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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Revelation 3:12 - 3:12
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
He that overcometh (ho nikōn). Nominative absolute as in Rev 2:26, resumed by the accusative auton (him).
A pillar (stulon). Old word for column, in N.T. only here, Rev 10:1; Gal 2:9; 1Ti 3:15. Metaphorical and personal use with a double significance of being firmly fixed and giving stability to the building. Philadelphia was a city of earthquakes. “Temple” (naos) here is also metaphorical (Rev 7:15), as in 1Ti 3:15 for the people of God. In Rev 21:22 we read that there is no temple in the heavenly Jerusalem (21:10-22:5) descending as the new Jerusalem with God himself as the temple, though the metaphorical temple is mentioned in Rev 7:15.
He shall go out thence no more (exō ou mē elthēi). Strong double negative ou mē with the second aorist active subjunctive of erchomai. The subject is ho nikōn (the one overcoming). “Fixity of character is at last achieved” (Charles). He, like the stulos (pillar), remains in place.
Upon him (ep' auton). Upon ho nikōn (the victor), not upon the pillar (stulos). He receives this triple name (of God, of the city of God, of Christ) on his forehead (Rev 14:1; Rev 7:3; Rev 17:5; Rev 22:4) just as the high-priest wore the name of Jehovah upon his forehead (Exo 28:36, Exo 28:38), the new name (Rev 2:17), without any magical or talismanic power, but as proof of ownership by God, as a citizen of the New Jerusalem, with the new symbol of the glorious personality of Christ (Rev 19:12), in contrast with the mark of the beast on others (Rev 13:17; Rev 14:17). For citizenship in God’s city see Gal 4:26; Phi 3:20; Heb 11:10; Heb 12:22; Heb 13:14.
The new Jerusalem (tēs kainēs Ierousalēm). Not neas (young), but kainēs (fresh). See also Rev 21:2, Rev 21:10 and already Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22. Charles distinguishes between the Jerusalem before the final judgment and this new Jerusalem after that event. Perhaps so! In the Apocalypse always this form Ierousalēm (Rev 3:12; Rev 21:2, Rev 21:10), but in John’s Gospel Hierosoluma (Rev 1:19, etc.).
Which cometh down (hē katabainousa). Nominative case in apposition with the preceding genitive poleōs as in Rev 1:5; Rev 2:20, etc.
Mine own new name (to onoma mou to kainon). For which see Rev 2:17; Rev 19:12, Rev 19:16. Christ himself will receive a new name along with all else in the future world (Gressmann).