REV 2:12-17

To the Church in Pergamum

12And to the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: These things says the one having the two-edged sharp sword: [2:13] 'I know where you dwell — where the throne of Satan is — and you hold fast my name and did not deny my faith, and in the days of Antipas, my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. [2:14] But I have a few things against you: that you have there those holding the teaching of Balaam, who was teaching Balak to cast a snare before the sons of Israel — to eat idol-sacrifices and to commit sexual immorality and to commit sexual immorality. [2:15] So also you yourself have those holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise likewise. [2:16] Repent therefore — but if not, I am coming to you quickly and will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. [2:17] The one having an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To the one overcoming I will give to him some of the hidden manna, and I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except the one receiving, the one receiving.'

In the world it was spoken into

The church in Pergamum, a prominent Roman city in Asia Minor, was situated in a place where imperial cult worship and pagan practices were deeply entrenched. The mention of 'the throne of Satan' likely refers to the imperial cult or the altar of Zeus, both central to Pergamum’s identity. The 'two-edged sword' evokes the authority and judgment of Christ, a sharp contrast to the Roman emperor’s power. Antipas, described as a 'faithful witness' , embodies the ultimate testimony of loyalty to Christ, even unto death, in a city where allegiance to Caesar was demanded. The reference to Balaam and Balak recalls Old Testament narratives where idolatry and sexual immorality were used to lead Israel astray, paralleling the Nicolaitans’ teachings that compromised Christian integrity. The 'hidden manna' and 'white stone' symbolize divine provision and acquittal, countering the city’s pagan rituals and imperial judgments.

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How other translations render this

REV 2:12

KJV: And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
BSB: To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.
Koinōnos: And to the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: These things says the one having the two-edged sharp sword:

REV 2:13

KJV: 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.
BSB: I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits, and yet you have hold fast to My name. You did not deny your faith in Me, even in the days of My faithful witness Antipas, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
Koinōnos: I know where you dwell — where the throne of Satan is — and you hold fast my name and did not deny my faith, and in the days of Antipas, my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

REV 2:14

KJV: 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.
BSB: But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.
Koinōnos: But I have a few things against you: that you have there those holding the teaching of Balaam, who was teaching Balak to cast a snare before the sons of Israel — to eat idol-sacrifices and to commit sexual immorality and to commit sexual immorality.

REV 2:15

KJV: So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
BSB: In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Koinōnos: So also you yourself have those holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise likewise.

REV 2:16

KJV: Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
BSB: Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth.
Koinōnos: Repent therefore — but if not, I am coming to you quickly and will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.

REV 2:17

KJV: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
BSB: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.
Koinōnos: The one having an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To the one overcoming I will give to him some of the hidden manna, and I will give to him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except the one receiving, the one receiving.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

REV 2:12

sword:The word translated 'sword' here refers to a large, broad, and often heavy sword, typically associated with Thracian warriors, suggesting a formidable and imposing weapon.

REV 2:13

the:The term used here for 'witness' carries the strong implication of someone who testifies to the truth, often at great personal cost, even to the point of martyrdom.

REV 2:14

to cast:The word translated 'to cast' in this context is related to a 'stumbling block' or 'snare,' implying an action that causes someone to trip, fall, or be trapped, leading to moral or spiritual ruin.

REV 2:17

I will give:The word translated 'I will give' is associated with a small, smooth stone or pebble, which in ancient times was used for voting, casting lots, or as a token of judgment or acquittal.