventual rule with Christ, highlighting the cooperative relationship between the divine and the faithful. Others focus on the contrast between earthly suffering and heavenly glory, pointing out that the temporal struggles of believers are not worthy of comparison with the eternal reward.

Prominent scholars like G.K. Beale and Craig S. Keener have noted the importance of understanding the verse as part of the wider narrative in Revelation, which reiterates themes of divine justice, redemptive history, and ultimate restoration. The consensus among many theological experts is that this verse is designed to provide comfort, inspire hope, and call for perseverance among the Christian faithful in the midst of their trials.