Robertson Word Pictures - Revelation 3:9 - 3:9

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Robertson Word Pictures - Revelation 3:9 - 3:9


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

I give (didō). Late omega form for didōmi, but the ̇mi form in Rev 17:13 (didoasin). These Jewish converts are a gift from Christ. For this use of didōmi see Act 2:27; Act 10:40; Act 14:3. There is ellipse of tinas before ek as in Rev 2:10 (ex humōn) and see Rev 2:9 for “the synagogue of Satan.”

Of them which say (tōn legontōn). Ablative plural in apposition with sunagōgēs. On the construction of heautous Ioudaious einai see note on Rev 2:9 (Ioudaious einai heautous, the order of words being immaterial).

But do lie (alla pseudontai). Present middle indicative of pseudomai, explanatory positive, addition here to kai ouk eisin of Rev 2:9, in contrast also with ho alēthinos of Rev 3:7 and in Johannine style (Joh 8:44; 1Jo 1:10; 1Jo 2:4).

I will make them (poiēsō autous). Future active indicative of poieō, resuming the prophecy after the parenthesis (tōn - pseudontai, which say - but do lie).

To come and worship (hina hēxousin kai proskunēsousin). “That they come and worship” (final clause, like facio ut in Latin, with hina and the future active of hēkō and proskuneō). The language is based on Isa 45:14; Isa 60:14. The Jews expected homage (not worship in the strict sense) from the Gentiles, but it will come to the Christians at last (1Co 14:24). Later Ignatius (Philad. 6) warns this church against Judaizing Christians, perhaps one result of an influx of Jews.

And to know (kai gnōsin). Continuation of the purpose clause with hina, but with the second aorist active subjunctive rather than the less usual future indicative. See both constructions also with hina in Rev 22:14. Probably a reminiscence of Isa 43:4 in egō ēgapēsa se (I loved thee), first aorist active indicative.