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.

REVELATION 2:9KJV
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Revelation 2:9 (KJV)

What does Revelation 2:9 mean?

Revelation 2:9 records Jesus speaking to the church in Smyrna, saying He knows their hard work, suffering, and poverty, but considers them spiritually rich. Jesus also acknowledges that some who claim to be Jews are not truly so, and instead belong to what He calls the "synagogue of Satan," meaning they oppose God's ways.

In this verse, Jesus addresses believers in Smyrna who face both material hardship and slander from others in their community. The mention of "poverty (but thou art rich)" highlights a contrast between their outward circumstances and their spiritual standing. The phrase about those "which say they are Jews, and are not" refers to a group causing trouble for the Christians, and calling them the "synagogue of Satan" shows how seriously Jesus views their opposition.

The Greek behind Revelation 2:9

  • The word "know" (οἶδα, oida) means a deep, complete awareness; Jesus is saying He fully understands their situation, not just superficially.
  • "Blasphemy" (βλασφημία, blasphēmia) here means slander or abusive speech, not just insults against God but also false accusations against the believers.
  • "Synagogue" (συναγωγή, synagōgē) literally means a gathering or assembly; in this context, it is used to describe a group that claims religious identity but is actually working against God's people.
  • "Satan" (Σατανᾶς, Satanas) is used here as a title for the adversary, emphasizing the spiritual seriousness of the opposition the church faces.

Why Revelation 2:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that outward poverty does not reflect a person's true spiritual wealth in Jesus's eyes.
  • The verse shows that Jesus is aware of both the suffering and the unfair accusations His followers endure, offering comfort that He sees and understands.
  • By calling out those who falsely claim religious identity, the verse warns against hypocrisy and highlights the importance of genuine faith over outward claims.

Where else these words appear

“povertybut” Greek G4432 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
  • 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 be rich.

“blasphemy” Greek G988 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

“rich” Greek G4145 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
  • 1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

“Satan” 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.