Revelation 13:10
What does Revelation 13:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 13:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 13:10 means
This proverb-like saying acknowledges that some will be led into captivity and some will die by the sword. It restricts retaliation and fatalism alike: outcomes are under God’s providence. Those who live by violence meet violence; those destined for prison will face it. The closing line—“Here is the patience and the faith of the saints”—identifies the proper response: steady endurance and trust in God’s justice. Believers are not promised escape from suffering but are called to persevering fidelity. This verse sets expectations: in the beast’s time, losses may be real and grievous, yet vengeance is not our path. Faith waits on God, who sees, measures, and will finally set all accounts right.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If any man is for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If any man is for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If any man sends others into prison, into prison he will go: if any man puts to death with the sword, with the sword will he be put to death. Here is the quiet strength and the faith of the saints.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if any one a captivity doth gather, into captivity he doth go away; if any one by sword doth kill, it behoveth him by sword to be killed; here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that shall lead into captivity shall go into captivity: he that shall kill by the sword must be killed by the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If any one [leads] into captivity, he goes into captivity. If any one shall kill with [the] sword, he must with [the] sword be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.
Context
Following the hearing-call of verse 9, verse 10 applies the vision: the saints must brace for captivity or death without abandoning faith. This prepares the reader for the introduction of the second beast in verse 11, which will intensify deception and coercion. The transition matters: endurance is needed not only against open persecution from the first beast but also against the subtle, religious-looking pressure soon to be described.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hasteth toward the end, and shall not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay.
- Matthew 26:52
Then saith Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into its place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
- Hebrews 12:3
For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.
- Genesis 9:5
And surely your blood, the blood of your lives, will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it: and at the hand of man, even at the hand of every man’s brother, will I require the life of man.
- Isaiah 33:1
Woe to thee that destroyest, and thou wast not destroyed; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! When thou hast ceased to destroy, thou shalt be destroyed; and when thou hast made an end of dealing treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.
- Hebrews 10:36
For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 13
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 13.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible refers to irreverence shown toward God, holy things, and even people who represent God.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.