Revelation 6:10

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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?”

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Revelation 6:10 presents the impassioned cry of martyred saints, depicted as souls beneath the heavenly altar, who appeal to God for righteous judgment. Their collective voice, echoing a long-standing biblical lament, questions the delay in divine retribution against those who persecuted and murdered them. This verse powerfully underscores the unwavering faith of the suffering righteous in God's holy and truthful character, anticipating the certain and just vindication of His people and the ultimate reckoning for the ungodly inhabitants of the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the opening of the [fifth seal](/revelation/6-9 "Revelation 6:9 - The Opening of the Fifth Seal") by the Lamb, revealing a profound scene of martyred souls. These souls are explicitly identified as those "slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held." Their positioning "under the altar" is highly symbolic, suggesting their sacrificial death for Christ, much like offerings laid upon an altar, and their immediate presence in God's heavenly sanctuary. The cry in [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "Revelation 6:10 - The Martyrs' Cry for Justice") is a direct response to their sacrificial state and sets the stage for God's subsequent response in [Revelation 6:11](/revelation/6-11 "Revelation 6:11 - The White Robes and a Little Season"), where they are given white robes and instructed to rest for a "little season" until the full number of their fellow servants and brethren are martyred. This sequence highlights the tension between the martyrs' desire for immediate justice and God's sovereign timing for the consummation of His plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). Early Christians faced immense pressure to conform to Roman imperial cult worship, which involved venerating the emperor as divine. Refusal often led to social ostracism, economic hardship, imprisonment, and even martyrdom. The imagery of "blood" and "slain" reflects the brutal reality of these persecutions. The concept of divine justice and vengeance was deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God was consistently portrayed as the righteous Judge who would ultimately vindicate His people and punish the wicked. The martyrs' cry for God to "judge and avenge our blood" resonates with the biblical understanding that bloodshed, especially of the innocent, cries out to God from the earth (cf. [Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - The Voice of Abel's Blood")). This cultural backdrop of suffering and the theological expectation of divine intervention make the martyrs' lament profoundly relevant to the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "Revelation 6:10 - The Martyrs' Cry for Justice") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Justice and Vengeance**. The martyrs' plea is not for personal revenge, but for God's righteous character to be upheld by judging the wickedness of "them that dwell on the earth." This aligns with the repeated declaration throughout Revelation that God's judgments are "true and righteous" ([Revelation 16:7](/revelation/16-7 "Revelation 16:7 - The Angel's Affirmation of God's Righteous Judgments") and [Revelation 19:2](/revelation/19-2 "Revelation 19:2 - God's Righteous Judgments against Babylon")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Suffering and Perseverance of the Saints**. It acknowledges the reality of martyrdom and the cost of faithfulness, while simultaneously affirming the ultimate triumph of those who endure. This theme is central to the encouragement offered to the seven churches in [Revelation 2-3](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2 - Messages to the Churches") and is a recurring motif for believers facing tribulation. Finally, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God over History and Evil**. Despite the apparent triumph of evil and the delay in justice, the martyrs' appeal to "Lord, holy and true" demonstrates their unwavering trust that God remains in control and will execute His perfect plan in His perfect timing, ultimately bringing an end to all injustice and establishing His eternal kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _despótēs'_):** This term, meaning "absolute ruler" or "master," signifies God's supreme authority and sovereignty. The martyrs address God not merely as a benevolent father but as the ultimate sovereign who holds all power and has the unquestionable right to judge and execute justice. This title emphasizes His unchallengeable dominion over all creation and all human affairs, including the actions of persecutors.
* **Holy (Greek, _hágios'_):** Derived from a word meaning "an awful thing" or "sacred," this attribute speaks to God's moral purity, separateness from sin, and absolute righteousness. The martyrs appeal to God's inherent holiness, which demands that evil be confronted and punished. A holy God cannot tolerate injustice indefinitely; His very nature necessitates a response to the shedding of innocent blood.
* **Avenge (Greek, _ekdikéō'_):** This word carries the meaning "to vindicate, retaliate, or punish." It is not a call for personal, vindictive revenge but for God's righteous vindication of His martyred saints and the just punishment of their persecutors. It implies a legal or judicial act where God, as the supreme judge, sets things right and brings about equitable retribution for the wrongs committed against His faithful witnesses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they cried with a loud voice, saying,"**: This opening clause vividly portrays the intensity and urgency of the martyrs' plea. The "loud voice" (Greek: _megas phōnē_) indicates a collective, unified, and fervent cry, not a whisper of despair. It signifies a powerful, undeniable appeal that demands attention, underscoring the depth of their suffering and their confident expectation that God hears and will respond. Their cry is a direct address, a formal petition to the divine throne.
* **"How long, O Lord, holy and true,"**: This is a classic lament, echoing numerous Old Testament passages (e.g., [Psalm 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - A Lament of How Long?")). The question "How long?" expresses a profound yearning for divine intervention and the end of injustice, reflecting the human perception of delayed justice. Addressing God as "Lord" (despótēs), "holy" (hágios), and "true" (alēthinós) establishes the theological basis for their appeal. They are not questioning God's ability or willingness, but appealing to His very character: His absolute sovereignty, His moral purity, and His unfailing faithfulness to His promises. These attributes guarantee that He must act.
* **"dost thou not judge and avenge our blood"**: This is the core of their petition. "Judge" (krínō) implies a judicial process, a discerning and deciding act, leading to condemnation and punishment. "Avenge" (ekdikéō) means to vindicate or retaliate justly. The phrase "our blood" refers to their lives sacrificially given, emphasizing the heinousness of their murder and the biblical principle that innocent blood cries out for justice. They are asking God to act as the righteous judge, to bring an end to the impunity of their persecutors and to vindicate their faithfulness.
* **"on them that dwell on the earth?"**: This phrase, "them that dwell on the earth" (Greek: _hoi katoikountes epi tēs gēs_), is a significant and recurring term in Revelation. It typically refers to the ungodly, those whose allegiance is to the earthly realm and its systems, who are hostile to God and His people. It contrasts sharply with the heavenly-minded, faithful saints. The martyrs' cry is specifically directed at these earthly inhabitants who have committed acts of persecution and murder, distinguishing them from God's elect. It highlights the cosmic conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Lament** is central, expressed through the rhetorical question "How long?", a common biblical motif that conveys deep anguish and an urgent plea for divine intervention. This is coupled with **Interrogative Rhetoric**, as the question is not for information but to express fervent desire and to prompt action from the divine. **Symbolism** is evident in the "blood" of the martyrs, which represents their sacrificial lives and the injustice of their deaths, echoing the concept of Abel's blood crying out from the ground ([Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - The Voice of Abel's Blood")). The phrase "them that dwell on the earth" functions as a **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, representing the entire ungodly, rebellious world system and its inhabitants, in contrast to God's heavenly people. Finally, the **Apostrophe** of addressing "O Lord, holy and true" directly invokes God's character as the foundation for their petition, highlighting His attributes as the ultimate source of justice and truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The cry of the martyrs in [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "Revelation 6:10 - The Martyrs' Cry for Justice") is a profound theological statement on divine justice, the nature of suffering, and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness. It affirms that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people; their cries are heard, and their blood is remembered. The appeal to God's holiness and truthfulness underscores the biblical conviction that God's character necessitates a response to evil, ensuring that injustice will not have the final word. While human justice systems may fail or be delayed, God's perfect timing and unwavering commitment to justice guarantee that all wrongs will eventually be righted. This passage provides comfort and assurance that the persecution faced by believers is not in vain and that a day of reckoning will surely come for those who oppose God and harm His faithful.

