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Revelation 6:10

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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?

And {G2532} they cried {G2896} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, saying {G3004}, How {G2193} long {G4219}, O Lord {G1203}, holy {G40} and {G2532} true {G228}, dost thou {G2919} not {G3756} judge {G2919} and {G2532} avenge {G1556} our {G2257} blood {G129} on {G575} them that dwell {G2730} on {G1909} the earth {G1093}?

They cried out in a loud voice, “Sovereign Ruler, HaKadosh, the True One, how long will it be before you judge the people living on earth and avenge our blood?”

And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?”

and they cried with a great voice, saying, How long, O Master, the holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Commentary

Revelation 6:10 captures the intense cry of martyred saints under the altar, a poignant appeal for divine justice during a period of intense tribulation. This verse reveals the perspective of those who have given their lives for their faith, longing for God's righteous judgment upon their persecutors.

Context

This verse appears immediately after the opening of the fifth seal by the Lamb, revealing the souls of those "slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held." They are depicted as being "under the altar," a symbolic representation of their sacrificial deaths and their presence in God's immediate vicinity. Their cry is not one of personal revenge, but a longing for God's righteous intervention and the establishment of His kingdom on earth, where justice prevails.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Cry for Justice: The central theme is the fervent plea for God to act. The question "How long?" expresses an urgent desire for divine vindication and retribution against those who persecuted and killed them. It highlights the tension between the suffering of the righteous and the apparent impunity of the wicked.
  • God's Character as Basis for Appeal: Addressing God as "O Lord, holy and true," the martyrs appeal to His intrinsic attributes. His holiness demands that evil be punished, and His truthfulness guarantees that His promises of judgment and justice will be fulfilled. This demonstrates their faith in God's unchanging nature despite their present circumstances.
  • Persecution and Divine Reckoning: The verse underscores the reality of persecution against believers throughout history and anticipates future periods of intense tribulation. It also assures that God is aware of the suffering of His people and that there will be a day of reckoning for those who oppose Him and His followers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "How long" (Greek: heōs potē, ἕως πότε) is a common lament in the Old Testament, expressing impatience and a longing for God's intervention (e.g., Psalm 13:1). It signifies a deep yearning for the fulfillment of God's promises of justice. The title "holy and true" (Greek: ho hagios kai ho alēthinos, ὁ ἅγιος καὶ ὁ ἀληθινός) is also used for Christ in Revelation 3:7, emphasizing the divine authority and faithfulness behind the coming judgment. "Them that dwell on the earth" (Greek: hoi katoikountes epi tēs gēs, οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς) is a significant term in Revelation, often referring to those who are ungodly, earthly-minded, and hostile to God's kingdom, contrasting with God's heavenly-minded people.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful reassurance to believers facing injustice, suffering, or persecution. It reminds us that:

  • God Hears: The cries of His suffering saints are heard and remembered by God.
  • Justice Will Prevail: Though divine justice may seem delayed from a human perspective, God is "holy and true," and His judgment is certain. This provides comfort and hope that evil will not ultimately triumph.
  • Patience in Waiting: While the martyrs express a desire for immediate justice, the subsequent verses indicate that they are given white robes and told to rest "for a little season," implying that God's timing for final judgment is perfect and according to His sovereign plan. This encourages believers to trust God's timing and leave vengeance to Him.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 19:2 (16 votes)

    For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

  • Revelation 16:5 (9 votes)

    And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

  • Revelation 16:7 (9 votes)

    And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.

  • Revelation 11:18 (9 votes)

    And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

  • Luke 18:7 (8 votes)

    And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

  • Luke 18:8 (8 votes)

    I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

  • Romans 12:19 (8 votes)

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.