But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

REVELATION 2:25KJV
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What 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.

Where else these words appear

“come” Greek G2240 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
  • Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come(in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

“But” Greek G4133 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
  • Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
  • John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

“fast” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
  • Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

“till” Greek G891 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.