Devine Scripture

Revelation 2:12

What does Revelation 2:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 2:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 2:12 means

To Pergamum, Jesus reveals Himself as the One who has the sharp two-edged sword. His word is living and decisive—comfort to the faithful and threat to the false. The sword signifies His authority to judge, separate truth from error, and defend His people. In a city where other powers boasted authority, Christ’s sword determines reality. The church must measure itself by His verdict, not by the city’s favor or fear. This image prepares Pergamum to hear both praise and warning, reminding them that Christ’s assessment cuts cleanly through compromise and deception.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos say: These things says he who has the sharp two-edged sword:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things saith he who is having the sharp two-edged sword:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to the angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And to the angel of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things says he that has the sharp two-edged sword:

Context

This opening to Pergamum’s letter parallels earlier introductions (verses 1, 8): Jesus’ self-description anticipates the church’s needs. Commendation for steadfast confession in a dark place follows (verse 13), then a rebuke for tolerating teaching that leads to idolatry and immorality (verses 14–15). A call to repent and a threat of Christ’s judicial intervention come next (verse 16), ending with a promise to the overcomer (verse 17).

v.11He 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.

v.12This passage

v.13I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 19:21

    and the rest were killed with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, even the sword which came forth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

  • Revelation 2:16

    Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.

  • Revelation 19:15

    And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.

  • Isaiah 11:4

    but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Revelation 1:16

    And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

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