Revelation 2:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

I know {G1492} thy {G4675} works {G2041}, and {G2532} tribulation {G2347}, and {G2532} poverty {G4432},(but {G1161} thou art {G1488} rich {G4145}) and {G2532} I know the blasphemy {G988} of them which {G3588} say {G3004} they {G1438} are {G1511} Jews {G2453}, and {G2532} are {G1526} not {G3756}, but {G235} are the synagogue {G4864} of Satan {G4567}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“I know how you are suffering and how poor you are (though in fact you are rich!), and I know the insults of those who call themselves Jews but aren’t — on the contrary, they are a synagogue of the Adversary.

Berean Standard Bible

I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The letter to the church in Smyrna, as recorded in Revelation 2:9, reveals Christ's intimate knowledge of His suffering people. He acknowledges their severe tribulation and material poverty, yet paradoxically declares them spiritually rich. This verse also exposes the true nature of their adversaries, a group claiming to be Jews but whose blasphemous opposition to Christ and His followers aligns them with the forces of evil, labeling their assembly as the "synagogue of Satan." It is a profound declaration of divine empathy, spiritual valuation, and sharp discernment in the face of intense persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 2:9 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 "The Seven Letters to the Churches"). Each letter follows a distinct pattern: an address to the angel (messenger) of the church, a self-description of Christ, commendation (if any), rebuke (if any), exhortation, a call to hear, and a promise to the overcomer. Smyrna, unlike Ephesus which was rebuked for losing its first love, or Pergamum which tolerated false teaching, receives no condemnation. Instead, Christ offers only commendation and encouragement in the face of intense suffering, setting the stage for the promise of the [crown of life](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - The Crown of Life") to those who remain faithful unto death. This particular verse highlights the specific nature of their trials and the identity of their persecutors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Smyrna was a prominent and prosperous port city, known for its beauty, loyalty to Rome, and fervent emperor worship. It boasted a significant Jewish population, some of whom were hostile to the nascent Christian community. Christians in Smyrna faced severe persecution, often instigated by their Jewish neighbors who would report them to Roman authorities for refusing to participate in imperial cults. This refusal led to economic hardship, social ostracism, and even martyrdom, as loyalty to Christ was seen as disloyalty to Caesar. The city had a history of being destroyed and rebuilt, earning it the nickname "Phoenix City," a metaphor that subtly resonates with the church's resilience and ultimate resurrection hope. The phrase "synagogue of Satan" likely refers to these specific Jewish factions who actively persecuted Christians, aligning their actions with the adversary's agenda.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Knowledge and Empathy**, as Christ's declaration "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty" emphasizes His omniscience and deep understanding of His people's plight, offering profound comfort that their struggles are seen and acknowledged by their sovereign Lord. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Spiritual Riches Amidst Material Poverty**, presenting a stark paradox where worldly destitution contrasts with immense spiritual wealth. The parenthetical "(but thou art rich)" echoes the New Testament's redefinition of true wealth, as seen in [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty, Our Riches"), where Christ's self-emptying poverty made believers spiritually rich. Thirdly, the controversial phrase "synagogue of Satan" introduces the theme of **Spiritual Deception and Opposition**, exposing the fraudulent claims of those who outwardly identify with God's people but inwardly oppose His truth and persecute His followers. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on discerning true spiritual identity, as articulated in [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart"), where true Jewishness is a matter of the heart, not merely outward observance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Greek, _eídō'_):** G1492. From a primary verb, properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know. In this context, Christ's "knowing" is not merely intellectual awareness but a deep, empathetic, and comprehensive understanding of the Smyrnaean church's circumstances. It signifies His omnipresence and omniscient insight into their suffering, works, and the true nature of their adversaries. This divine knowledge serves as a source of comfort and assurance for the persecuted believers.
* **Tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** G2347. From θλίβω (thlíbō), meaning "to press" or "to crush." This word denotes pressure, affliction, anguish, or severe distress. It vividly portrays the intense suffering, persecution, and hardship the Smyrnaean believers were undergoing, likely at the hands of Roman authorities and hostile Jewish factions. It implies a crushing burden, not merely minor inconveniences, but profound distress.
* **Synagogue (Greek, _synagōgḗ'_):** G4864. From the reduplicated form of συνάγω (synágō), meaning "to bring together" or "to assemble." It refers to an assemblage of persons, specifically a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place). By calling it a "synagogue of Satan," Christ reveals its true spiritual allegiance and destructive nature. While outwardly appearing as a religious assembly, its actions and spirit are aligned with the adversary, demonstrating a profound spiritual perversion and opposition to God's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty,"**: This opening declaration from Christ establishes His omniscience and intimate awareness of the Smyrnaean church's situation. "Works" (ἔργα, _erga_) refers to their deeds and faithfulness under duress. "Tribulation" (θλῖψιν, _thlipsis_) points to the intense pressure and suffering they endured. "Poverty" (πτωχείαν, _ptōcheian_) indicates their material destitution, likely a direct consequence of their refusal to compromise with Roman idolatry, leading to economic exclusion and hardship.
* **"(but thou art rich)"**: This parenthetical statement presents a powerful paradox. Despite their material poverty, Christ declares them spiritually "rich" (πλούσιος, _plousios_). This richness refers to their spiritual wealth in faith, endurance, faithfulness, and the promise of eternal life, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of worldly possessions. It highlights a divine valuation system that prioritizes spiritual integrity over material prosperity.
* **"and [I know] the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but [are] the synagogue of Satan."**: Christ explicitly identifies their persecutors. "Blasphemy" (βλασφημίαν, _blasphēmian_) here refers to slander, reviling, or injurious speech directed against the Christians, likely false accusations that fueled their persecution. The phrase "them which say they are Jews, and are not" refers to a group of ethnic Jews who, despite their heritage, lacked true spiritual identity as God's people because they rejected Christ and actively opposed His followers. Christ's ultimate condemnation of this group is labeling their assembly as "the synagogue of Satan," a shocking and severe indictment. It signifies that their spiritual allegiance is not to God but to the adversary, as their actions serve Satan's agenda to undermine God's work and persecute His church.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 2:9 employs several potent literary devices. **Paradox** is central, particularly in the striking contrast between the church's material "poverty" and their spiritual "richness." This highlights a core biblical truth that true value is not found in earthly possessions but in faithfulness to Christ. **Irony** is also present in the description of those who "say they are Jews, and are not." They claim a sacred identity and heritage, yet their actions, particularly their blasphemy and persecution of God's true people, reveal an allegiance diametrically opposed to God, making their religious claims deeply ironic. The phrase "synagogue of Satan" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and a form of **Hyperbole**. A "synagogue" is typically a place of holy assembly, but by linking it to "Satan," Christ uses a vivid metaphorical inversion to convey the utterly corrupt and adversarial nature of this group. This hyperbolic language underscores the severity of their spiritual depravity and their active role as instruments of the devil against God's church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 2:9 offers profound theological insights into God's perspective on suffering, wealth, and spiritual identity. It affirms Christ's intimate knowledge and empathy for His persecuted church, assuring believers that their trials are seen and understood by their sovereign Lord. The paradox of being "poor yet rich" redefines true prosperity, emphasizing that spiritual faithfulness and an enduring relationship with God far outweigh any material possessions or worldly comforts. Furthermore, the stark identification of the "synagogue of Satan" highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the deceptive nature of religious claims that oppose Christ. It underscores that true spiritual lineage is defined by allegiance to Christ, not by ethnic heritage or outward religious observance, and that those who persecute God's people, even under the guise of religion, are ultimately aligned with the adversary.

