King James Version

What Does Revelation 2:10 Mean?

Revelation 2:10 in the King James Version says “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

9

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.

10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

11

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

12

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and ... This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise 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 2:10 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 · 32 words
μηδὲν1 of 32

none

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

φοβοῦ2 of 32

Fear

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

3 of 32

of those things which

G3739

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

μέλλει4 of 32

shall

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

πάσχειν5 of 32

suffer

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ἰδού,6 of 32

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

μέλλει7 of 32

shall

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

βάλειν8 of 32

cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

ἐξ9 of 32

some of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν10 of 32

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

11 of 32
G3588

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

διάβολος12 of 32

the devil

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

εἰς13 of 32

into

G1519

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

φυλακὴν14 of 32

prison

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

ἵνα15 of 32

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πειρασθῆτε16 of 32

ye may be tried

G3985

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

καὶ17 of 32

and

G2532

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

ἕξετε18 of 32

ye shall have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

θλῖψιν19 of 32

tribulation

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

ἡμερῶν20 of 32

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

δέκα21 of 32

ten

G1176

ten

γίνου22 of 32

be thou

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

πιστὸς23 of 32

faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ἄχρι24 of 32

unto

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

θανάτου25 of 32

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καὶ26 of 32

and

G2532

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

δώσω27 of 32

I will give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

σοι28 of 32

thee

G4671

to thee

τὸν29 of 32
G3588

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

στέφανον30 of 32

a crown

G4735

a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille

τῆς31 of 32
G3588

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

ζωῆς32 of 32

of life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)


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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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