Revelation 6:9

¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

And {G2532} when {G3753} he had opened {G455} the fifth {G3991} seal {G4973}, I saw {G1492} under {G5270} the altar {G2379} the souls {G5590} of them that were slain {G4969} for {G1223} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} for {G1223} the testimony {G3141} which {G3739} they held {G2192}:

When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been put to death for proclaiming the Word of God, that is, for bearing witness.

And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld.

And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Revelation 6:9 marks a profound shift in the unfolding of the seven seals, moving from global calamities to the plight of those who suffer for their faith. When the Lamb opens the fifth seal, the apostle John is granted a vision of martyred souls.

Context

This verse follows the first four seals, which unleashed a series of judgments upon the earth—conquest, war, famine, and death. Unlike the previous seals that depicted widespread destruction, the fifth seal focuses on a specific group: those who have died for their unwavering commitment to God's truth. This provides a crucial human perspective to the unfolding apocalyptic events, highlighting the cost of faithfulness during times of tribulation. The imagery here sets the stage for understanding the broader theme of persecution and perseverance that runs through the Book of Revelation, particularly in the context of the end times.

Key Themes

  • Martyrdom for Faith: The central theme is the sacrifice of believers who were "slain" because of their fidelity to God. This underscores that true faith may come with a cost, even unto death, and highlights the reality of Christian persecution throughout history.
  • The Word of God and Testimony: These souls died "for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held." The "word of God" refers to divine truth, and their "testimony" is their witness to Jesus Christ. This highlights the foundational reasons for their persecution: proclaiming and living out the truth of the Gospel. John himself begins Revelation by stating his own testimony of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
  • Souls Under the Altar: This symbolic location evokes the Old Testament sacrificial system. Just as the blood of sacrifices was poured out at the base of the altar, these martyrs' lives are presented as a holy offering to God. It signifies their acceptance and their place of honor in God's presence, awaiting divine justice.
  • Divine Awareness of Suffering: The vision assures readers that God is fully aware of the suffering and sacrifices of His faithful followers. Their cry for justice, revealed in the subsequent verse (Revelation 6:10), demonstrates that their deaths are not forgotten but are seen by God.

Linguistic Insights

The word "slain" (Greek: esphagmenōn) is a strong term, often used for ritual slaughter or a violent, sacrificial death. It emphasizes the brutal nature of their martyrdom, yet also implies a purpose in their suffering. The "testimony which they held" (Greek: martyrian hēn eichon) directly connects to the Greek word martys, from which we derive "martyr," reinforcing that their death was a direct result of their unwavering witness to Christ and His truth.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 6:9 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring call to faithfulness, even in the face of adversity. It encourages perseverance, knowing that those who suffer for Christ are seen and honored by God. It also provides comfort that ultimate justice belongs to God. While persecution may manifest differently in various parts of the world, the principle remains: standing firm on the Word of God and bearing testimony to Jesus Christ can invite opposition, but also secures an eternal reward.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 20:4

    And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

  • John 16:2

    They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

  • Revelation 1:9

    ¶ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

  • Revelation 12:11

    And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

  • Revelation 12:17

    And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

  • Revelation 11:3

    ¶ And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

  • Revelation 11:7

    And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
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