Revelation 3:11: Taking our crown

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Revelation 3:11, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

If you were to compare this verse in several Bible translations, you would find them all to be virtually the same. Yet for being such a simple verse to translate, I think most translations fail to convey the full meaning of the original Greek. The full impact of the verse seems to hang on the translation of the word, take.

A problem in translating is that words in different languages rarely have exactly the same semantic range of meanings. Certainly the word take is an acceptable translation, however, to say in English, “Someone took my crown,” could imply there was theft, force, or some other type of unlawful seizure. I don't think that's what is being discussed here.

The word being translated is the Greek word, lambanō (λαμβάνω, Strong's word 2983). According to Strong's, the definition is “to take, receive.” It's the same word used in Matthew 7:8 (NASB), “For everyone who asks receives (λαμβάνω), and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Nothing unlawful is implied by the word. It's not theft, as in kleptō (κλέπτω, Strong's word 2813). It's not seizing by force, as in harpazō (ἁρπάζω, Strong's word 726). If you see a display in a store with a sign that says, “Free samples. Take one,” that's the same meaning of the word lambanō being used in the subject verse.

So looking back at Revelation 3:11, we see that Christ is not warning us to be on guard against people who would steal our crowns. He is commanding us to be faithful – to be busy doing the work He expects of us. If we are slothful, no one steals our crown; he simply receives it. We have forfeited our reward and it goes to another person who deserves it. Consider this possible translation:

“I am coming quickly. Hold fast that which you have so that no one else should receive your crown.”

Revelation 21:4 says there will be no crying in heaven. However, I can't help thinking how sad it would be to stand in front of Jesus and have no reward. It would be to my shame to stand there empty handed while others are casting their crowns at His feet (Revelation 4:10). The worst part would be knowing that I didn't lose my reward – I squandered it!