And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

REVELATION 6:10KJV
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Revelation 6:10 (KJV)

What does Revelation 6:10 mean?

Revelation 6:10 shows souls in heaven crying out to God, asking how long He will wait before judging and avenging their deaths by those living on earth. The verse captures a plea for justice from those who have been killed for their faith, expressing both trust in God’s character and a longing for wrongs to be set right.

In this scene, the speakers are the souls of people who were killed because of their faithfulness to God, pictured as being under the altar in heaven. They address God as “holy and true,” highlighting their belief that He is just and trustworthy. Their question, “How long?” reflects both their suffering and their confidence that God will eventually act to judge evil and defend those who belong to Him.

The Greek behind Revelation 6:10

  • κύριος (kyrios, “Lord”): This word is used here as a title of authority and respect, showing the souls’ recognition of God’s supreme power over justice.
  • ἅγιος (hagios, “holy”) and ἀληθινός (alēthinos, “true”): These words emphasize God’s moral purity and reliability, underlining why the souls trust Him to judge rightly.
  • ἐκδικέω (ekdikeō, “avenge”): This Greek word carries the sense of seeking justice or retribution, not personal revenge, but a rightful setting right of wrongs done.
  • οἰκέω (oikeō, “dwell”): The phrase “them that dwell on the earth” often refers in Revelation to those opposed to God, not just all humans, which adds a sharper focus to the plea.

Why Revelation 6:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the longing for justice is not unspiritual; even in heaven, God’s people desire wrongs to be addressed and evil to be judged.
  • The verse highlights God’s character as both holy and true, showing that trust in God’s timing is rooted in who He is, even when justice seems delayed.
  • Revelation 6:10 connects to the wider theme of the book: God’s ultimate victory over evil and the vindication of those who have suffered for their faith.

Where else these words appear

“avenge” Greek G1556 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
  • Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

“Lord” Greek G1203 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
  • 1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
  • 1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

“long” Greek G4219 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
  • Matthew 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
  • Luke 9:41 And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

“true” Greek G228 · used in 25 verses

  • Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
  • John 19:35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
  • Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;