Revelation 2:13
What does Revelation 2:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 2:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 2:13 means
Jesus acknowledges Pergamum’s difficult setting—“where Satan’s throne is”—and honors them for holding fast His name. Even when Antipas, a faithful witness, was killed among them, they did not deny their allegiance. This church has shown courage in an environment saturated with hostile spiritual power and pagan influence. Christ knows exactly where they live and how costly faithfulness has been. Their loyalty under lethal pressure is precious to Him. He names their martyr and calls him “my faithful one,” affirming that such losses are seen and valued. Yet courage under persecution does not excuse error within; that tension will surface next.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have knowledge that your living-place is where Satan has his seat: and you are true to my name, and were not turned away from your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my true witness, who was put to death among you, where Satan has his place.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I have known thy works, and where thou dost dwell--where the throne of the Adversary <FI>is<Fi> --and thou dost hold fast my name, and thou didst not deny my faith, even in the days in which Antipas <FI>was<Fi> my faithful witness, who was put to death beside you, where the Adversary doth dwell.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I know where thou dwellest, where the seat of Satan is. And thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith. Even in those days when Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I know where thou dwellest, where the throne of Satan [is]; and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in the days in which Antipas my faithful witness [was], who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.
Context
After the solemn introduction (verse 12), this verse presents Pergamum’s commendation: steadfastness in the face of deadly hostility. The mention of Antipas intensifies the gravity. But the letter quickly pivots to correction (verses 14–15), exposing tolerated false teaching. The flow underscores that external faithfulness must be matched by internal purity. Verse 16 will call for repentance, and verse 17 will offer promises to the overcomer.
v.12And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
v.13This passage
v.14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
prove all things; hold fast that which is good;
- Revelation 14:12
Here is the patience of the saints, they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
- 2 Timothy 2:12
if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us:
- Luke 21:17
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.
- Revelation 3:11
I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
- Matthew 24:9
Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name’s sake.
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