He who has an earThis phrase is a call to attention, urging individuals to listen carefully. It echoes the words of Jesus in the Gospels, such as in
Matthew 11:15 and
Mark 4:9, where He often used similar language to emphasize the importance of understanding His teachings. The "ear" symbolizes the capacity to receive spiritual truth, suggesting that not everyone is willing or able to comprehend divine messages.
let him hear
This is an imperative command, stressing the necessity of not just hearing but truly understanding and internalizing the message. In the biblical context, hearing implies obedience and action. This phrase underscores the responsibility of the listener to respond to the divine revelation being given.
what the Spirit says
The Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who communicates God's will and truth to believers. In the context of Revelation, the Spirit is the source of prophetic insight and guidance. This highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in conveying messages from God, as seen throughout the New Testament, such as inJohn 16:13, where the Spirit is described as guiding believers into all truth.
to the churches
The message is directed to the seven churches in Asia Minor, as mentioned earlier in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. These churches represent not only specific historical congregations but also symbolize the universal church throughout the ages. The plural "churches" indicates that the message is applicable to all Christian communities, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the church to heed the Spirit's guidance. This reflects the communal nature of the early Christian faith and the shared challenges and promises faced by believers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The SpiritRefers to the Holy Spirit, who communicates God's messages to the churches. The Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, actively involved in guiding and instructing believers.
2.
The ChurchesIn the context of Revelation, this refers to the seven churches in Asia Minor addressed in the letters of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. These churches represent different types of congregations and spiritual conditions.
3.
John the ApostleThe author of the Book of Revelation, who received the vision and message from Jesus Christ while exiled on the island of Patmos.
4.
PatmosA small Greek island where John was exiled and received the revelation. It serves as the setting for the writing of the Book of Revelation.
5.
The Seven Churches of Asia MinorSpecific congregations in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, each receiving a unique message from Christ through John.
Teaching Points
Spiritual DiscernmentBelievers are called to actively listen and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit. This requires a heart open to God's guidance and a willingness to act on His instructions.
Relevance to All ChurchesWhile the message was initially directed to specific churches, the call to hear what the Spirit says is relevant to all congregations and individual believers today.
Active ListeningSpiritual growth involves more than just hearing; it requires understanding and applying God's Word in our lives.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is essential in guiding believers into truth and helping them understand God's will for their lives.
Responsibility of BelieversEach believer has the responsibility to listen and respond to the Spirit's guidance, ensuring their life aligns with God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Revelation 3:22?
2.How can we actively listen to the Spirit's message in our daily lives?
3.What does "hear what the Spirit says" imply about spiritual attentiveness?
4.How does Revelation 3:22 connect with Jesus' teachings in the Gospels?
5.In what ways can we apply Revelation 3:22 to our church community?
6.How does this verse encourage personal growth in your faith journey?
7.What does "He who has an ear, let him hear" mean in Revelation 3:22?
8.How does Revelation 3:22 challenge personal spiritual awareness and responsiveness?
9.Why is listening emphasized in Revelation 3:22, and what implications does it have for believers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 3?
11.What message was given to the Church in Sardis?
12.What is the message to the church in Sardis?
13.Why does God forbid adding to Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19), yet Christianity later included new books in the New Testament?
14.Why doesn't apostolic literature more explicitly reference Zechariah 4's imagery, if it was crucial for understanding God's plan, as some claim?What Does Revelation 3:22 Mean
HeJesus Christ is the One speaking (Revelation 1:17-18; 3:14).
• The same voice that calmed storms (Mark 4:39), raised the dead (John 11:43-44), and spoke creation into existence (John 1:1-3) now addresses His people.
• Because every word He speaks is trustworthy (John 14:6;Revelation 19:11), the verse carries divine authority that cannot be ignored.
who has an earThis phrase singles out every individual capable of responding.
• Physical hearing is assumed; spiritual attentiveness is the issue (Matthew 13:9;Romans 10:17).
• No one is excluded—young or old, new believer or mature saint—because all are accountable to God’s revealed truth (2 Timothy 3:16).
let him hearHearing means more than receiving sound; it involves obedient response.
• In Scripture, “hear” often equals “obey” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5;James 1:22).
• Genuine listening produces action—repentance, faith, and perseverance (Revelation 2:5;Hebrews 12:25).
• Refusal to heed brings judgment, as seen in Israel’s history (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).
what the Spirit saysThe Holy Spirit is the messenger, making Christ’s words living and active (John 16:13-15).
• He convicts (John 16:8), guides (Romans 8:14), and empowers believers to obey (Galatians 5:16).
• The Spirit never contradicts Scripture; He illuminates its meaning and presses it upon hearts (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).
• This highlights the triune cooperation of Father, Son, and Spirit in communicating God’s will.
to the churchesAlthough addressed to seven specific congregations (Revelation 2–3), the message applies to every assembly of believers across time.
• The plural “churches” underscores collective responsibility as well as individual accountability (Ephesians 4:4-6).
• Each church is called to examine itself in light of Christ’s commendations and warnings (Revelation 3:1-3, 14-19).
• The verse reaffirms that local churches remain under Christ’s direct oversight (Colossians 1:18).
summaryRevelation 3:22 closes the letters to the seven churches with a universal summons: because Jesus speaks with absolute authority, everyone capable of spiritual hearing must listen and obey the Holy Spirit’s message. The call extends to all believers and every congregation, urging attentive, responsive hearts that translate hearing into faithful action.
Verse 22. -
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches. The seven messages were not merely separate admonitions addressed only to each particular Church, but all the epistles were meant for all the seven Churches, and, after them, for the universal Church. Each Church had an especial failing brought more emphatically before it; but still the seven warnings are one whole, for the edification of all. As it behoves the individual Christian to avoid and repent of all sin, and yet to fix his attention on the cure of some besetting sin to which he is peculiarly liable, so these messages, though intended to be read by all, and heeded by all, place vividly before each Church its besetting sin, which more particularly requires attention. And as the sins to be avoided are to be avoided by all, so the separate rewards arc promised to all who overcome. They are, therefore, not really distinct rewards, but rather different phases and views of one great whole, which shall be enjoyed in its entirety by those who have struggled victoriously with the trials and temptations of the world.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
He whoὉ(Ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.hasἔχων(echōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.an ear,οὖς(ous)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3775:(a) the ear, (b) met: the faculty of perception. Apparently a primary word; the ear.let him hearἀκουσάτω(akousatō)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.whatτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.theτὸ(to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.SpiritΠνεῦμα(Pneuma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.saysλέγει(legei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.to theταῖς(tais)Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.churches.”ἐκκλησίαις(ekklēsiais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1577:From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.
Links
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 3:22 He who has an ear let him (Rev. Re Apocalypse)