Revelation 2:12

Translations

Modern

To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.

Traditional

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

Literal

And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things says the One having the sharp two-edged sword.

Latin

Et angelo Pergami ecclesiæ scribe: Hæc dicit qui habet rhomphæam utraque parte acutam:

Original

Greek

English

To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.

Notes

Revelation 2:12

Christ's sharp, double-edged sword shows that these Christians would face the Lord’s harshest judgment (see Revelation 2:16; see study note on Revelation 1:16). The double-edged sword was a Roman symbol of authority, representing Pergamum as the province's capital. If the church failed, Christ, the true governor of the city, would use his authority against them.

Revelation 2:12–17

The letter to the church in Pergamum describes Christians facing temptations to compromise their morals and loyalty to God. Pergamum was the first capital of the Roman province of Asia. The city had a famous library, and its people developed the use of animal skins for writing.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Apostasy and Renewal God’s Judgment of His People Letters to the Seven Churches Visions

Related verses

Revelation 2:16
Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth.
Revelation 1:16
He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Revelation 1:11
…saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
Isaiah 11:4
…but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.
Revelation 19:21
And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
Revelation 19:15
And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
Revelation 2:1
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Places

Pergamum: A city in Asia Minor with a church

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Angels of the Seven Churches Book of Revelation Conversion Pergamos, Pergamum Satan

Topics

Angel of the Churches: General Scriptures Concerning Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Church: Backslidden Church: Christ, Head of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Pergamos Pergamos: One of the |Seven Congregations| In Sword: Two-Edged

Revelation 2:12

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