Revelation 2:12
New International Version
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.

New Living Translation
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum. This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword:

English Standard Version
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

Berean Standard Bible
To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.

Berean Literal Bible
And to the messenger of the church in Pergamum write: These things says the One having the sharp two-edged sword.

King James Bible
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

New King James Version
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

New American Standard Bible
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

NASB 1995
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

NASB 1977
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

Legacy Standard Bible
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: This is what the One who has the sharp two-edged sword says:

Amplified Bible
“And to the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of Him who has and wields the sharp two-edged sword [in judgment]:

Christian Standard Bible
“Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: “The One who has the sharp, double-edged sword says:

American Standard Version
And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:

Contemporary English Version
This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: I am the one who has the sharp double-edged sword! Listen to what I say.

English Revised Version
And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write; These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"To the messenger of the church in Pergamum, write: The one who holds the sharp two-edged sword says:

Good News Translation
"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: "This is the message from the one who has the sharp two-edged sword.

International Standard Version
"To the messenger of the church in Pergamum, write: 'The one who holds the sharp, two-edged sword, says this:

Majority Standard Bible
To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.

NET Bible
"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write the following: "This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who has the sharp double-edged sword:

New Heart English Bible
"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: "He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:

Webster's Bible Translation
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he who hath the sharp sword with two edges;

Weymouth New Testament
"To the minister of the Church at Pergamum write as follows: "'This is what He who has the sharp, two-edged sword says. I know where you dwell.

World English Bible
“To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: “He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things says He who is having the sharp two-edged sword:

Berean Literal Bible
And to the messenger of the church in Pergamum write: These things says the One having the sharp two-edged sword.

Young's Literal Translation
'And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things saith he who is having the sharp two-edged sword:

Smith's Literal Translation
And to the messenger to the calling out in Pergamos write: Thus says he having the sharp two-mouthed sword;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And to the angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things, saith he, that hath the sharp two edged sword:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And to the Angel of the Church of Pergamus write: Thus says he who holds the sharp two-edged spear:

New American Bible
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: “ ‘The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this:

New Revised Standard Version
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And to the angel of the church in Per’gamos write: These things says he who has the sharp two-edged sword;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And to The Messenger who is in the assembly of Pergamum, write: 'Thus says he who has the sharp sword of two edges.'”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write: These things says he that has the sharp, two-edged sword;

Godbey New Testament
To the angel of the church in Pergamum write; The one having the sharp, two-edged sword says these things;

Haweis New Testament
And to the angel of the church at Pergamos write, These things saith he who holdeth the sharp two-edged sword;

Mace New Testament
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write, "THESE things, saith he, who hath the sharp sword with two edges,

Weymouth New Testament
"To the minister of the Church at Pergamum write as follows: "'This is what He who has the sharp, two-edged sword says. I know where you dwell.

Worrell New Testament
"And to the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write these things," saith He Who hath the sharp, two-edged sword:

Worsley New Testament
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, These things saith He, who hath the sharp two-edged sword;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
To the Church in Pergamum
11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death. 12 To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword. 13I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the day when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells.…

Cross References
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Isaiah 49:2
He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver.

Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

Isaiah 11:4
but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.

2 Thessalonians 2:8
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival.

Revelation 1:16
He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

Revelation 19:15
And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

Revelation 19:21
And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Matthew 10:34
Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Psalm 149:6
May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands,

Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

John 12:48
There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

Isaiah 1:20
But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.


Treasury of Scripture

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges;

the angel.

Revelation 2:1
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Revelation 1:11
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Pergamos.

Revelation 2:27
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

which hath.

Revelation 2:16
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Revelation 1:16
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Revelation 19:15,21
And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God…

Jump to Previous
Angel Assembly Church Double-Edged Dwell Edges Follows Messenger Minister Pergamos Pergamum Per'gamum Sharp Sword Two-Edged Words Write
Jump to Next
Angel Assembly Church Double-Edged Dwell Edges Follows Messenger Minister Pergamos Pergamum Per'gamum Sharp Sword Two-Edged Words Write
Revelation 2
1. What is commanded to be written to the angels, that is, the ministers of the churches of Ephesus,
8. Smyrna,
12. Pergamos,
18. Thyatira, and what is commended and lacking in them.














To the angel
The term "angel" in this context is derived from the Greek word "ἄγγελος" (angelos), meaning "messenger." In the context of Revelation, it is often interpreted as the spiritual representative or leader of the church. This highlights the divine communication and responsibility bestowed upon the church leaders to convey God's message accurately and faithfully.

of the church
The word "church" comes from the Greek "ἐκκλησία" (ekklesia), meaning "assembly" or "congregation." In the early Christian context, it refers to the body of believers in a specific location. The church in Pergamum was a community of Christians living in a city known for its cultural and religious diversity, which often posed challenges to maintaining doctrinal purity.

in Pergamum
Pergamum was an ancient city in Asia Minor, known for its wealth, culture, and as a center of pagan worship. It housed a famous library and was a hub of emperor worship, which often conflicted with Christian beliefs. Understanding the historical and cultural backdrop of Pergamum helps us appreciate the pressures faced by the church there, as they were surrounded by idolatry and persecution.

write
The instruction to "write" underscores the importance of recording and preserving divine revelation. The act of writing ensures that the message is communicated accurately and can be referenced by future generations. It emphasizes the enduring nature of God's word and its authority over the church.

