Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

REVELATION 3:4KJV
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Revelation 3:4 (KJV)

What does Revelation 3:4 mean?

Revelation 3:4 says that in the city of Sardis, there are a few people who have stayed pure and have not compromised themselves, and because of this, they will walk with Jesus dressed in white, showing that they are worthy. The verse highlights that even in a spiritually troubled community, some remain faithful and are honored for it.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the church in Sardis through a message given to John. Sardis was known for its reputation of being alive but was actually spiritually dead, according to the earlier verses. Here, Jesus recognizes a small group ("a few names") who have not "defiled their garments," a picture of moral and spiritual purity. The promise that they will "walk with me in white" uses the image of white clothing to symbolize honor, victory, and purity in the ancient world.

The Greek behind Revelation 3:4

  • "names" (ὀνόματα, onomata): In Greek, this word refers to people by name, emphasizing that Jesus knows each faithful person individually, not just as part of a group.
  • "defiled" (ἐμόλυναν, emolynan): This word means to stain or soil, often used for dirtying clothes. Here, it paints a vivid picture of moral or spiritual compromise as something that leaves a visible mark.
  • "garments" (ἱμάτια, himatia): In the ancient world, garments often symbolized a person's character or standing. The idea of keeping garments clean points to living in a way that is faithful and unstained by wrongdoing.
  • "white" (λευκοῖς, leukois): White clothing in the ancient context stood for purity, celebration, and victory. The promise of walking in white is a sign of being honored and accepted.

Why Revelation 3:4 matters

  • Revelation 3:4 clarifies that even when a community as a whole is struggling, individuals can still remain faithful and be recognized by Jesus.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility and the value of spiritual integrity, using the image of clean garments to make the point vivid and memorable.
  • This verse connects to the larger message to Sardis, where Jesus warns most of the church but also encourages those who have not given in, showing both warning and hope within the same message.

Where else these words appear

“Sardis” Greek G4554 · used in 3 verses

  • Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
  • Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

“have” Greek G3435 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
  • Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

“white” Greek G3022 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • John 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
  • Revelation 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.