Revelation 6:10

Translations

Modern

And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”

Traditional

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Literal

And they cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Until when, O Lord, holy and true, do You not judge and avenge our blood from those dwelling upon the earth?”

Latin

…et clamabant voce magna, dicentes: Usquequo Domine (sanctus et verus), non judicas, et non vindicas sanguinem nostrum de iis qui habitant in terra?

Original

Greek

English

And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”

Notes

Revelation 6:10

The martyrs called out to God because they trusted his power to address their grievances.
How long: Is God slow to act? Will justice be served? God acts decisively (see Revelation 6:12–14). His wrath (Revelation 6:16–17) should be understood as justice, fairness, and righteousness (see Exodus 34:5–7; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Romans 2:6–11).
avenge our blood: This plea for God’s justice follows the pattern of psalms calling for vengeance (see Psalms 6:3; 74:10; 79:5; 80:4; 137:1–9). It also reflects the covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28:53–57; 32:35 (quoted in Romans 12:19).

Revelation 6:9–11

In contrast to the world's destructive ways (Revelation 6:1–8), the fifth seal introduces Christian martyrs who ask how God intends to deal with evil.

Revelation 6:1–16:21

Three sets of seven judgments (the seals, trumpets, and bowls) are central to Revelation. Some believe these judgments happen in a sequence, one after another, totaling twenty-one judgments.

However, it is more likely that the relationship is cyclical, similar to other Jewish apocalyptic writings (compare Daniel 2, 7, 8, 11). Each set of judgments becomes more intense and adds new details about God's judgment on those who rebel against him. In this view, all three cycles end at the same time, with the return of Christ.

Revelation 6:1–8:1

The Lamb breaks the seven seals to reveal the significance of history from God’s point of view.

Theme notes and profiles

Prayers for Vengeance The Purpose of the Judgments Visions

Related verses

Revelation 19:2
For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”
Psalm 9:12
For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.
Revelation 11:18
The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead and to reward Your servants the prophets, as well as the saints and those who fear Your name, both small and great—and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
Revelation 16:5–7
And I heard the angel of the waters say: “Righteous are You, O Holy One, who is and was, because You have brought these judgments.
Luke 18:7–8
Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them?
2 Thessalonians 1:6–8
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Luke 21:22
For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
Revelation 3:7
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.
Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.
Zechariah 1:12
Then the angel of the LORD said, “How long, O LORD of Hosts, will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which You have been angry these seventy years?”
Deuteronomy 32:36–43
For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free.

Glossary

Bloodguilt Book of Revelation God, Names of Imprecatory Psalms Place of the Dead

Topics

God: Faithfulness of God: Holiness of God: Truth Martyrdom: General Scriptures Concerning Martyrs Murder: Represented As a Sin Crying to Heaven Persecution of the Righteous

Revelation 6:10

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