Revelation 2:10 kjv

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 2:10 nkjv

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10 niv

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown.

Revelation 2:10 esv

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:10 nlt

Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2 verses

Revelation 2 10 Meaning

Revelation 2:10 serves as an exhortation from Jesus Christ to the suffering church in Smyrna, instructing them not to fear imminent tribulation. It foretells that the devil will orchestrate the imprisonment of some believers for a limited duration ("ten days"), specifically to test their faith. The core command is to remain unwavering in faithfulness, even to the point of martyrdom, with the divine promise of the "crown of life" as the ultimate reward for their endurance.

Revelation 2 10 Context

Revelation 2:10 is found within Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Smyrna, the second of the seven churches in Asia Minor. Unlike most other churches, Smyrna receives no condemnation, only commendation and encouragement amidst severe suffering. Smyrna was a prosperous Roman city, known for its loyalty to the imperial cult. This environment fostered a hostile atmosphere for Christians who refused to participate in emperor worship, often leading to accusations of atheism, social exclusion, and severe persecution. The letter specifically acknowledges the Smyrnaean Christians' poverty, contrasting it with their spiritual riches (v.9). The reference to "the synagogue of Satan" (v.9) points to the intense opposition and false accusations coming from some Jewish communities, which historically often allied with Roman authorities against Christians. Against this backdrop of tribulation and potential martyrdom, Christ's message is one of direct reassurance and an imperative to persevere in faithfulness, offering eternal reward.

Revelation 2 10 Word analysis

• Do not fear (mē phobēthēs): This is a present imperative, instructing them to stop an ongoing state of fear or prevent it from starting. It implies that fear is a natural human response to such threats, but believers are commanded to overcome it through divine trust.
• what you are about to suffer (ha mellēte pathein): The phrase indicates suffering that is imminent and certain to occur. Mellēte (μέλλετε) conveys a definite future action. Pathein (παθεῖν) denotes undergoing or experiencing severe hardship, often persecution for faith.
• Behold (idou): An interjection signaling an important, certain declaration, drawing immediate attention to the grave information that follows, reinforcing its veracity.
• the devil (ho diabolos): This specific Greek term refers to Satan, the primary adversary. The suffering of the believers is revealed to be orchestrated by him, emphasizing the spiritual nature of the conflict.
• is about to throw (mellēsei balein): Reinforces the immediacy and certainty of the action. Balein (βαλεῖν) suggests a forceful, deliberate casting or putting into, indicative of aggressive action by the devil.
• some of you into prison (ex humōn eis phylakēn): Ex humōn means "out of you," indicating a portion of the church, not all. Phylakēn (φυλακήν) refers to imprisonment, a common precursor to torture or execution for early Christians, signifying direct physical constraint and suffering.
• that you may be tested (hina peirasthēte): The purpose clause hina reveals divine intention behind the suffering. Peirasthēte (πειρασθῆτε), from peirazō, means "to test" or "to try." This testing aims to prove the genuineness and resilience of faith, distinguishing true believers from nominal ones.
• and for ten days you will have tribulation (kai hēmerōn deka hexete thlipsin):
  • Hēmerōn deka: "Ten days" is widely understood symbolically, representing a finite, concentrated, yet intense period of tribulation. It emphasizes that suffering, no matter how severe, is temporary and divinely limited.
  • Thlipsin (θλίψιν): "Tribulation," "affliction," or "pressure." It refers to outward affliction that causes distress, particularly severe persecution that squeezes or presses the believer.
• Be faithful (genou pistos): An imperative call to an ongoing state of unwavering loyalty and steadfastness. Pistos (πιστός) implies being trustworthy, loyal, and true in adherence to Christ and His teachings, especially under duress.
• unto death (achri thanatou): This phrase highlights the ultimate demand for faithfulness—even to the point of physical demise, martyrdom. It signifies total commitment and dedication, illustrating the highest form of fidelity.
• and I will give you (kai dōsō soi): A direct promise from Christ Himself, emphasizing His authority and ability to grant the promised reward. It assures divine compensation for human fidelity.
• the crown of life (ton stephanon tēs zōēs):
  • Stephanon (στέφανον): This refers to a victor's wreath or garland, not a king's diadem. It was awarded to triumphant athletes or civic heroes, symbolizing honor, victory, and public commendation.
  • Tēs zōēs: "Of life," signifying either a crown consisting of eternal life or a crown leading to eternal life. It represents triumph over death, spiritual vitality, and eternal resurrected existence with God, as the ultimate contrast to dying for one's faith.

Revelation 2 10 Bonus section

The "ten days" of tribulation is a phrase often debated in terms of its literal versus symbolic meaning. In apocalyptic literature, numbers frequently carry symbolic weight. "Ten" here likely symbolizes a complete, limited, but intense period of trial rather than a precise literal duration. This is crucial for reassuring believers that their suffering, no matter how severe, has an appointed end known to God. Furthermore, the "crown of life" parallels other New Testament promises (e.g., Jas 1:12), signifying not a monarchical crown but a laurel wreath, the victor's prize, emphasizing achievement, honor, and recognition for overcoming spiritual adversity. It serves as a direct contrast to physical death endured for Christ's name, pointing to the ultimate reward of eternal, true life.

Revelation 2 10 Commentary

Revelation 2:10 is a powerful encouragement to believers facing extreme hardship. It conveys Christ's full awareness of their trials, validating their suffering as divinely ordained for testing purposes, despite its Satanic instigation. The call to fearlessness is grounded in divine sovereignty and a definite, though limited, duration for their suffering. The core message is unwavering faithfulness, even to martyrdom, is met with the promise of eternal honor and life from Christ. This promise reorients their focus from temporary pain to eternal glory, assuring them that ultimate victory is certain for those who persevere. It exemplifies the Christian understanding of suffering: purposeful, limited, and ultimately rewarding, solidifying the promise of overcoming in Christ.