The Meaning of Revelation 2:16 Explained

Revelation 2:16

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

YLT: 'Reform! and if not, I come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Darby: Repent therefore: but if not, I come to thee quickly, and I will make war with them with the sword of my mouth.

ASV: Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does Revelation 2:16 Mean?

Verse Meaning

If the erring believers would not judge themselves and repent, they could anticipate God"s judgment (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:31).
"Unwillingness to repent shows that a person is not a faithful believer." [1]
They would die by the sword proceeding from Christ"s mouth. Balaam had died, ironically, by the Israelites" sword ( Numbers 31:8). This judgment would be by the unyielding standard of God"s revealed Word that clearly condemns such behavior. Having taken sides with the enemy, they could expect God to oppose them in His war against evil.
"The fault of Pergamum is the opposite of Ephesus where the heretics were rooted out but love was missing ( Revelation 2:2; Revelation 2:4)." [2]

Context Summary

Revelation 2:12-17 - Beware Of Evil Teachers
Notice the Lord's commendation of the church at Pergamos (from which we get our word parchment). He recognizes their peculiar dangers and their difficulties-where Satan's seat is. It was an honorable thing to have held fast Christ's name under such circumstances. To hold fast His name is to be loyal to Him in all circumstances. Not to deny His faith is to hold fast to the essential facts and doctrines of primitive Christianity, undeterred by the blandishments or threats of the world.
For the doctrine of Balaam, we must turn to Numbers, Numbers 22:1-41; Numbers 23:1-30; Numbers 24:1-25, and then especially to Numbers 25:1 and Numbers 31:16. Balaam had failed to curse, but though he had thereby forfeited his prestige and payment, he won them back by advising Balak to corrupt the morals of Israel and so break their union with Jehovah. The Nicolaitanes apparently promulgated similar tenets, and in their proud and wealthy city were prepared to admit orthodoxy of doctrine so long as it was combined with laxity of morals. But Christ cannot for a moment tolerate such a conjunction. His judgment sword must vindicate the purity of His Church. [source]

Chapter Summary: 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

Greek Commentary for Revelation 2:16

Repent therefore [μετανοησον ουν]
First aorist (tense of urgency) active imperative of μετανοεω — metanoeō with the inferential particle ουν — oun (as a result of their sin). [source]
I come [ερχομαι]
Futuristic present middle indicative, “I am coming” (imminent), as in Revelation 2:5 with ταχυ — tachu as in Revelation 3:11; Revelation 11:14; Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20. As with εν ταχει — en tachei (Revelation 1:1), we do not know how soon “quickly” is meant to be understood. But it is a real threat.Against them (μετ αυτων — met' autōn). This proposition with πολεμεω — polemeō rather than κατα — kata (against) is common in the lxx, but in the N.T. only in Revelation 2:16; Revelation 12:7; Revelation 13:4; Revelation 17:14 and the verb itself nowhere else in N.T. except James 4:2. “An eternal roll of thunder from the throne” (Renan). “The glorified Christ is in this book a Warrior, who fights with the sharp sword of the word” (Swete).With Instrumental use of εν — en For the language see Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 19:15. [source]
Against them [μετ αυτων]
This proposition with πολεμεω — polemeō rather than κατα — kata (against) is common in the lxx, but in the N.T. only in Revelation 2:16; Revelation 12:7; Revelation 13:4; Revelation 17:14 and the verb itself nowhere else in N.T. except James 4:2. “An eternal roll of thunder from the throne” (Renan). “The glorified Christ is in this book a Warrior, who fights with the sharp sword of the word” (Swete). [source]
With [εν]
Instrumental use of εν — en For the language see Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 19:15. [source]
I will make war [πολεμήσω]
The words war and make war occur oftener in Revelation than in any other book of the New Testament. “An eternal roll of thunder from the throne” (Renan). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 2:16

