An Exegetical Analysis of Revelation 3:3a: Tense, Aspect, and Imperatival Force
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of Revelation 3:3a: Tense, Aspect, and Imperatival Force is based on a b-greek discussion from March 31, 2002. The initial query concerned Revelation 3:3a, specifically the perceived semantic tension in the sequence of the perfect active indicative εἴληφας (“you have received”) followed by the aorist active indicative ἤκουσας (“you heard”). The discussion further sought clarification on the grammatical function of the interrogative adverb πῶς (“how”) in relation to the preceding imperative μνημόνευε (“remember”) and the subsequent verbs.
The main exegetical issues therefore revolve around the interplay of Greek verbal aspect and its temporal or resultant implications, particularly with the perfect and aorist tenses in close proximity. A secondary, but equally important, issue concerns the precise syntactic relationship of πῶς within the clause and its impact on the overall meaning of the exhortation. Finally, the discussion touches on the semantic range and imperative force of μετανοέω (“repent”), distinguishing its active voice and the urgency conveyed by the aorist imperative, especially in contrast with the present imperative τήρει (“keep”).
Μνημόνευε οὖν πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας καὶ τήρει καὶ μετανόησον. (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant textual differences are observed in Revelation 3:3a between the Nestle 1904 text and the SBLGNT (2010) edition.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (BDAG, KITTEL)
The Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28) textual apparatus for Revelation 3:3 presents no significant variants for the phrase μνημόνευε οὖν πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας καὶ τήρει καὶ μετανόησον. This suggests a high degree of textual stability for this particular passage across various manuscript traditions, affirming the integrity of the Greek text under consideration.
Lexically, an examination of key terms provides valuable insights:
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μνημονεύω (Imperative μνημόνευε): According to BDAG, this verb means “to fix in one’s mind, remember” or “to recall.” In this context, it functions as an exhortation to a conscious act of recollection, often with the implication of reflective consideration on past actions or states. The present imperative suggests an ongoing or continuous act of remembering.
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λαμβάνω (Perfect Active Indicative εἴληφας): BDAG defines λαμβάνω as “to take, receive.” The perfect tense εἴληφας typically emphasizes the *state* or *result* of a completed action, which endures into the present. Here, it signifies the present possession or consequence of what was once received, highlighting the lasting impact or former state of the recipients.
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ἀκούω (Aorist Active Indicative ἤκουσας): BDAG notes ἀκούω as “to hear, listen.” The aorist tense ἤκουσας presents the action as a simple, undifferentiated occurrence, focusing on the *fact* that the hearing took place, without particular emphasis on its duration or ongoing results. It functions as a constative aorist, merely stating an event.
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πῶς: This adverb functions interrogatively, meaning “how” or “in what way” (BDAG). It introduces an indirect question, specifying the *manner* of the receiving and hearing.
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τηρέω (Present Active Imperative τήρει): BDAG defines τηρέω as “to keep, observe, guard.” The present imperative calls for a continuous, habitual, or sustained action of keeping or guarding what has been received.
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μετανοέω (Aorist Active Imperative μετανόησον): BDAG defines μετανοέω as “to change one’s mind, repent.” The aorist imperative typically urges a decisive, complete action, often with a sense of urgency for the initiation of that action. KITTEL (TDNT, s.v. μετανοέω) emphasizes that this term, deeply rooted in the Hebrew *šûḇ* (“to turn, return”), signifies a comprehensive “change of mind” or “reorientation” of one’s entire life and direction. It is inherently an active process, demanding volitional engagement. The discussion confirms its active voice, refuting any middle-passive interpretation in this context.
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The sequence of the perfect εἴληφας and the aorist ἤκουσας initially appears “odd” to a Western, linear interpretive framework. However, a closer analysis reveals their complementary functions. While εἴληφας (perfect) denotes the *state* resulting from the act of reception (perhaps implying that the recipients once possessed or initially benefited from what they received), ἤκουσας (aorist) simply states the *fact* of their hearing the message. One interpretation posits that the perfect here is used in an “extensive” sense, stressing the completed action of receiving, while the aorist is “constative,” emphasizing the occurrence. This suggests that in this context, the semantic situation—particularly the implication in verse 2 that the church had “lost” some of what they received—might constrain a significant distinction between the perfect and aorist, emphasizing a past reality that is now diminished. Another view highlights a “Semitic thought pattern” where the verbs complement each other, with the aorist focusing on the *fact* of hearing and the perfect indicating that they not only heard but also initially acted upon it, yielding results.
The function of πῶς is unequivocally that of an interrogative adverb. It does not serve as the direct object of the subsequent verbs. Instead, πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας forms an indirect question, which collectively serves as the compound object of the verb μνημονεύε. Thus, the command is to “remember *how* you received and heard,” prompting reflection on the *manner* or *circumstances* of their initial encounter with the divine message. This structure calls the addressees to self-assessment regarding the quality and nature of their past spiritual experience.
Regarding the imperatives, τήρει (present imperative) and μετανόησον (aorist imperative) offer a significant rhetorical contrast. The present imperative τήρει calls for a continuous or habitual “keeping” or “observing” of what has been received. This implies perseverance and ongoing faithfulness. In contrast, the aorist imperative μετανόησον issues a call for a decisive, initiating act of repentance. While repentance itself may be a lifelong process of “radical reorientation,” the aorist aspect emphasizes the *start* or *commitment* to this change. It is not merely a passive state but an active, volitional choice to turn around. The verb μετανοέω is active in voice, indicating an internal transformation and an outward demonstration of that change, rather than a passive reception of repentance or a mere “taking counsel.” The immediacy conveyed by the aorist imperative, especially when paired with the present imperative for continuous action, suggests a urgent call to initiate a spiritual redirection that is then to be sustained.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Revelation 3:3a presents a powerful and urgent call to the church in Sardis for self-reflection and decisive action. The exhortation to “remember” prompts an examination of their initial reception and hearing of the gospel, emphasizing both the *fact* of their hearing and the *state* of having received (and subsequently lost) its benefits. The grammatical function of πῶς guides this reflection toward the *manner* of their initial engagement. Following this reflective act, the passage delivers two imperatives: a call to continually “keep” what they possess, and a crucial command to decisively “repent,” signifying a radical reorientation of their spiritual trajectory. The interplay of verbal aspects and imperative tenses underscores both the immediacy of the required change and the ongoing commitment it demands.
Based on this exegesis, the following translation suggestions capture varying nuances:
- “Remember, therefore, *how* you received and heard, and keep (it) and repent!”
This translation maintains the literal word order and emphasis on the *manner* of reception, while providing a direct and urgent rendering of the imperatives. - “Therefore, recall the manner of your receiving and hearing, then hold fast and utterly change your mind!”
This option emphasizes the deliberative aspect of μνημονεύε and offers a stronger, more comprehensive sense for the aorist imperative μετανόησον, highlighting the depth of transformation required. - “So remember what you heard and received and how you did so; then obey and turn around!”
This suggestion prioritizes more idiomatic English, reordering elements for clarity and providing dynamic equivalents for the verbs, particularly for μετανοέω, to convey active spiritual redirection.