Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

REVELATION 3:11KJV
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Revelation 3:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 3:11 mean?

Revelation 3:11 is a warning and encouragement from Jesus, telling believers to stay faithful and hold tightly to what they have so that no one can take away their “crown”—a symbol of reward or victory. Jesus announces that he is coming soon, urging his followers not to let go of their faith or lose what they have gained.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the church in Philadelphia, one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. The situation is one of ongoing challenge and pressure, and Jesus reassures them of his return (“I come quickly”) while also urging them to remain steadfast. The “crown” mentioned here refers to a prize or reward for faithfulness, not a royal crown, and the verse highlights the need for perseverance in the face of difficulty.

The Greek behind Revelation 3:11

  • “Quickly” (ταχύ, tachy): This word means “without delay” or “soon.” The Greek here emphasizes a sense of urgency and expectation, reminding readers that Jesus’s return is imminent from the perspective of the message.
  • “Hold fast” (κράτει, kratei): This verb means to “hold firmly” or “seize.” The instruction is not passive; it calls for active effort to keep hold of what they have, stressing the importance of not letting go.
  • “Crown” (στέφανος, stephanos): This word refers to a victor’s wreath, like those given to winners in ancient athletic games, rather than a king’s crown. It points to reward for endurance and faithfulness rather than authority or rule.

Why Revelation 3:11 matters

  • Revelation 3:11 clarifies that the “crown” is something believers can lose if they do not remain faithful, highlighting the need for perseverance rather than assuming rewards are automatic.
  • The verse connects to the larger message to the church in Philadelphia, where Jesus repeatedly encourages endurance and promises protection for those who keep his word.
  • This verse helps clear up confusion about the timing of Jesus’s return; the Greek word for “quickly” shows a sense of readiness and urgency, not necessarily a prediction of immediate fulfillment.

Where else these words appear

“quickly” Greek G5035 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • Revelation 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

“crown” Greek G4735 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
  • Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
  • Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

“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.

“man” Greek G3367 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.