Revelation 13:10

Authorized King James Version

He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
εἴ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#2
τις
G5100
some or any person or object
#3
αἰχμαλωσίαν
G161
captivity
captivity
#4
συνάγει,
G4863
leadeth
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#5
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#6
αἰχμαλωσίαν
G161
captivity
captivity
#7
ὑπάγει·
G5217
shall go
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
#8
εἴ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#9
τις
G5100
some or any person or object
#10
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
μαχαίρᾳ
G3162
the sword
a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
#12
ἀποκτανθῆναι.
G615
be killed
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#13
δεῖ
G1163
must
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
#14
αὐτὸν
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
#15
ἐν
G1722
with
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
μαχαίρᾳ
G3162
the sword
a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment
#17
ἀποκτανθῆναι.
G615
be killed
to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy
#18
Ὧδέ
G5602
Here
in this same spot, i.e., here or hither
#19
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#20
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ὑπομονὴ
G5281
the patience
cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy
#22
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
πίστις
G4102
the faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#25
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
ἁγίων
G40
of the saints
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of faith reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection