Revelation 6:11

KJV

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} white {G3022} robes {G4749} were given {G1325} unto every one of them {G1538}; and {G2532} it was said {G4483} unto them {G846}, that {G2443} they should rest {G373} yet {G2089} for a little {G3398} season {G5550}, until {G2193} their {G846} fellowservants {G4889} also {G2532} and {G2532} their {G846} brethren {G80}, that should {G3195} be killed {G615} as {G5613}{G2532} they {G846} were, should {G3739} be fulfilled {G4137}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each of them was given a white robe; and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow-servants should be reached, of their brothers who would be killed, just as they had been.

Berean Standard Bible

Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed.

American Standard Version

And there was given them to each one a white robe; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little time, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, who should be killed even as they were, should have fulfilled their course.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 6:11 offers divine comfort and a prophetic revelation to the souls of martyrs crying out for justice under the fifth seal. They are given white robes, symbolizing their vindication, purity, and victory in Christ, and are told to rest patiently for a short time. This rest is to continue until the full number of their fellow servants and brethren, who are also destined for martyrdom, is complete, signifying God's sovereign timing and the eventual culmination of His righteous judgment against evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 6:11 immediately follows the opening of the fifth seal, described in [Revelation 6:9-10](/revelation/6-9-10 "Revelation 6:9-10 - The Fifth Seal and the Martyrs' Cry"). Under this seal, John beholds a profound vision: the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they held are seen beneath the altar. These are martyrs, and their collective voice cries out to God, asking, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Verse 11 serves as God's direct, compassionate, yet also sobering response to their impassioned plea, providing both comfort and a crucial prophetic insight into the unfolding of His redemptive and judicial plan. It bridges the immediate suffering of these martyrs with the broader, future timeline of God's purposes.
* **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 believers faced immense pressure to conform to imperial cult worship, and refusal often led to imprisonment, torture, and execution. The imagery of souls "under the altar" would have resonated with Jewish sacrificial practices, where the blood of sacrifices was poured out at the base of the altar, symbolizing their lives poured out for God. The concept of "white robes" also carries significant cultural weight, often associated with purity, victory, festive occasions, or divine approval in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. For a persecuted community, this vision offered a powerful assurance of divine recognition and ultimate vindication, contrasting their earthly suffering with their heavenly reward.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 6:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, assuring that God hears the cries of His suffering people and will indeed avenge their blood in His perfect timing, as seen throughout the prophetic pronouncements of judgment in Revelation. Secondly, it highlights the **Cost of Discipleship and the Reality of Persecution**, revealing that martyrdom is not an isolated event but a recurring aspect of the church's experience throughout history, a theme echoed in Jesus' teachings about taking up one's cross (e.g., [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Perfect Timing**, demonstrating that while human desire may press for immediate retribution, God operates according to His own divine timetable, patiently allowing His purposes to unfold until the "fullness" of His plan is achieved. This theme is crucial for understanding the prophetic narrative of Revelation, where events unfold in a divinely orchestrated sequence leading to the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (e.g., [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet and Christ's Reign")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies an act of bestowal, a divine grant. The white robes are not earned or taken, but freely "given" by God. This emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in providing comfort, vindication, and honor to His martyred saints, highlighting His grace and affirmation of their faithfulness.
* **white (Greek, _leukós'_):** Derived from a root meaning "light," this adjective consistently denotes purity, righteousness, victory, and divine approval throughout Revelation. The "white robes" are not merely garments but symbols of the martyrs' cleansed state, their moral purity, and their triumph over the forces that sought to defile and destroy them. It signifies their acceptance and standing before God.
* **rest (Greek, _anapaúō'_):** Meaning to repose, cease from labor or suffering, or be refreshed. This is a divine command and provision for the martyrs. It signifies a cessation from their earthly struggle and torment, a peaceful state of waiting in God's presence. It is not an eternal rest in the sense of finality, but a temporary respite until God's full plan of justice and redemption is accomplished.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This verb means "to make replete," "to complete," or "to accomplish." In this context, it refers to the completion of a divinely appointed number or measure of martyrs. God has a specific number of those who will seal their testimony with their lives, and until that number is "fulfilled" or "completed," the final judgment will not come. This underscores God's meticulous plan and His sovereign control over the timeline of history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And white robes were given unto every one of them":** This clause describes an immediate act of divine comfort and vindication. The "white robes" symbolize purity, righteousness, and victory, serving as a visible assurance of God's approval and honor bestowed upon these martyrs. The phrase "every one of them" emphasizes the personal recognition and individual reward for each faithful witness.
* **"and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season":** Here, God communicates directly to the martyrs, providing instruction and a promise. The command to "rest" signifies a cessation from their earthly suffering and turmoil, a peaceful waiting in God's presence. The phrase "yet for a little season" indicates that this period of rest is temporary and that God's ultimate judgment, though delayed from a human perspective, is imminent and certain according to His divine timetable.
* **"until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled":** This final clause reveals the condition for the end of their rest and the coming of final judgment. It prophesies that more believers, identified as "fellowservants" (those who serve the same Master) and "brethren" (fellow members of God's family), will also face martyrdom. The word "fulfilled" (Greek: _plēróō_) suggests a divinely appointed number or measure of those who will die for their faith, implying that God's plan for His church's witness through suffering is not yet complete. This signifies God's sovereign control over the course of history and the unfolding of His redemptive and judicial purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 6:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "white robes" being the most prominent. These garments are not literal clothing but potent symbols of purity, righteousness, victory, and divine vindication, immediately comforting the martyred souls and assuring their standing before God. The phrase "under the altar" (from [Revelation 6:9](/revelation/6-9 "Revelation 6:9 - Souls Under the Altar")) is also symbolic, evoking the sacrificial system and emphasizing that the martyrs' lives were poured out as an offering to God. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the martyrs' cry for justice and God's "response," attributing human-like communication and emotional engagement to the divine, making God's interaction with His suffering saints relatable. Finally, **Foreshadowing** is a key element, as the verse explicitly predicts future persecution and martyrdom ("until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled"). This foreshadows the intensified suffering of believers during the Great Tribulation, a theme that will be further developed in later chapters of Revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 6:11 is a profound theological statement on God's justice, His care for His persecuted church, and His sovereign control over history. It assures believers that their suffering for Christ is not in vain but is seen and honored by God. The granting of white robes signifies divine approval and the righteous standing of those who have been faithful unto death, while the command to "rest" offers a glimpse into the peaceful state of the redeemed in God's presence, awaiting the consummation of His kingdom. The revelation that more martyrs must come before the final judgment underscores God's perfect timing and His commitment to gather all His witnesses, ensuring that His ultimate justice will be comprehensive and complete. This passage teaches us that while God's justice may seem delayed from a human perspective, it is meticulously planned and will be perfectly executed according to His divine will.

