Revelation 2:16
What does Revelation 2:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 2:16 means
Jesus commands the church to repent—change course regarding the tolerated teachings—or He will come quickly and wage war against “them” with the sword of His mouth. The plural “them” targets the false teachers and their adherents, yet the call to repent addresses the whole church’s responsibility to confront error. Christ’s warfare is by His authoritative word, not carnal means. His intervention will be swift and decisive if they refuse. Mercy comes first: space to repent. But if they persist, He will vindicate truth and protect His flock by judgment. The church must not be passive; they must align with the Lord who speaks among them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See, then, that you have a change of heart; or I will come to you quickly, and will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Reform! and if not, I come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752In like manner do penance. If not, I will come to thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Repent therefore: but if not, I come to thee quickly, and I will make war with them with the sword of my mouth.
Context
After naming the errors (verses 14–15), this verse delivers the remedy and warning. It echoes the letter’s opening image of Christ with the sharp sword (verse 12), now applied in judgment. The structure mirrors other letters: commendation, rebuke, call to repent, consequence, and promise. The next verse (verse 17) will conclude Pergamum’s message with rich promises to the overcomer, encouraging repentance by setting hope before them.
v.15So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner.
v.16This passage
v.17He 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
- Isaiah 49:2
and he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me: and he hath made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he kept me close:
- Revelation 2:12
And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
- Revelation 22:7
And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book.
- Revelation 2:21
And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.
- Revelation 16:9
And men were scorched with great heat: and they blasphemed the name of God who hath the power over these plagues; and they repented not to give him glory.
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