Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

REVELATION 3:9KJV
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Revelation 3:9 (KJV)

What does Revelation 3:9 mean?

Revelation 3:9 describes how God will make those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are not, come and bow down before the believers in Philadelphia, showing them that God loves these faithful followers. The verse promises that those who have lied about their identity and opposed the church will ultimately recognize the truth and the special relationship God has with His people.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the church in Philadelphia, one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. The situation involves believers facing opposition from a group described as the "synagogue of Satan," meaning people who claim a spiritual identity they do not truly have. The verse assures the faithful that God sees their struggles and will vindicate them, making their opponents acknowledge God's love for them.

The Greek behind Revelation 3:9

  • συναγωγή (synagōgē, "synagogue"): This word refers to an assembly or gathering, often used for Jewish congregations. Here, it is used negatively to describe a group opposing the believers, not a literal synagogue building.
  • Σατανᾶς (Satanas, "Satan"): The name Satan is used to highlight the spiritual opposition and deception at work, not just human conflict.
  • ψεύδομαι (pseudomai, "lie"): The Greek word means to speak falsely or deceive. The verse emphasizes that these people are not just mistaken, but are knowingly misrepresenting themselves.
  • προσκυνέω (proskyneō, "worship" or "bow down"): This term can mean to show deep respect or reverence, not necessarily worship as in divine worship, but an act of humble acknowledgment.

Why Revelation 3:9 matters

  • Revelation 3:9 clarifies that not everyone who claims a spiritual identity truly belongs to God's people; sincerity and truthfulness matter to God.
  • The verse reassures believers who face hostility or slander that God is aware of their faithfulness and will ultimately vindicate them.
  • This promise connects to the larger message in Revelation of perseverance and hope for those who remain loyal to Christ, even when misunderstood or opposed.

Where else these words appear

“lie” Greek G5574 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
  • 1 Timothy 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle,(I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

“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.

“Satan” Greek G4567 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

“worship” Greek G4352 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: