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REV 6:9-11

The Fifth Seal: The Martyrs

9And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the lives of those who had been slaughtered on account of the word of God and on account of the witness they held.

10And they cried out with a loud voice, saying: 'How long, O Master — holy and true — will you not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell upon the earth?'

11And a white robe was given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the number was also completed of their fellow servants and their brothers who were about to be killed as they had been.

In the world it was spoken into

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, the imagery of souls under the altar would evoke the Jewish sacrificial system, where blood was poured at the base of the altar as a sign of atonement. The term (slain) reinforces this sacrificial context, suggesting these individuals were killed in a manner akin to ritual offerings. The cry for justice reflects a common Jewish apocalyptic expectation of divine retribution against oppressors, particularly under Roman imperial violence. The white robes given to the martyrs signify honor and purity, often associated with priestly or royal status, indicating their elevated position in the divine order. The call to wait aligns with Jewish apocalyptic patience, where the righteous endure suffering until God’s final intervention. This passage would resonate with early Christians facing persecution, offering assurance of their vindication and participation in God’s ultimate justice.

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How other translations render this

REV 6:9

KJV
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:
BSB
And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld.
Koinōnos
And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the lives of those who had been slaughtered on account of the word of God and on account of the witness they held.

REV 6:10

KJV
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?
BSB
And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”
Koinōnos
And they cried out with a loud voice, saying: 'How long, O Master — holy and true — will you not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell upon the earth?

REV 6:11

KJV
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.
BSB
Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed.
Koinōnos
And a white robe was given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the number was also completed of their fellow servants and their brothers who were about to be killed as they had been.

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

Translator's notes

REV 6:9

  • souls:The word translated 'souls' here refers to the whole person, the individual life, rather than just an immaterial part of a human being. It emphasizes their identity and existence.
  • slain:The term translated 'slain' carries the strong sense of being ritually slaughtered or sacrificed, often with the throat cut. It evokes a violent, sacrificial death.

REV 6:10

  • Lord:The word translated 'Lord' here denotes a master with absolute authority and ownership, often over slaves or servants. It emphasizes complete control and dominion.

REV 6:11

  • a robe:The word translated 'a robe' refers to a long, flowing garment, often worn on formal occasions or by people of status. It suggests dignity and importance.