He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

REVELATION 13:10KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 13:10 (KJV)

What does Revelation 13:10 mean?

Revelation 13:10 warns that those who capture others or kill with the sword will themselves face the same fate, and it calls for the saints—God’s faithful people—to endure with patience and faith. The verse highlights a principle of justice and urges believers to remain steadfast during persecution.

In the book of Revelation, John is writing to early Christians who are facing threats and oppression. This verse comes as part of a vision describing the power and cruelty of evil forces in the world. The statement serves as both a warning to oppressors and an encouragement to Christians, reminding them that God sees injustice and that endurance is needed in difficult times.

The Greek behind Revelation 13:10

  • ὑπομονή (hypomonē, G5281): This word is often translated as "patience" or "endurance." In this context, it points to the steadfastness required of believers when facing hardship or persecution.
  • πίστις (pistis, G4102): Translated as "faith," this word carries the sense of trust and loyalty to God, especially when circumstances are difficult.
  • αἰχμαλωσία (aichmalōsia, G161): This word means "captivity." The verse uses it to describe the fate of those who lead others into captivity, emphasizing a kind of poetic justice.

Why Revelation 13:10 matters

  • Revelation 13:10 clarifies that God’s justice is impartial: those who do harm will face consequences in kind, which would have reassured suffering Christians that evil would not go unchecked.
  • The verse emphasizes the need for patience and faith, not retaliation, highlighting the Christian response to persecution as endurance rather than violence.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of Revelation, where believers are repeatedly called to persevere in faith despite the apparent power of evil in the world.

Where else these words appear

“captivity” Greek G161 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

“sword” Greek G3162 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
  • Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
  • Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

“patience” Greek G5281 · used in 31 verses

  • Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
  • James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

“Here” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
  • Luke 22:38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.