* [2 Corinthians 6:10](/2_corinthians/6-10 "2 Corinthians 6:10 - Poor, yet making many rich")
* [James 2:5](/james/2-5 "James 2:5 - God chooses the poor to be rich in faith")
* [Romans 9:6](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6 - Not all Israel is Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:9 provides timeless encouragement and a crucial warning for believers navigating a complex world. It reminds us that our worth and true wealth are not measured by earthly standards of prosperity or comfort, but by our faithfulness to Christ, especially in times of adversity. When we face tribulation, poverty, or social ostracism for our faith, this verse assures us that Christ intimately knows our struggles and sees our spiritual riches. This perspective empowers us to endure, knowing that our suffering is not in vain and that our Lord is fully aware and deeply empathetic. Moreover, the identification of the "synagogue of Satan" serves as a powerful reminder to exercise spiritual discernment. Opposition to the Gospel and persecution of believers can come from unexpected sources, even those who claim religious authority or heritage. We must be vigilant, recognizing that true spiritual alignment is demonstrated by one's relationship with Christ and one's actions toward His body, not by outward claims or affiliations. Our call is to remain faithful, valuing spiritual integrity above all else, trusting that Christ will ultimately vindicate His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be materially poor but spiritually rich, or vice versa?**
* **How does Christ's declaration "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty" bring you comfort and assurance in your current challenges?**
* **How can you cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize and resist opposition that may come from unexpected or seemingly religious sources?**
* **What does it mean for you to be "rich" in Christ, and how does that understanding shape your priorities and pursuits?**

### FAQ
**What does "synagogue of Satan" mean in Revelation 2:9?**

Answer: The phrase "synagogue of Satan" is a severe and symbolic condemnation by Christ, not a literal designation of a physical building. It refers to a specific group of people in Smyrna who "say they are Jews, and are not." Historically, this likely points to Jewish individuals or factions within Smyrna who vehemently opposed and persecuted the Christian community. While ethnically Jewish, their actions—slandering Christians, instigating persecution, and rejecting Christ—demonstrated that their spiritual allegiance was not to God but to Satan, the ultimate adversary of God and His people. Christ uses this strong language to expose their true spiritual identity and the destructive nature of their opposition, revealing that outward religious claims are meaningless if one's heart and actions are aligned with evil rather than with God's truth and purposes. It highlights a profound spiritual battle where religious pretense is stripped away to reveal true allegiance. This concept is echoed in [John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - You are of your father the devil") where Jesus tells some Jews that their father is the devil because they seek to kill Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:9, though a specific message to a first-century church, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The paradox of the Smyrnaean church being "poor, but thou art rich" directly mirrors the incarnational reality of Jesus Himself, who, though [He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty, Our Riches"), that through His poverty we might become rich. His earthly life was marked by humility, suffering, and a lack of material possessions, yet He possessed the fullness of divine glory and brought unparalleled spiritual wealth to humanity. Furthermore, Christ's intimate knowledge of their "tribulation" and "blasphemy" speaks to His role as the [Great High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Understands"), having Himself endured persecution, false accusations, and the ultimate suffering on the cross. The "synagogue of Satan" represents the ongoing spiritual opposition to Christ and His body, a struggle that Jesus Himself confronted throughout His ministry, ultimately triumphing over Satan and his forces through His death and resurrection, thereby disarming the powers of darkness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the Smyrnaean experience is a microcosm of the broader Christian journey, empowered by a Christ who knows, sympathizes, and has already conquered the very forces that oppress His people, promising a [crown of life](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - The Crown of Life") to those who remain faithful to Him.

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 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.

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

James 2:6

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Romans 9:6

¶ Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:

2 Corinthians 6:10

As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;