Keraia
Revelation 2

Revelation 2:10

To the Church in Smyrna · Revelation 2:8–11
Read Revelation 2

Translations

Modern
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you might be tested; and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give to you the crown of life.
Latin
Nihil horum timeas quæ passurus es. Ecce missurus est diabolus aliquos ex vobis in carcerem ut tentemini: et habebitis tribulationem diebus decem. Esto fidelis usque ad mortem, et dabo tibi coronam vitæ.

Original

Greek
English
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Notes

Revelation 2:10

  • John saw the devil as the source of human hostility against Christians.

  • The period of their suffering would last ten days, symbolizing a limited time of persecution (see 1 Peter 1:6). If they remained faithful, their reward would be the crown of eternal life.

  • even unto death: John’s student Polycarp became a martyr in Smyrna in the mid-100s AD.

Revelation 2:8–11

The letter to the church in Smyrna describes suffering Christians under intense pressures who need a message of assurance. Smyrna represents a small church that stays faithful to God despite difficult times.

Revelation 2:1–3:22

The seven messages to the seven churches show the condition of Christ's church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to be faithful and honest. Those who listen to Christ's message will receive God's promised rewards. Those who do not will face judgment.

People

Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Book of Revelation Conversion Crown Heaven Satan Smyrna

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Afflictions and Adversities: Design of Afflictions Made Beneficial in Trying Our Faith and Obedience Blessing: Contingent Upon Obedience Consolation Under Affliction: To the Tempted Crown: Figurative Crowns Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Faithful Faithfulness: Exhortation To Faithfulness: should be to Death Going to Jail Heart: Renewed: Tested Jail Martyrdom: Inflicted at the Instigation of the Devil Martyrdom: Reward of Martyrdom: Saints: should not Fear Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna Persecution of the Righteous Perseverance: General Scriptures Concerning Persistence Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Tribulations of the Righteous Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Death of Saints: Leads to a Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death Weak in Flesh