King James Version

What Does Revelation 6:11 Mean?

Revelation 6:11 in the King James Version says “And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little sea... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 6:11 · KJV


Context

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;

13

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. untimely figs: or, green figs


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 a... 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 6:11 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 · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐδόθησαν2 of 30

were given

G1325

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

ἑκάστοις3 of 30

unto every one of them

G1538

each or every

στολαὶ4 of 30

robes

G4749

equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)

λευκαὶ,5 of 30

white

G3022

white

καὶ6 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐῤῥέθη7 of 30

it was said

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτοί8 of 30

their

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

ἵνα9 of 30

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἀναπαύσωνται10 of 30

they should rest

G373

(reflexively) to repose (literally or figuratively (be exempt), remain); by implication, to refresh

ἔτι11 of 30

yet

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

χρόνον12 of 30

season

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

μικρόν13 of 30

for a little

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

ἕως14 of 30

until

G2193

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

οὗ15 of 30

were should

G3739

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

πληρωσονται16 of 30

be fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

καὶ17 of 30

And

G2532

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

οἱ18 of 30
G3588

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

σύνδουλοι19 of 30

fellowservants

G4889

a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)

αὐτοί20 of 30

their

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

καὶ21 of 30

And

G2532

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

οἱ22 of 30
G3588

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

ἀδελφοὶ23 of 30

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοί24 of 30

their

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

οἱ25 of 30
G3588

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

μέλλοντες26 of 30

that should

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

ἀποκτείνεσθαι27 of 30

be killed

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

ὡς28 of 30

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ29 of 30

And

G2532

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

αὐτοί30 of 30

their

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


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 6:11 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 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study