Revelation 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I know {G1492} thy {G4675} works {G2041}, and {G2532} where {G4226} thou dwellest {G2730}, even where {G3699} Satan's {G4567} seat {G2362} is: and {G2532} thou holdest fast {G2902} my {G3450} name {G3686}, and {G2532} hast {G720} not {G3756} denied {G720} my {G3450} faith {G4102}, even {G2532} in {G1722} those days {G2250} wherein {G1722}{G3739} Antipas {G493} was my {G3450} faithful {G4103} martyr {G3144}, who {G3739} was slain {G615} among {G3844} you {G5213}, where {G3699} Satan {G4567} dwelleth {G2730}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I know where you are living, there where the Adversary’s throne is. Yet you are holding onto my name. You did not deny trusting me even at the time when my faithful witness Antipas was put to death in your town, there where the Adversary lives.

Berean Standard Bible

I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the day when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

American Standard Version

I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 2:13 presents Christ's commendation to the church in Pergamum, acknowledging their dwelling in a profoundly hostile spiritual environment, famously described as "where Satan's seat is." Despite the pervasive idolatry and intense persecution, exemplified by the martyrdom of Antipas, the believers in Pergamum are praised for their unwavering faithfulness, holding fast to Christ's name and refusing to deny His faith. This verse highlights both the severe challenges faced by early Christians and the divine recognition of their steadfast devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the second of seven letters dictated by the resurrected Christ to specific churches in Asia Minor, found in [Revelation chapters 2 and 3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Letters to the Churches"). Each letter follows a consistent pattern: an introduction of Christ using titles drawn from the vision in [Revelation 1](/revelation/1 "Revelation 1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ"), a commendation of the church's strengths, a rebuke for their failings (though Pergamum receives both commendation and a subsequent rebuke for tolerating false teaching in [Revelation 2:14-15](/revelation/2-14-15 "Revelation 2:14-15 - Rebuke for Pergamum")), an exhortation to repent or persevere, and a promise to those who overcome. The opening phrase, "I know thy works," is a recurring motif, emphasizing Christ's intimate and omniscient awareness of each church's unique circumstances, struggles, and faithfulness. This particular letter to Pergamum follows the message to Smyrna, a church also facing persecution, and precedes the letter to Thyatira.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pergamum (modern-day Bergama, Turkey) was a prominent city, serving as the capital of the Roman province of Asia. It was renowned for its intellectual prowess, housing a vast library second only to Alexandria, and for its medical center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, whose symbol was a serpent. Crucially, Pergamum was a major center of imperial cult worship, boasting the first temple dedicated to a Roman emperor (Augustus in 29 BC), with subsequent temples to Trajan and others. This cult demanded public worship of the emperor as a god, making it a direct challenge to Christian monotheism and the exclusive Lordship of Jesus Christ. The city also featured a massive altar to Zeus, often referred to as the "Great Altar of Pergamum," which dominated the acropolis. These elements—pervasive paganism, the imperial cult, and the visual dominance of structures like the Altar of Zeus—contributed to the city's reputation as a place where spiritual darkness and opposition were exceptionally concentrated, giving rise to the vivid description of "Satan's seat."

