King James Version

What Does Revelation 10:6 Mean?

Revelation 10:6 in the King James Version says “And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are , and the earth, and... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are , and the earth, and the things that therein are , and the sea, and the things which are therein , that there should be time no longer:

Revelation 10:6 · KJV


Context

4

And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

5

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

6

And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are , and the earth, and the things that therein are , and the sea, and the things which are therein , that there should be time no longer:

7

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

8

And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that... This verse from Revelation's vision of angel with little book - mystery of god completed, prophetic commission renewed employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 10:6 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 37 words
καὶ1 of 37

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὤμοσεν2 of 37

sware

G3660

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

ἐν3 of 37

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζῶντι5 of 37

him that liveth

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

εἰς6 of 37

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς7 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰώνων8 of 37

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῶν9 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰώνων10 of 37

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ὃς11 of 37
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔκτισεν12 of 37

who created

G2936

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

τὸν13 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανὸν14 of 37

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ15 of 37

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ16 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν17 of 37

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ18 of 37
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ19 of 37

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν20 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆν21 of 37

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ22 of 37

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ23 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν24 of 37

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῇ25 of 37
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ26 of 37

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν27 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θάλασσαν28 of 37

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ29 of 37

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ30 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν31 of 37

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῇ32 of 37
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι33 of 37

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

χρόνος34 of 37

time

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

οὐκ35 of 37

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔσται36 of 37

there should be

G2071

will be

έτι·37 of 37

longer

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 10:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 10:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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