John 14:2 Mansions [μοναι]
Old word from μενω — menō to abide, abiding places, in N.T. only here and John 14:23. There are many resting-places in the Father‘s house Christ‘s picture of heaven here is the most precious one that we possess. It is our heavenly home with the Father and with Jesus. If it were not so Ellipsis of the verb (Mark 2:21; Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:16; John 14:11). Here a suppressed condition of the second class (determined as unfulfilled) as the conclusion shows. I would have told you Regular construction for this apodosis For I go Reason for the consolation given, futuristic present middle indicative, and explanation of his words in John 13:33 that puzzled Peter so (John 13:36.). To prepare a place for you First aorist active infinitive of purpose of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō to make ready, old verb from ετοιμος — hetoimos Here only in John, but in Mark 10:40 (Matthew 20:23). It was customary to send one forward for such a purpose (Numbers 10:33). So Jesus had sent Peter and John to make ready (this very verb) for the passover meal (Mark 14:12; Matthew 26:17). Jesus is thus our Forerunner (προδρομος — prodromos) in heaven (Hebrews 6:20). [source]
Revelation 11:7 The beast [το τηριον]
“The wild beast comes out of the abyss” of Revelation 9:1. He reappears in Revelation 13:1; Revelation 17:8. In Daniel 7:3 τηρια — thēria occurs. Nothing less than antichrist will satisfy the picture here. Some see the abomination of Daniel 7:7; Matthew 24:15. Some see Nero redivivus.He shall make war with them (ποιησει μετ αυτων πολεμον — poiēsei met' autōn polemon). This same phrase occurs in Revelation 12:17 about the dragon‘s attack on the woman. It is more the picture of single combat (Revelation 2:16).He shall overcome them Future active of νικαω — nikaō The victory of the beast over the two witnesses is certain, as in Daniel 7:21.And kill them (και αποκτενει — kai apoktenei). Future active of αποκτεινω — apokteinō Without attempting to apply this prophecy to specific individuals or times, one can agree with these words of Swete: “But his words cover in effect all the martyrdoms and massacres of history in which brute force has seemed to triumph over truth and righteousness.” [source]
Revelation 11:7 He shall make war with them [ποιησει μετ αυτων πολεμον]
This same phrase occurs in Revelation 12:17 about the dragon‘s attack on the woman. It is more the picture of single combat (Revelation 2:16). [source]
Revelation 11:14 The third woe [η ουαι η τριτη]
(η ουαι η τριτη — hē ouai hē tritē feminine as in Revelation 9:12) is the seventh trumpet, which now “cometh quickly” (ερχεται ταχυ — erchetai tachu), for which phrase see Revelation 2:16; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20. Usually pointing to the Parousia. [source]
Revelation 12:7 Michael and his angels [ο Μιχαηλ και οι αγγελοι αυτου]
The nominative here may be in apposition with πολεμος — polemos but it is an abnormal construction with no verb, though εγενετο — egeneto (arose) can be understood as repeated. Michael is the champion of the Jewish people (Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1) and is called the archangel in Judges 1:9.Going forth to war (του πολεμησαι — tou polemēsai). This genitive articular infinitive is another grammatical problem in this sentence. If εγενετο — egeneto (arose) is repeated as above, then we have the infinitive for purpose, a common enough idiom. Otherwise it is anomalous, not even like Acts 10:25.With the dragon On the use of μετα — meta with πολεμεω — polemeō see Revelation 2:16; Revelation 13:4; Revelation 17:14 (nowhere else in N.T.). The devil has angels under his command (Matthew 25:41) and preachers also (2 Corinthians 11:14.).Warred (επολεμησεν — epolemēsen). Constative aorist active indicative of πολεμεω — polemeō picturing the whole battle in one glimpse. [source]
Revelation 12:7 With the dragon [μετα του δρακοντος]
On the use of μετα — meta with πολεμεω — polemeō see Revelation 2:16; Revelation 13:4; Revelation 17:14 (nowhere else in N.T.). The devil has angels under his command (Matthew 25:41) and preachers also (2 Corinthians 11:14.).Warred (επολεμησεν — epolemēsen). Constative aorist active indicative of πολεμεω — polemeō picturing the whole battle in one glimpse. [source]
Revelation 2:5 Thou art fallen [πεπτωκες]