* [Psalm 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - A Lament of How Long?")
* [Luke 18:7-8](/luke/18-7-8 "Luke 18:7-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 6:10 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers today. In a world often marked by injustice, violence, and the apparent impunity of the wicked, this verse reminds us that God sees, hears, and remembers the suffering of His people. It validates the deep human yearning for justice and assures us that our cries are not ignored. For those facing persecution or hardship for their faith, it serves as a powerful reminder that their endurance is not in vain and that their ultimate vindication rests in the hands of a holy and true God. While we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, this passage also affirms that there is a righteous anger against evil that aligns with God's character. It encourages us to trust God's perfect timing for justice, even when it seems delayed from our perspective, and to rest in the certainty that He will ultimately set all things right. Our role is to remain faithful, to bear witness, and to leave ultimate judgment to the One who is holy and true.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the martyrs' cry for justice resonate with your own experiences of injustice or suffering in the world?**
* **In what ways does knowing God is "holy and true" strengthen your faith when facing situations where evil seems to prevail?**
* **How can we balance the biblical call to love our enemies with the righteous desire for God's justice against evil?**

### FAQ

**Why are the martyrs asking "How long?" if God is sovereign?**

Answer: The question "How long?" is a common biblical lament (e.g., [Psalm 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - A Lament of How Long?")) that expresses the human experience of suffering and the longing for God's promised intervention. It is not a questioning of God's sovereignty or power, but rather a fervent plea for the consummation of His righteous plan. It acknowledges the tension between God's ultimate control and the present reality of evil and suffering, appealing to His character as "holy and true" to bring about His perfect justice in His perfect timing. The martyrs, though in heaven, still long for the full establishment of God's kingdom on earth and the vindication of His name.

**What does "avenge our blood" mean in this context? Is it a call for revenge?**

Answer: The phrase "avenge our blood" (Greek: _ekdikéō_) is not a call for personal, vindictive revenge in the human sense. Instead, it is a plea for divine vindication and righteous judgment. In biblical terms, "avenging blood" refers to God's judicial act of holding perpetrators accountable for the shedding of innocent blood and bringing about a just recompense. It is a request for God, as the supreme and righteous Judge, to set right the cosmic imbalance caused by the murder of His faithful servants. This aligns with the principle that God is the one who repays evil ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord")) and will ultimately punish those who reject Him and persecute His people ([2 Thessalonians 1:6-8](/2_thessalonians/1-6-8 "2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 - God's Righteous Judgment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 6:10, while a cry from martyred saints, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent martyr, whose innocent blood was shed not for His own sins, but as the perfect, atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There is No Remission")). The "blood" of the martyrs in this verse echoes the cry of righteous blood throughout history, culminating in the blood of Christ, which "speaks a better word than the blood of Abel" ([Hebrews 12:24](/hebrews/12-24 "Hebrews 12:24 - Jesus, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). Furthermore, the "Lord, holy and true" to whom the martyrs appeal is none other than Jesus Himself, who is identified as "He that is holy, He that is true" in [Revelation 3:7](/revelation/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - Message to the Church in Philadelphia"). It is Christ, the Lamb who was slain ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")), who has the authority to open the seals and execute God's judgments. The martyrs' longing for judgment and vengeance on "them that dwell on the earth" will be fully realized when Christ returns as the righteous Judge, bringing justice to the oppressed and wrath upon the ungodly ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, the cry of the martyrs is a prophetic anticipation of Christ's final, triumphant return to establish His kingdom of perfect justice, vindicating His saints and avenging all the righteous blood shed on the earth ([Matthew 23:35](/matthew/23-35 "Matthew 23:35 - Righteous Blood Shed")).

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 19:2

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

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

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

Revelation 11:18

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

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

Luke 18:8

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

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