Devine Scripture

Revelation 2:9

What does Revelation 2:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 2:9 means

Jesus sees Smyrna’s afflictions and material poverty, yet declares them rich. Their external lack contrasts with their spiritual wealth. He also notes slander from those who claim Jewish identity but oppose Christ’s people, aligning themselves with Satan’s purposes. The phrase “synagogue of Satan” identifies the true source of the hostility as the adversary, not a blanket condemnation of a people. The Lord acknowledges their suffering without minimizing it and reframes their status: though pressed and poor, they possess true riches before God. His knowledge of their hardships is personal and affirming, preparing them to face the coming trial without losing heart.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have knowledge of your troubles and how poor you are (but you have true wealth), and the evil words of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are a Synagogue of Satan.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I have known thy works, and tribulation, and poverty--yet thou art rich--and the evil-speaking of those saying themselves to be Jews, and are not, but <FI>are<Fi> a synagogue of the Adversary.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I know thy tribulation and thy poverty: but thou art rich. And thou art blasphemed by them that say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I know thy tribulation and thy poverty; but thou art rich; and the railing of those who say that they themselves are Jews, and are not, but a synagogue of Satan.

Context

After the self-description (verse 8), this verse delivers Christ’s compassionate assessment. It sets up the next verse’s call not to fear and the warning of imminent imprisonment (verse 10). The mention of slander clarifies the social pressure Smyrna faced, while the declaration of their spiritual wealth provides perspective. The letter will soon climax with the promise that overcomers will be safe from the second death (verse 11).

v.8And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again:

v.9This passage

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.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 12:12

    rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer;

  • Romans 2:17

    But if thou bearest the name of a Jew, and restest upon the law, and gloriest in God,

  • John 16:33

    These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:9

    For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.

  • Acts 26:11

    And punishing them oftentimes in all the synagogues, I strove to make them blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6

    if so be that it is a righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you,

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