Revelation 3:18
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Revelation 3:18 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Revelation is an invitation from Jesus Christ to the church of Laodicea to seek spiritual riches rather than material wealth. The metaphor of "buying gold tried in the fire" signifies the refinement process that believers must go through to attain spiritual wealth that endures through trials and difficulties. The white raiment represents the righteousness and purity that believers must seek to be clothed in, hiding the shame of their sins from the world. By anointing their eyes with eyesalve, they are urged to seek spiritual insight and clarity to see beyond the material distractions of the world. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder for Christians to prioritize their spiritual well-being over earthly treasures, seeking a deeper relationship with God and living in accordance with his will.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Revelation, the speaker urges the listener to acquire treasures that are of eternal value rather than earthly wealth. The phrase "gold tried in the fire" symbolizes purified faith through trials and hardships, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and endurance. The white raiment represents the righteousness and purity that believers should strive for in their lives, covering their spiritual nakedness and sins. Anointing the eyes with eyesalve signifies the spiritual insight and discernment that can only come from God, allowing believers to see the truth clearly. This verse encourages believers to focus on cultivating spiritual riches, purity, and wisdom rather than worldly possessions, reminding them that true wealth and protection come from God's grace and guidance.
Revelation 3:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.
World English Bible
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
Douay-Rheims
I counsel thee to buy of me gold, fire tried, that thou mayest be made rich and mayest be clothed in white garments: and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear. And anoint thy eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I counsell thee to bye of me gold tried by the fire, that thou maiest bee made rich: and white raiment, that thou maiest be clothed, and that thy filthie nakednesse doe not appeare: and anoynt thine eyes with eye salue, that thou maiest see.