These are the words
This phrase signifies the direct communication from Christ, affirming the divine origin and authority of the message. It echoes the prophetic tradition where God's words are delivered through chosen messengers, reinforcing the seriousness and truth of the message being conveyed.

of the One who holds
The imagery of "holding" suggests control, authority, and possession. It indicates that Christ possesses the power and authority to execute judgment and deliverance. This is a comforting reminder to believers of Christ's sovereignty over all circumstances.

the sharp, double-edged sword
The "sharp, double-edged sword" is a powerful symbol of the Word of God, as described in Hebrews 4:12. It represents the penetrating and discerning power of God's truth, capable of judging thoughts and intentions. In the context of Pergamum, it serves as a warning and a promise: a warning of judgment against false teachings and a promise of protection and vindication for those who remain faithful. The sword's dual edges signify both the capacity to save and to judge, reflecting the dual nature of Christ's mission.

(12) Pergamos.--Unlike Ephesus and Smyrna, Pergamos was not distinguished as a commercial city. Its importance was due to other causes. A striking coneshaped hill rose from the plain which bordered the northern banks of the Caicus. The hill was considered sacred. Its value as a strong natural fortress was early recognised, and it was used as a keep and treasury where local chieftains deposited their wealth. Its greatness as a city dated from Eumenes II., who was given by the Romans a large surrounding territory, and who fixed Pergamos as his royal residence. Under his auspices a splendid city--rich in public buildings, temples, art galleries, and with a library which rivalled that of Alexandria--rose into being. It has been described as a city of temples, "a sort of union of a pagan cathedral city, an university town, and a royal residence." It retained its splendour even after it passed by bequest to the Roman Republic, and was declared by Pliny to be a city unrivalled in the province of Asia.

Sharp sword with two edges.--See Note on Revelation 1:16. The appropriateness of this language to the state of the church in Pergamos will best appear afterwards. (See Note on Revelation 2:15-16.)

Verses 12-17. - The epistle to the Church at Pergamum. Verse 12. - Pergamum is the usual form both in Greek and Latin writers; "Pergamus" is very rare. And if Πέργαμος were right here, why "Pergamos" any more than "Ephesos"? The city lies north of Smyrna, in Mysia Major, or the right bank of the Caicus. Pergamum is first mentioned by Xenophon, and becomes important and magnificent under Attalus, the friend of the Romans (B.C. 241-197), and his son Eumenes (B.C. 196-159). Its library was second only to that of Alexandria; but Mark Antony took it to Egypt and gave it to Cleopatra. Parchment gets its name from Pergamum, and Galen the physician was born there. Pliny writes of "longe clarissimum Asiae Pergamum" - a description which probably has reference to its buildings. It still exists under the slightly changed name of Bergamah, or Bergma; and its ruins still tell of the magnificent public edifices which have caused it to be described as a "city of temples," and again as "a sort of union of a pagan cathedral city, a university town, and a royal residence." Its idolatrous rites were frequent and various, and the contamination which they spread is manifest from this epistle. The sharp two-edged sword (see notes on Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:13). How much this weapon is needed is shown by the evils protested against.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
To the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

angel
ἀγγέλῳ (angelō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church
ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Pergamum
Περγάμῳ (Pergamō)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4010: Pergamum, an important city of the Roman province Asia. From purgos; fortified; Pergamus, a place in Asia Minor.

write:
γράψον (grapson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.

These [are]
Τάδε (Tade)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3592: This here, this, that, he, she, it.

the words
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

of the [One who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

holds
ἔχων (echōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sharp,
ὀξεῖαν (oxeian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3691: (a) sharp, (b) swift, eager. Probably akin to the base of akmen; keen; by analogy, rapid.

double-edged
δίστομον (distomon)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1366: (lit: twain-mouthed; hence: of a sword, as a drinker of blood), two-edged. From dis and stoma; double-edged.

sword.
ῥομφαίαν (rhomphaian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4501: A sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief. Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. A long and broad cutlass.


Links
Revelation 2:12 NIV
Revelation 2:12 NLT
Revelation 2:12 ESV
Revelation 2:12 NASB
Revelation 2:12 KJV

Revelation 2:12 BibleApps.com
Revelation 2:12 Biblia Paralela
Revelation 2:12 Chinese Bible
Revelation 2:12 French Bible
Revelation 2:12 Catholic Bible

NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:12 To the angel of the assembly (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 2:11
Top of Page
Top of Page