I 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.

REVELATION 2:13KJV
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Revelation 2:13 (KJV)

What does Revelation 2:13 mean?

Revelation 2:13 presents Jesus speaking to believers in Pergamum who remained loyal to him in a place marked by strong opposition. Their loyalty continued even when Antipas, one of their own, was killed for his faithful witness.

“Satan’s seat” pictures a place of power or rule hostile to Jesus and his followers. Jesus addresses people who live in that setting, rather than people who can avoid it.

The Greek behind Revelation 2:13

  • “seat” — θρόνος (thronos): The word means a throne or seat of rule. The image gives “Satan’s seat” the sense of a place associated with authority.
  • “martyr” — μάρτυς (martys): The word means a witness. The KJV calls Antipas a faithful “martyr” and then says he was killed, connecting his witness with his death.
  • “faith” — πίστις (pistis): The word can carry the sense of faith or faithfulness. “My faith” points to their continued loyalty to Jesus, alongside their holding fast to his name.

Why Revelation 2:13 matters

  • The verse places Antipas among the people addressed. “Slain among you” makes his death part of the community’s own experience, not merely news from somewhere else.
  • Jesus recognizes their loyalty without treating every matter in Pergamum as settled. The following verse begins, “But I have a few things against thee,” and goes on to name concerns within the group.

Where else these words appear

“hast” Greek G720 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
  • John 18:25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
  • 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

“Satan's” Greek G4567 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

“martyr” Greek G3144 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
  • Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

“where” Greek G4226 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 22:11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
  • John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?