Revelation 2:9

Translations

Modern

I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.

Traditional

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Literal

I know your tribulation and poverty—but you are rich—and the slander of those claiming themselves to be Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Latin

Scio tribulationem tuam, et paupertatem tuam, sed dives es: et blasphemaris ab his, qui se dicunt Judæos esse, et non sunt, sed sunt synagoga Satanæ.

Original

Greek

English

I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.

Notes

Revelation 2:9

Jesus linked material poverty with the blessing of being rich in God's Kingdom (Matthew 5:3, 10–12; Luke 6:20).
Jews without faith are criticized for siding with Satan against Christianity (Revelation 3:9; see John 8:44; Acts 14:2–5; 17:13; 18:6; 20:3; Galatians 5:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:14–16). At the Jewish council of Jamnia, Jewish leaders decided that Christians were unholy and should be excluded. John was not speaking against Jewish people as a whole. He was a Jew describing the actions of some of his fellow Jews toward both Jewish and non-Jewish Christians.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

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

Related verses

Revelation 3:9
As for those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead, I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.
James 2:5–6
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Romans 9:6
It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
2 Corinthians 6:10
…sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Romans 2:28–29
A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical.
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed,
1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
Revelation 2:2
I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.
Luke 6:20
Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.
Revelation 3:17–18
You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Book of Revelation Conversion Jew Satan Smyrna

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Blasphemy: Backslidden Ephesians Blasphemy: Hypocrisy Counted As Church: Christ, Head of Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna Satan: The Synagogue of Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Synagogue: The Scriptures Were Read and Expounded In of Satan

Revelation 2:9

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