And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

REVELATION 3:7KJV
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Revelation 3:7 (KJV)

What does Revelation 3:7 mean?

Revelation 3:7 describes Jesus addressing the church in Philadelphia, identifying himself as holy and true, and as the one who holds the key of David—meaning he has full authority to open and shut doors that no one else can change. This verse highlights Jesus’ unique power and trustworthiness in deciding what opportunities or barriers exist for his followers.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking through John to the Christian community in the ancient city of Philadelphia. The “angel” refers to the messenger or leader of that church. By calling himself “holy” and “true,” Jesus emphasizes his pure character and reliability. The “key of David” is a symbol from the Old Testament, pointing to royal authority—Jesus alone controls access to God’s kingdom and the opportunities he gives to his people.

The Greek behind Revelation 3:7

  • ἅγιος (hagios, “holy”): This word means set apart or sacred, underlining Jesus’ absolute purity and uniqueness compared to anyone else.
  • ἀληθινός (alēthinos, “true”): This emphasizes that Jesus is genuine and trustworthy, not false or misleading.
  • κλεὶς (kleis, “key”): The key of David is a symbol of authority and control, especially over access—Jesus alone decides what is opened or closed.
  • ἀνοίγω (anoigō, “openeth”) and κλείω (kleió, “shutteth”): These verbs stress that Jesus’ decisions about what is open or closed cannot be overturned by anyone else, highlighting his ultimate authority.

Why Revelation 3:7 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about who has real spiritual authority—Jesus alone holds the “key of David,” so no one else can override his decisions about access or opportunity.
  • The emphasis on Jesus being “holy” and “true” reassures the church in Philadelphia (and readers today) that his promises and judgments can be fully trusted.
  • The verse sets the stage for the message to the church in Philadelphia, showing that any encouragement or correction comes from someone who is both powerful and completely reliable.

Where else these words appear

“Philadelphia” Greek G5359 · used in 2 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.

“key” Greek G2807 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
  • Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
  • Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

“things” Greek G3592 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
  • Acts 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
  • Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

“shutteth” Greek G2808 · used in 15 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 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • 1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?