3:20a–c

This verse is a metaphor for Jesus seeking the attention of the believers who are distracted. They have not been obeying or following him well. He wants to renew or continue the relationship he has with them.

3:20a

Behold: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Behold is literally “look.” The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. The word is not a command to look at something. Other ways to translate this Greek word are:

Indeed/Hey,
-or-
Look,
-or-
Listen! (Good News Translation)

I stand at the door and knock: The Greek grammar probably indicates that Jesus arrived at the door earlier, started knocking, and is still knocking. For example:

I am standing at the door, knocking (New Jerusalem Bible)

knock: Here the word knock means “request entrance.” Jesus wanted to enter their home. As 3:20b indicates, Jesus also calls to the person inside.

In some languages it is more natural to include the implied action here. For example:

knock ⌊and call/speak⌋

If the word knock has a different meaning than “request entrance” in your language, you should use the word or phrase in your language that means “request entrance.”

3:20b

If anyone hears My voice: This clause implies that Jesus spoke loud enough so that the person inside the house could hear him. Other ways to translate this clause are:

If you hear me calling (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
If there is someone who hears Me

3:20c

dine with him, and he with Me: These clauses indicates a mutual relationship. Jesus and the believer eat together, talk together, and share with each other. For example:

share a meal at that person’s side (New Jerusalem Bible)

General Comment on 3:20b–c

The Greek words change from second person (“you(sing)”) in 3:15–19 to third person (“he/she”) at 3:20b. But Jesus was still speaking to those who were spiritually poor, blind, and naked. In some languages it is more natural to continue using second person here. For example:

If any of you hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me

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