King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:10 Mean?

Revelation 13:10 in the King James Version says “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. He...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.”

Revelation 13:10 · KJV

Faith

Context

8

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9

If any man have an ear, let him hear.

10

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

11

And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

12

And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Read Revelation 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.... This verse from Revelation's vision of beast from sea and earth - antichrist's power, false prophet, mark of the beast 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.

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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 13:10 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 · 26 words
εἴ1 of 26
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις2 of 26
G5100

some or any person or object

αἰχμαλωσίαν3 of 26

“captivity”

G161

captivity

συνάγει,4 of 26

“leadeth”

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

εἰς5 of 26

“into”

G1519

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

αἰχμαλωσίαν6 of 26

“captivity”

G161

captivity

ὑπάγει·7 of 26

“shall go”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

εἴ8 of 26
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις9 of 26
G5100

some or any person or object

ἐν10 of 26

“with”

G1722

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

μαχαίρᾳ11 of 26

“the sword”

G3162

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment

ἀποκτανθῆναι.12 of 26

“be killed”

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

δεῖ13 of 26

“must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

αὐτὸν14 of 26
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

ἐν15 of 26

“with”

G1722

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

μαχαίρᾳ16 of 26

“the sword”

G3162

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment

ἀποκτανθῆναι.17 of 26

“be killed”

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

Ὧδέ18 of 26

“Here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

ἐστιν19 of 26

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ20 of 26
G3588

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

ὑπομονὴ21 of 26

“the patience”

G5281

cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy

καὶ22 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ23 of 26
G3588

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

πίστις24 of 26

“the faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

τῶν25 of 26
G3588

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

ἁγίων26 of 26

“of the saints”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

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 13:10 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 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 15:2Revelation 14:12Isaiah 33:1Revelation 3:10Luke 21:19Hebrews 6:12

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