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Revelation 2:8-10

“To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:

“I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.

World English Bible · Public Domain
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Revelation 2:8-10 sits inside this longer paragraph.

“To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:

“I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    “To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:

    “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

    Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.

  • TYNDALE Tyndale New Testament (1534)

    And vnto the angell of the congregacion of Smyrna wryte: These thynges sayth he that is fyrst and the laste which was deed and is alive.

    I knowe thy workes and tribulacion and poverte but thou art ryche: And I knowe the blaspemy of them whiche call them selves Iewes and are not: but are the congregacion of sathan.

    Feare none of thoo thynges which thou shalt soffre. Beholde the devyll shall caste of you into preson to tempte you and ye shall have tribulacion.x. dayes. Be faythfull vnto the deeth and I will geve the a croune of lyfe.

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  • GNV Geneva Bible (1599)

    And vnto the Angel of the Church of the Smyrnians write, These things saith he that is first, and last, which was dead and is aliue.

    I knowe thy workes and tribulation, and pouertie (but thou art riche) and I knowe the blasphemie of them, which say they are Iewes, and are not, but are the Synagogue of Satan.

    Feare none of those things, which thou shalt suffer: beholde, it shall come to passe, that the deuill shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tryed, and ye shall haue tribulation tenne dayes: be thou faithfull vnto the death, and I will giue thee the crowne of life.

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Cross-references (61)

  • James 1:12 (v10) Blessed is a person who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to…
  • Matthew 10:22 (v10) You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
  • Revelation 3:10-11 (v10) Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing which is to come on the whole world, to test those who…
  • Luke 21:16-19 (v10) You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death. You will be…
  • Mark 13:13 (v10) You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Show all 61 cross-references
  • 1 Peter 5:4 (v10) When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.
  • Revelation 3:9 (v9) Behold, I give some of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie—behold, I will make them to come…
  • James 2:5-6 (v9) Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn’t God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he…
  • Matthew 24:13 (v10) But he who endures to the end will be saved.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 (v9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty…
  • Revelation 2:9 (v10) “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not,…
  • Ephesians 6:12 (v10) For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the…
  • 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (v10) I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for…
  • Revelation 1:17-18 (v8) When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last,…
  • Romans 9:6 (v9) But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel that are of Israel.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:25 (v10) Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an…
  • 2 Corinthians 6:10 (v9) as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
  • 1 Peter 5:8 (v10) Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
  • Matthew 10:28 (v10) Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body…
  • Romans 2:28-29 (v9) For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly,…
  • Revelation 13:15-17 (v10) It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as…
  • 1 Peter 1:6-7 (v10) Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved in various trials, that the proof of your…
  • Luke 4:18 (v9) “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to…
  • John 12:25 (v10) He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.
  • 1 Timothy 6:18 (v9) that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share;
  • Revelation 12:9-11 (v10) The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, he who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown…
  • Daniel 1:14 (v10) So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.
  • Mark 8:35 (v10) For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it.
  • Luke 12:4-7 (v10) “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom…
  • Acts 20:24 (v10) But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I…
  • Revelation 2:2 (v9) “I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves…
  • Daniel 1:12 (v10) “Test your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink.
  • Luke 6:20 (v9) He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said, “Blessed are you who are poor, God’s Kingdom is yours.
  • Luke 21:12 (v10) But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing…
  • Ephesians 2:2 (v10) in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works…
  • Revelation 1:8 (v8) “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
  • Revelation 13:7 (v10) It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given…
  • Habakkuk 2:3 (v10) For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hurries toward the end, and won’t prove false. Though it takes time, wait for it;…
  • John 13:2 (v10) During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him,
  • John 13:27 (v10) After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
  • Acts 21:13 (v10) Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem…
  • Romans 5:3 (v9) Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
  • Romans 12:12 (v9) rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
  • Revelation 3:17-18 (v9) Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ and don’t know that you are the wretched one, miserable,…
  • Revelation 13:2 (v10) The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave…
  • Romans 8:35 (v9) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 (v9) how in much proof of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:4 (v9) For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.
  • 1 Timothy 1:13 (v9) although I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
  • Daniel 3:16-18 (v10) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it happens, our God…
  • Luke 22:65 (v9) They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.
  • Revelation 1:11 (v8) saying, “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and…
  • Luke 12:21 (v9) So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
  • Acts 14:22 (v9) strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into…
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (v9) Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us,…
  • Revelation 7:14 (v9) I told him, “My lord, you know.” He said to me, “These are those who came out of the great suffering.They washed their robes, and made them…
  • John 16:33 (v9) I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
  • Acts 26:11 (v9) Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even…
  • Romans 2:17 (v9) Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, rest on the law, glory in God,
  • Revelation 2:1 (v8) “To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: “He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lamp…
  • Matthew 4:10 (v9) Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’ ”

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (24 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv8–10 Smyrna was one of the cities of Ionia in…

Smyrna was one of the cities of Ionia in Asia.

The second place is unto the Pastors of the Church of the Smyrnians. The exordium is taken out of verses 17 and 18 of the first Chap.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.

John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv8–10 8 And unto the angel of the church in…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv8–10 Smyrna was a city in Ionia; we read not…
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On v8 Here we have the second epistle, which St. John…
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v8 We now proceed to the second epistle sent to…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv8–10 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv8–10 These things saith the first and the last, who…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv8–10 The Epistle to the Church at Smyrna.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv8, 10 Rev 2:8-9. And unto the angel of the church…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv8–10 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On v8 To the Angel of the church of Smyrna. To…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv8–10 Smyrna--in Ionia, a little to the north of Ephesus.…
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv8–10 II. SMYRNA.—The poor in wealth, but rich in faith…
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv8–10 The Church in Smyrna. 8–11
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv8–10 (8) Smyrna, the modern Ismir, now possessing a population…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv8–10 Vers. 8-11. The epistle to the Church at Smyrna.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v8 Smyrna--the poor Church that was rich
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv8–10 8–11. The church in Smyrna. The history of its…
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v8 Rev_2:8. Was dead and lived again (R.V.).—Both the death…
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain On v8 These seven Churches, in their historic succession, set forth…
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v8 (See Scofield "Heb 1:4").
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v8 The letter to the congregation at Smyrna:
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv8, 10 General Information:
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv8–10 2:8-11 The letter to the church in Smyrna pictures…
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