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 3:20KJV
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Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

What does Revelation 3:20 mean?

Revelation 3:20 describes Jesus standing outside and knocking at a door, inviting anyone who hears his voice and opens the door to welcome him in for a shared meal. The verse uses the image of a guest seeking entry, promising a close and personal relationship to those who respond.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the church in Laodicea, a group of Christians known for being spiritually lukewarm. The picture of Jesus knocking highlights that he does not force his way in but waits for a willing response. The promise to “sup” or eat together reflects the idea of deep fellowship and acceptance, which was especially meaningful in the ancient world.

The Greek behind Revelation 3:20

  • ἰδοὺ (idou, “Behold”): This word is used to get attention, signaling that something important is being said.
  • κρούω (krouō, “knock”): The Greek word here suggests repeated or persistent knocking, not just a single tap, emphasizing Jesus’s patience and continued invitation.
  • δειπνήσω (deipnēsō, “sup”): This word refers to the main meal of the day, often a leisurely evening meal shared with close friends or family, highlighting the closeness and warmth of the relationship Jesus offers.

Why Revelation 3:20 matters

  • Revelation 3:20 is often misunderstood as a message to nonbelievers, but in context, Jesus is addressing people who already consider themselves part of the church.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus desires a willing and personal response, not forced obedience or ritual.
  • This invitation comes in the middle of a warning to a complacent church, showing that even those who have grown distant can still welcome Jesus into a renewed relationship.

Where else these words appear

“sup” Greek G1172 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
  • Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

“knock” Greek G2925 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
  • Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

“door” Greek G2374 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
  • Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

“open” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
  • Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: