And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

REVELATION 6:11KJV
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Revelation 6:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 6:11 mean?

Revelation 6:11 answers those who have been killed because of their witness to God. Each receives a white robe and is told to wait a little longer. The wait will continue until others who belong to the same community have also been killed.

After their question in verse 10, the white robes give each person a visible sign of honor. The instruction to rest answers their cry without naming a date. The verse does not identify the speaker, but the message comes as an answer to their appeal to God.

The Greek behind Revelation 6:11

  • “rest” — ἀναπαύω (anapauō): This word can mean to rest or find relief. Here, the instruction describes the manner of their waiting, not simply its length.
  • “fellowservants” — σύνδουλος (syndoulos): This word means people who serve the same master. It links those already killed with others who share their service to God.
  • “fulfilled” — πληρόω (plēroō): This word carries the sense of being filled or brought to completion. In this sentence, the completion concerns the group of fellow servants and brothers and sisters who are yet to be killed.

Why Revelation 6:11 matters

  • The white robe is given to each person, not merely to the group as a whole. The KJV says a robe was given “unto every one of them.”
  • The words “as they were” connect the coming deaths with those already described. In verse 9, the people beneath the altar were killed because of God’s word and the testimony they held.
  • “A little season” gives a limit to the wait without giving its length in days or years. The word “until” points instead to the completion of the group described.

Where else these words appear

“robes” Greek G4749 · used in 8 verses

  • Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
  • Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
  • Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

“fellowservants” Greek G4889 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
  • Matthew 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
  • Colossians 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

“rest” Greek G373 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  • Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
  • Philemon 1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

“white” Greek G3022 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • John 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
  • Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.