Revelation 13:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that {G1536} leadeth {G4863} into captivity {G161} shall go {G5217} into {G1519} captivity {G161}: he that {G1536} killeth {G615} with {G1722} the sword {G3162} must {G1163} be killed {G615} with {G1722} the sword {G3162}. Here {G5602} is {G2076} the patience {G5281} and {G2532} the faith {G4102} of the saints {G40}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“If anyone is meant for captivity,
into captivity he goes!
If anyone is to be killed with the sword,
with the sword he is to be killed!”

This is when God’s holy people must persevere and trust!

Berean Standard Bible

“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.

American Standard Version

If any man is for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:10 serves as a profound declaration of divine justice and a powerful call to endurance for believers facing severe persecution under the oppressive systems represented by the Beast. It asserts the principle of divine retribution, promising that those who inflict violence and captivity will ultimately suffer a similar fate, thereby providing a bedrock of hope and a mandate for steadfast faith and patient perseverance amidst trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within [Revelation chapter 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beasts from the Sea and Earth"), a pivotal chapter describing the rise and activity of two Beasts. The first Beast, emerging from the sea, embodies a powerful, blasphemous, and persecuting political or spiritual authority, granted power to wage war against the saints and conquer them ([Revelation 13:7](/revelation/13-7 "Revelation 13:7 - The Beast's War Against the Saints")). The preceding verses detail its origin, its blasphemous claims, and its global dominion, setting a scene of overwhelming evil and seemingly unchecked power. In this context of intense suffering and the apparent triumph of evil, verse 10 functions as a crucial prophetic interjection. It offers a divine counter-narrative, assuring God's people of ultimate justice for their oppressors and simultaneously exhorting them to unwavering endurance and faith, rather than resorting to violence or despair. It acts as a divine commentary on the nature of the conflict and the required response from the faithful.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's original audience, primarily Christians in Asia Minor, faced significant pressure and persecution from the Roman Empire. This persecution ranged from social ostracism and economic hardship to imprisonment and martyrdom, largely due to their refusal to participate in emperor worship or the pervasive pagan cults. The imagery of "captivity" and "sword" would have resonated deeply with their lived experience of Roman imperial power, which enforced its rule through military might and often exiled or executed dissenters. The Beast's description in [Revelation 13:1-8](/revelation/13-1-8 "Revelation 13:1-8 - The Beast from the Sea") would have been readily identifiable with the Roman Empire and its emperors, particularly those like Nero or Domitian who demanded divine honors and persecuted Christians. Thus, the promise of divine retribution in verse 10 would have offered immense comfort and vindication to a community experiencing severe oppression, while the call to "patience and faith" served as a vital spiritual directive for navigating such a hostile environment without compromising their witness.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 13:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Retribution and Justice**, articulating a principle of "lex talionis" (law of retaliation) where the oppressor's fate mirrors their actions. This assures believers that God's justice, though often delayed, is certain and will ultimately prevail over all forms of evil, echoing principles found in passages like [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Secondly, it highlights the critical theme of **Perseverance and Endurance of the Saints** (often translated as "patience"). In the face of overwhelming evil and suffering, believers are called to active, steadfast endurance, not passive resignation. This "patience" is deeply intertwined with **Faith in God's Sovereignty**, emphasizing an unwavering trust in God's ultimate control, His promises, and His eventual victory over all evil, even when circumstances are dire. This connection between faith and endurance is a recurring motif in the New Testament, notably in [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - The Need for Endurance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **captivity (Greek, _aichmalōsía'_):** From the root meaning "spear-prisoner," this term refers to the state of being taken captive, especially in war. In Revelation 13:10, it signifies the act of leading others into bondage or imprisonment. Its use here in both the action and the consequence ("leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity") emphasizes a direct, reciprocal judgment.
* **sword (Greek, _máchaira'_):** This word denotes a knife or short sword, often used in combat or for judicial execution. Figuratively, it represents war, violence, or judicial punishment. In this verse, it symbolizes the instrument of death and oppression, and its reciprocal use highlights the principle of divine justice where the means of oppression become the means of judgment.
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb signifies necessity, indicating something that "behoved," "is meet," "must needs," or "ought" to happen. Its presence in "must be killed with the sword" underscores the divine imperative and certainty of the retribution. It is not merely a possibility but a divinely ordained certainty.
* **patience (Greek, _hypomonḗ'_):** This term signifies cheerful, hopeful endurance or constancy. It implies an active, steadfast perseverance under trial, not passive resignation. It is the quality of remaining firm under suffering, maintaining one's convictions and hope despite adversity.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This word encompasses persuasion, credence, and moral conviction, especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. It denotes unwavering trust in God's truthfulness, His promises, and His ultimate victory. In this context, it refers to the saints' steadfast loyalty and active trust in God despite intense pressure and persecution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity:"** This clause declares a principle of divine retribution. Those who actively oppress, imprison, or enslave others will themselves experience a similar fate. It is a direct statement of poetic justice, indicating that the very means by which the wicked inflict suffering will be turned upon them. This serves as a warning to oppressors and a promise of vindication for the oppressed.
* **"he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword."** This second clause reinforces the principle of reciprocal justice, extending it to the act of killing. It asserts that those who use violence and bloodshed as instruments of power and persecution will inevitably face violent judgment themselves. The word "must" (Greek: _deî_) emphasizes the divine necessity and certainty of this judgment, highlighting God's unyielding commitment to justice.
* **"Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."** This concluding statement shifts focus from the judgment of the wicked to the required response of believers. "Here is" (Greek: _hōde estí_) acts as an emphatic declaration, drawing attention to the essential qualities needed by God's people in such times. "Patience" (or endurance) refers to their steadfast perseverance under persecution, while "faith" signifies their unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and His promises, even when His justice seems delayed. These two virtues are presented as the defining characteristics of the saints in the face of the Beast's power.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 13:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Lex Talionis**, or the law of retribution, expressed through **Parallelism** in the opening two clauses ("He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword"). This structure creates a strong sense of poetic justice, where the punishment directly mirrors the crime, emphasizing the certainty and appropriateness of divine judgment. The "sword" and "captivity" function as **Symbolism**, representing instruments of violence and oppression, but also becoming symbols of the inevitable judgment that awaits the oppressors. The verse also serves as a direct **Exhortation** or call to action in its latter half, "Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." This shifts from prophetic declaration to pastoral instruction, highlighting the virtues essential for believers to navigate the trials described in the preceding verses. The abrupt shift in focus underscores the immediate spiritual relevance of the preceding declaration of justice for the suffering church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:10 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution, assuring believers that God is a God of justice who will ultimately repay evil. This principle, deeply rooted in the Old Testament concept of "an eye for an eye" ([Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - An Eye for an Eye")), finds its ultimate fulfillment in God's sovereign judgment over all oppressive powers. It serves as a profound comfort to those suffering injustice, reminding them that their oppressors will not escape accountability. Furthermore, the verse highlights the crucial role of patient endurance and unwavering faith for the saints during times of intense persecution, emphasizing that their victory is not achieved through worldly means but through steadfast reliance on God's promises and His ultimate triumph. This call to patient faith is a recurring theme throughout Revelation, preparing God's people for the final confrontation with evil.

* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Hebrews 10:36 - The Need for Endurance")
* [James 5:7-8](/james/5-7-8 "James 5:7-8 - Be Patient Until the Lord's Coming")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:10 offers profound solace and a stern challenge for believers in every age. In a world often marked by injustice, violence, and systems that seem to oppress the vulnerable with impunity, this verse stands as a powerful reminder that God's justice is not an abstract concept but a certain reality. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His intervention seems delayed, knowing that evil will not ultimately triumph. For us, this means cultivating a deep, active "patience" – not passive resignation, but a hopeful, steadfast endurance that holds firm to our convictions amidst trials, opposition, or the apparent success of unrighteousness. Coupled with this is "faith," an unwavering trust in God's character, His promises, and His ultimate victory. This verse encourages us to resist the temptation to retaliate in kind or to lose hope, instead empowering us to live faithfully and patiently, knowing that God holds the final word and will bring all things to account. It reminds us that our ultimate vindication rests in His hands, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of divine retribution in Revelation 13:10 shape your perspective on current injustices in the world?**
* **What does "patience" (endurance) look like in your daily life when faced with challenges or opposition to your faith?**
* **How can you strengthen your "faith" in God's sovereignty and ultimate justice, especially when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **In what ways might the call to "patience and faith" prevent believers from adopting worldly methods of resistance or retaliation?**

### FAQ
**Does Revelation 13:10 advocate for Christians to seek vengeance or engage in violence against their oppressors?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. While the first part of the verse declares a principle of divine retribution, stating that oppressors will face the same fate they inflict ("He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword"), this is a declaration of God's ultimate justice, not a command for believers to act. The latter part of the verse, "Here is the patience and the faith of the saints," explicitly calls believers to endure with steadfastness and trust in God. This passage emphasizes that the saints' response to persecution is not to take up the sword themselves, but to rely on God's timing and His sovereign judgment. This aligns with New Testament teachings that call believers to love their enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), to not repay evil for evil ([Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Do Not Repay Evil for Evil")), and to leave vengeance to God ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 13:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in human vengeance, but in the redemptive and judicial work of Jesus Christ. While the verse declares a principle of reciprocal justice for oppressors, it is Christ Himself who embodies both the suffering saint and the righteous judge. He was "led into captivity" and "killed with the sword" (or its equivalent, crucifixion), yet He did not retaliate but endured with perfect "patience" and "faith" ([1 Peter 2:21-23](/1_peter/2-21-23 "1 Peter 2:21-23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). His suffering and death, however, were not the end; they were the means by which He disarmed the powers of evil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Ultimately, it is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, who is given all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and who will execute divine justice upon all who oppose God and His people. The "patience and faith of the saints" is therefore a reflection of Christ's own endurance and faithfulness, empowering them to follow in His footsteps, trusting that He, the true Judge, will bring about the final and just resolution, making all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.

Revelation 3:10

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Revelation 14:12

Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Luke 21:19

In your patience possess ye your souls.

Isaiah 33:1

¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Revelation 2:2

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: