Revelation 3:10
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Study Note
Study Note
Philadelphia receives the promise that because they have kept Christ's word of patient endurance, he will keep them from 'the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.' The phrase 'keep from' (tereo ek) has generated substantial theological debate: does it mean exemption from the trial or preservation through it? The parallel in John 17:15 ('keep them from the evil one') uses the same construction in a context of being present in the world while protected. The 'hour of trial coming on the whole world' reflects Revelation's Danielic background (Daniel 12:1) and its concern with eschatological tribulation as a cosmic-scale event. The verse has been central to discussions of the Rapture in dispensational theology.
Other Translations
Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
`Because thou didst keep the word of my endurance, I also will keep thee from the hour of the trial that is about to come upon all the world, to try those dwelling upon the earth.
Because you have kept my word in quiet strength, I will keep you from the hour of testing which is coming on all the world, to put to the test those who are on earth.
Cross References
Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened …
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, …
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that …
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and …
And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, …
And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to …
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life …
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the …
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do …