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 2:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Omniscience and Intimate Knowledge**, as Christ declares, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest." This assurance that Christ sees and understands the specific challenges faced by His followers is a source of comfort and accountability, a theme consistently present in the letters to the seven churches (e.g., [Revelation 2:2](/revelation/2-2 "Revelation 2:2 - Christ's Knowledge of Ephesus")). Secondly, the verse powerfully highlights the reality of **Spiritual Warfare and Hostile Environments**. The repeated phrase "where Satan's seat is" and "where Satan dwelleth" vividly portrays Pergamum as a stronghold of demonic influence, emphasizing that Christian life is often lived amidst intense spiritual opposition, as further explored in passages like [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Nature of Spiritual Warfare"). Thirdly, it celebrates **Faithfulness Under Persecution**, commending the church for holding fast to Christ's name and not denying His faith, even when faced with the ultimate cost, as seen in the example of Antipas. This theme of steadfast endurance in suffering is central to the Christian walk (e.g., [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Enduring to the End")). Finally, the mention of Antipas introduces the theme of **Martyrdom as Witness**, where giving one's life for Christ becomes the ultimate testimony to His truth and Lordship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **throne (Greek, _thrónos'_):** G2362. From a root meaning "to sit," this word denotes a stately seat, a "throne." By implication, it signifies power or, concretely, a potentate. In the context of "Satan's seat," it conveys the idea that Pergamum was not merely a place of general evil influence, but a concentrated center of Satanic authority, a place where the forces of darkness had established a stronghold and exerted significant power. This suggests a strategic and organized opposition.
* **dwellest/dwelleth (Greek, _katoikéō'_):** G2730. Derived from _katá_ (down, against) and _oikéō_ (to house), this verb means "to house permanently," i.e., to reside (literally or figuratively). Its repetition in the verse ("where thou dwellest" and "where Satan dwelleth") emphasizes the settled, established nature of both the church's presence and Satan's influence in Pergamum. It highlights that the believers were not merely passing through a difficult place, but were permanently situated in a location where evil had taken root.
* **martyr (Greek, _mártys'_):** G3144. Of uncertain affinity, this noun originally meant "a witness" (literally, judicially, or figuratively). By the time Revelation was written, it had evolved to specifically denote one who bears witness to Christ even unto death, as exemplified by Antipas. This word signifies a person who testifies to the truth of Christ, even at the cost of their life, thereby becoming a powerful testament to their faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I know thy works, and where thou dwellest":** This opening phrase reveals Christ's intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the Pergamene church. He is not a distant, unaware deity but one who sees their actions, their struggles, and their precise geographical and spiritual location. The phrase "where thou dwellest" immediately sets the scene for the challenging environment they inhabit, indicating Christ's full awareness of their specific circumstances.
* **"[even] where Satan's seat is":** This powerful declaration identifies Pergamum as a place of concentrated demonic authority and influence. "Satan's seat" (Greek _thrónos_) suggests a throne, a center of power, rather than just a general area of evil. This likely refers to the city's pervasive paganism, its prominent imperial cult demanding emperor worship, and potentially the massive altar of Zeus. It signifies that the spiritual battle in Pergamum was particularly intense, as the forces of evil had established a stronghold there.
* **"and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith":** Despite dwelling in such a hostile environment, the church in Pergamum is commended for its steadfast loyalty and doctrinal integrity. "Holding fast my name" implies a firm allegiance to Christ's identity, authority, and character. "Hast not denied my faith" means they have not renounced their belief in Christ or the doctrines associated with Him, even under severe pressure. This highlights their commendable perseverance and faithfulness in the face of immense spiritual and physical opposition.
* **"even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.":** This clause provides a concrete and poignant example of the persecution faced by the Pergamene believers. Antipas, though not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, is specifically identified by Christ as "my faithful martyr" (Greek _mártys_, witness unto death). His death among them underscores the reality and severity of the persecution. The repetition of "where Satan dwelleth" serves to reinforce the extreme spiritual danger of their location, emphasizing that Antipas's sacrifice occurred precisely within this stronghold of evil, making his faithfulness all the more remarkable.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 2:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most striking is **Metaphor/Symbolism**, particularly in the phrase "Satan's seat" (Greek _thrónos_). This is not merely a literal seat, but a powerful symbolic representation of Pergamum as a strategic center of demonic power and influence, likely referencing the city's pervasive idolatry, the imperial cult, and perhaps the imposing Altar of Zeus. This metaphor vividly portrays the intensity of the spiritual warfare faced by the believers. **Repetition** is also effectively used with the phrase "where Satan's seat is" and "where Satan dwelleth," which serves to emphasize and underscore the pervasive and established nature of evil in Pergamum, reinforcing the extreme challenge faced by the church. The specific mention of Antipas as "my faithful martyr" functions as an **Epithet**, an honorific title bestowed by Christ Himself, highlighting Antipas's exemplary witness and sacrifice. Finally, the verse presents a powerful **Contrast** between the oppressive spiritual environment ("where Satan's seat is") and the church's commendable steadfastness ("thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith"), accentuating their remarkable faithfulness in the face of overwhelming adversity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 2:13 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of spiritual warfare, the cost of discipleship, and the unwavering faithfulness of God's people amidst opposition. It affirms Christ's absolute sovereignty and intimate knowledge over all circumstances, even in places where evil seems to hold sway. The commendation of the Pergamene church, particularly in light of Antipas's martyrdom, underscores the New Testament's call to steadfast endurance and witness, even unto death. This passage reminds believers that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a costly commitment that may demand ultimate sacrifice, yet it is always seen and valued by Christ. It also highlights that the battle is fundamentally spiritual, fought against unseen forces, and that victory comes through allegiance to Christ's name and faith.

* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Enduring to the End")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")
* [1 Peter 4:12-19](/1_peter/4-12-19 "1 Peter 4:12-19 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:13 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers in every age. It assures us that Christ is fully aware of our circumstances, no matter how difficult or spiritually oppressive our environment may seem. Just as He knew where the Pergamene church dwelled, He knows our struggles, our temptations, and our faithfulness. This verse calls us to a courageous and unwavering commitment to Christ's name and His truth, even when it means standing against prevailing cultural norms or facing direct opposition. The example of Antipas reminds us that true witness may come at a great cost, yet such faithfulness is honored by Christ and serves as a powerful testimony to others. In a world that often pressures us to compromise or deny our faith, the Pergamene church's steadfastness inspires us to hold fast to Christ, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to Him alone, and that our perseverance is a vital part of our witness in a world that needs to see the unwavering truth of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "Satan's seat" manifest in our contemporary society, and how can believers remain faithful in such environments?**
* **What does "holding fast to my name" and "not denying my faith" look like in practical terms in your daily life and interactions?**
* **How does the example of Antipas inspire courage and steadfastness in your own walk with Christ, especially when facing pressure or opposition?**

### FAQ

**Who was Antipas, and why is he mentioned here?**

Answer: Antipas is mentioned exclusively in [Revelation 2:13](/revelation/2-13 "Revelation 2:13 - Christ's Message to Pergamum") and is not found elsewhere in the biblical record. His name, meaning "against all" or "against everyone," is fitting for a martyr. While we have no further biographical details, Christ's specific identification of him as "my faithful martyr" (Greek _mártys_, meaning "witness" who gave his life) confirms his historical existence and the reality of persecution in Pergamum. His inclusion serves as a concrete example of the ultimate cost of faithfulness in that hostile environment, providing both a poignant illustration of the church's suffering and an inspiring model of unwavering devotion for believers then and now.

**What is meant by "Satan's seat" in Pergamum?**

Answer: The phrase "Satan's seat" (Greek _thrónos_, meaning "throne") in [Revelation 2:13](/revelation/2-13 "Revelation 2:13 - Christ's Message to Pergamum") is a powerful metaphor for the concentrated spiritual darkness and opposition in Pergamum. It likely refers to several aspects of the city's unique character: its pervasive paganism, particularly the worship of Zeus (whose massive altar dominated the city's acropolis, often called the "Throne of Zeus"), and its role as a major center for the Roman imperial cult, which demanded worship of the emperor as a god. For Christians, this imperial worship was a direct affront to the exclusive Lordship of Christ and was seen as a direct manifestation of Satan's influence. Thus, "Satan's seat" signifies a place where the forces of evil had established a strategic and powerful stronghold, making it an exceptionally challenging environment for believers.

**How did the church in Pergamum "hold fast" and "not deny" Christ's faith?**

Answer: The church in Pergamum "held fast" to Christ's name and "did not deny" His faith by maintaining their exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ despite immense pressure to compromise. In a city dominated by pagan temples and the imperial cult, Christians would have faced constant demands to participate in idolatrous practices, offer sacrifices to Roman gods, or worship the emperor. Refusal often led to severe social ostracism, economic hardship, and even persecution, as evidenced by Antipas's martyrdom. To "hold fast to His name" meant to uphold Christ's unique identity, authority, and Lordship, refusing to acknowledge any other god or emperor as ultimate. To "not deny His faith" meant to remain true to the doctrines and teachings of Christ, even when it meant suffering for their convictions. Their steadfastness demonstrated a profound and costly commitment to the Gospel in a hostile spiritual climate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:13, though a commendation to a specific church, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ's declaration, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]," is profoundly Christ-centered because it emanates from the One who Himself "dwelt" among humanity in a world alienated by sin, a world under the sway of the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Prince of this World")). Jesus fully experienced the spiritual opposition and hostility of Satan, culminating in His temptation in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")) and His ultimate triumph over the powers of darkness on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He knows their suffering because He suffered, being "faithful unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Antipas, the "faithful martyr," is a reflection of Christ, the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), who bore witness to the truth even unto His own slaying. The church's ability to "hold fast my name, and hast not denied my faith" is empowered by Christ, who is the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). Ultimately, the victory over "Satan's seat" is not achieved by human strength but by the Lamb who was slain and by the word of their testimony, because "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb" ([Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming the Accuser")). Thus, the faithfulness of Pergamum and the sacrifice of Antipas point to the greater faithfulness and ultimate, victorious sacrifice of Christ, through whom all believers are enabled to overcome the world.

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

Revelation 2:9

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

1 Timothy 5:8

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Revelation 3:11

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelation 3:8

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Acts 22:20

And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.