Revelation 2:11
What does Revelation 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 2:11 means
Again Jesus issues the universal call to hear the Spirit’s message. He promises that the one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death—the final, irreversible judgment. Though believers may face the first death through persecution, they are secure from the second. Christ’s salvation shields them from ultimate loss. This perspective turns martyrdom from defeat into victory. The assurance matches His earlier promise of the crown of life: where life is granted by Christ, the second death has no claim. Thus the church in Smyrna can face earthly threats knowing the ultimate danger has been removed by their risen Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who has ears, let him give ear to what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not come under the power of the second death.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862He who is having an ear--let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies: He who is overcoming may not be injured of the second death.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: He that shall overcome shall not be hurt by the second death.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He that overcomes shall in no wise be injured of the second death.
Context
This verse concludes the letter to Smyrna. It connects directly to verse 10’s call to faithfulness unto death by setting the reward in ultimate terms—immunity from the second death. With Smyrna’s message finished, the chapter moves to Pergamum (verses 12–17), where commendation for holding fast in a hostile environment will be mixed with rebuke for tolerating corrupt teaching.
v.10Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
v.11This passage
v.12And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
- Revelation 21:8
But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.
- Revelation 2:17
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.
- Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
- Revelation 13:9
If any man hath an ear, let him hear.
- Revelation 20:14
And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, eventhe lake of fire.
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