But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
REVELATION 2:25KJVWhat does Revelation 2:25 mean?
Revelation 2:25 tells the believers to hold tightly to what they already have until Christ returns. The verse encourages them not to let go of their faith or the teachings they have received, but to remain steadfast until Jesus comes back.
In this passage, Jesus is speaking through John to the church in Thyatira, a group facing pressure to compromise their beliefs. The instruction is not to seek something new, but to remain faithful to what they already know is true. The verse reassures them that holding on is enough until Christ’s promised return.
The Greek behind Revelation 2:25
- The word "hold fast" is κρατέω (krateō), which means to seize, grasp, or cling to something firmly. Here, it emphasizes an active effort to keep hold of their faith and teachings, not just a passive waiting.
- The phrase "till I come" uses ἄχρι (achri) and ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning "until" and "I come." This sets a clear time frame: the believers are to remain faithful specifically until Jesus himself returns, highlighting the expectation of his coming as a real and future event.
Why Revelation 2:25 matters
- This verse clarifies that the focus is on perseverance, not on achieving something new or extraordinary; faithfulness to what they already possess is what is commended.
- It connects to the wider message to the churches in Revelation, where Jesus repeatedly calls for endurance and loyalty in the face of challenges.
- The verse helps prevent misunderstanding that spiritual progress always means seeking new experiences or teachings; sometimes, the call is simply to remain true to what is already known.