King James Version

What Does Revelation 2:13 Mean?

Revelation 2:13 in the King James Version says “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denie... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Revelation 2:13 · KJV


Context

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;

13

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

15

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was s... 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 2:13 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 · 43 words
Οἶδα1 of 43

I know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὰ2 of 43
G3588

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

ἔργα3 of 43

works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

σου,4 of 43

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

καὶ5 of 43

and

G2532

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

ποῦ6 of 43

where

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

κατοικεῖ7 of 43

dwelleth

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ὅπου8 of 43

even where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

9 of 43
G3588

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

θρόνος10 of 43

seat

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

τοῦ11 of 43
G3588

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

Σατανᾶς12 of 43

Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

καὶ13 of 43

and

G2532

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

κρατεῖς14 of 43

thou holdest fast

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τὸ15 of 43
G3588

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

ὄνομά16 of 43

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου17 of 43

my

G3450

of me

καὶ18 of 43

and

G2532

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

οὐκ19 of 43

not

G3756

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

ἠρνήσω20 of 43

denied

G720

to contradict, i.e., disavow, reject, abnegate

τὴν21 of 43
G3588

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

πίστιν22 of 43

faith

G4102

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

μου23 of 43

my

G3450

of me

καὶ24 of 43

and

G2532

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

ἐν25 of 43

in

G1722

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

ταῖς26 of 43
G3588

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

ἡμέραις27 of 43

those 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

ἐν28 of 43

in

G1722

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

ὃς29 of 43

who

G3739

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

Ἀντιπᾶς30 of 43

Antipas

G493

antipas, a christian

31 of 43
G3588

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

μάρτυς32 of 43

martyr

G3144

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

μου33 of 43

my

G3450

of me

34 of 43
G3588

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

πιστός35 of 43

faithful

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ὃς36 of 43

who

G3739

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

ἀπεκτάνθη37 of 43

was slain

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

παρ'38 of 43

among

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ὑμῖν39 of 43

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅπου40 of 43

even where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

κατοικεῖ41 of 43

dwelleth

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

42 of 43
G3588

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

Σατανᾶς43 of 43

Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil


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 2:13 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 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study