King James Version

What Does Revelation 6:10 Mean?

Revelation 6:10 in the King James Version says “And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on t... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

Revelation 6:10 · KJV


Context

8

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. unto them: or, to him

9

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

10

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?

11

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven seals - god's judgments on rebellious earth, cry of martyrs 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 6:10 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 · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἔκραζον2 of 27

they cried

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

φωνῇ3 of 27

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλῃ4 of 27

with a loud

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

λέγοντες,5 of 27

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἕως6 of 27

How

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

πότε7 of 27

long

G4219

interrogative adverb, at what time

8 of 27
G3588

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

δεσπότης9 of 27

O Lord

G1203

an absolute ruler ("despot")

10 of 27
G3588

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

ἅγιος11 of 27

holy

G40

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

καὶ12 of 27

And

G2532

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

13 of 27
G3588

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

ἀληθινός,14 of 27

true

G228

truthful

οὐ15 of 27

not

G3756

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

κρίνεις16 of 27

dost thou

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

καὶ17 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἐκδικεῖς18 of 27

avenge

G1556

to vindicate, retaliate, punish

τὸ19 of 27
G3588

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

αἷμα20 of 27

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

ἡμῶν21 of 27

our

G2257

of (or from) us

ἀπὸ22 of 27

on

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν23 of 27
G3588

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

κατοικούντων24 of 27

them that dwell

G2730

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

ἐπὶ25 of 27

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς26 of 27
G3588

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

γῆς;27 of 27

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)


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 6:10 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 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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