* [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude in White Robes")
* [Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord")
* [Hebrews 11:35-40](/hebrews/11-35-40 "Hebrews 11:35-40 - The Faith of Martyrs and Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 6:11 offers immense comfort and a call to steadfastness for believers in every generation. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the righteous suffer, this verse reminds us that God is intimately aware of the plight of His people. The white robes symbolize not only vindication but also a divine embrace, affirming that our faithfulness, even unto death, is precious in His sight. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect timing, understanding that His delays are not denials but part of a larger, sovereign plan that encompasses all of history. This perspective encourages perseverance in the face of trials and patience when our prayers for justice seem unanswered. Furthermore, recognizing that we are part of a continuous line of "fellowservants" and "brethren" who may be called to suffer for Christ fosters a profound sense of solidarity with the persecuted church worldwide, prompting us to pray for and stand with those who endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. Our hope is not in immediate earthly relief but in the assured heavenly reward and the ultimate triumph of God's justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "white robes" comfort you in the face of suffering or injustice?**
* **What does it mean for you to "rest" in God's timing, especially when you desire immediate resolution to difficult situations?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of solidarity with persecuted believers around the world?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge your understanding of Christian suffering and perseverance?**

### FAQ

**What do the "white robes" symbolize in Revelation 6:11?**

Answer: The "white robes" (Greek: _stolai leukai_) are a powerful symbol in Revelation. They primarily symbolize purity, righteousness, and victory. They signify that the martyrs, despite their violent deaths, are divinely cleansed and vindicated, standing honorably and blamelessly before God. This imagery reassures them (and us) of their acceptance and reward in God's presence, contrasting their earthly suffering with their heavenly glory. The white robes are a mark of divine approval and a promise of future triumph.

**Why are the martyrs told to "rest yet for a little season" instead of receiving immediate justice?**

Answer: The instruction to "rest yet for a little season" highlights God's sovereign control over time and His redemptive plan. From a human perspective, the delay in justice can be perplexing, but God operates on a divine timetable. The "little season" indicates that the delay is temporary and purposeful. It is "until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled." This means God's plan involves a specific, divinely appointed number of martyrs who will bear witness to Him through their lives and deaths. Justice will not be fully executed until this number is complete, demonstrating God's meticulous and comprehensive plan for judgment and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. This patience reflects God's desire for all His purposes to be fully accomplished.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 6:11, while focusing on the suffering of the martyrs, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "white robes" given to the martyrs are a direct reflection of the righteousness and purity that believers receive through the atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). It is through His shed blood that believers are washed and made white, as seen in the triumphant multitude in [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed in the Blood of the Lamb"), who have "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." The martyrs' cry for justice echoes the ultimate vindication of Christ Himself, who suffered unjustly but was raised in triumph, becoming the firstborn from the dead and the faithful witness ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness")). Their "rest" is a participation in the peace and victory that Christ secured through His resurrection, a foretaste of the eternal rest promised to all who die in the Lord ([Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Revelation 14:13 - Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord")). Furthermore, the prophecy that more "fellowservants" must be killed before the final fulfillment points to the ongoing cost of discipleship, a path laid out by Christ Himself, who taught His followers to take up their cross and follow Him ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")). Thus, the martyrs' suffering, vindication, and waiting are all understood within the grand narrative of Christ's redemptive work, His sovereign control over history, and His ultimate return to establish His righteous kingdom.

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 7:9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Revelation 14:13

¶ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed [are] the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Revelation 3:4

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Revelation 3:5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Hebrews 11:40

God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Isaiah 26:20

¶ Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.