Perfect active indicative of πιπτω — piptō state of completion. Down in the valley, look up to the cliff where pure love is and whence thou hast fallen down.And repent (και μετανοησον — kai metanoēson). First aorist active imperative of μετανοεω — metanoeō urgent appeal for instant change of attitude and conduct before it is too late.And do First aorist active imperative of ποιεω — poieō “Do at once.”The first works (τα πρωτα εργα — ta prōta erga). Including the first love (Acts 19:20; Acts 20:37; Ephesians 1:3.) which has now grown cold (Matthew 24:12).Or else Elliptical condition, the verb not expressed Futuristic present middle (John 14:2.).To thee Dative, as in Revelation 2:16 also.Will move (κινησω — kinēsō). Future active of κινεω — kineō In Ignatius‘ Epistle to Ephesus it appears that the church heeded this warning.Except thou repent Condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē instead of ει μη — ei mē above, with the first aorist active subjunctive of μετανοεω — metanoeō f0). [source]
Revelation 2:5 And do [και ποιησον]
First aorist active imperative of ποιεω — poieō “Do at once.”The first works (τα πρωτα εργα — ta prōta erga). Including the first love (Acts 19:20; Acts 20:37; Ephesians 1:3.) which has now grown cold (Matthew 24:12).Or else Elliptical condition, the verb not expressed Futuristic present middle (John 14:2.).To thee Dative, as in Revelation 2:16 also.Will move (κινησω — kinēsō). Future active of κινεω — kineō In Ignatius‘ Epistle to Ephesus it appears that the church heeded this warning.Except thou repent Condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē instead of ει μη — ei mē above, with the first aorist active subjunctive of μετανοεω — metanoeō f0). [source]
Revelation 2:5 Or else [ει δε μη]
Elliptical condition, the verb not expressed Futuristic present middle (John 14:2.).To thee Dative, as in Revelation 2:16 also.Will move (κινησω — kinēsō). Future active of κινεω — kineō In Ignatius‘ Epistle to Ephesus it appears that the church heeded this warning.Except thou repent Condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē instead of ει μη — ei mē above, with the first aorist active subjunctive of μετανοεω — metanoeō f0). [source]
Revelation 2:5 To thee [σοι]
Dative, as in Revelation 2:16 also.Will move (κινησω — kinēsō). Future active of κινεω — kineō In Ignatius‘ Epistle to Ephesus it appears that the church heeded this warning.Except thou repent Condition of third class with εαν μη — ean mē instead of ει μη — ei mē above, with the first aorist active subjunctive of μετανοεω — metanoeō f0). [source]
Revelation 2:16 I come [ερχομαι]
Futuristic present middle indicative, “I am coming” (imminent), as in Revelation 2:5 with ταχυ — tachu as in Revelation 3:11; Revelation 11:14; Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20. As with εν ταχει — en tachei (Revelation 1:1), we do not know how soon “quickly” is meant to be understood. But it is a real threat.Against them (μετ αυτων — met' autōn). This proposition with πολεμεω — polemeō rather than κατα — kata (against) is common in the lxx, but in the N.T. only in Revelation 2:16; Revelation 12:7; Revelation 13:4; Revelation 17:14 and the verb itself nowhere else in N.T. except James 4:2. “An eternal roll of thunder from the throne” (Renan). “The glorified Christ is in this book a Warrior, who fights with the sharp sword of the word” (Swete).With Instrumental use of εν — en For the language see Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 19:15. [source]
Revelation 2:16 Against them [μετ αυτων]
This proposition with πολεμεω — polemeō rather than κατα — kata (against) is common in the lxx, but in the N.T. only in Revelation 2:16; Revelation 12:7; Revelation 13:4; Revelation 17:14 and the verb itself nowhere else in N.T. except James 4:2. “An eternal roll of thunder from the throne” (Renan). “The glorified Christ is in this book a Warrior, who fights with the sharp sword of the word” (Swete). [source]
Revelation 22:7 And behold, I come quickly [και ιδου ερχομαι ταχυ]
Christ is the speaker, either through this angel or more probably directly from Christ without introduction as in Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:16. About Christ coming quickly see Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:16; Revelation 3:11; Revelation 16:15, and already in Revelation 1:2. Once more we must recall that ταχυ — tachu and εν ταχει — en tachei are according to God‘s time, not ours (2 Peter 3:8). [source]
Revelation 3:11 I come quickly [ερχομαι ταχυ]
As in Revelation 2:16; Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12, Revelation 22:20. “The keynote of the book” (Beckwith). But allow the author‘s own meaning of “quickly.” [source]
Revelation 6:4 To take peace from the earth [λαβειν την ειρηνην εκ της γης]
Second aorist active infinitive of λαμβανω — lambanō and here the nominative case, the subject of εδοτη — edothē (see Revelation 6:2), “to take peace out of the earth.” Alas, how many red horses have been ridden through the ages.And that they should slay one another (και ινα αλληλους σπαχουσιν — kai hina allēlous sphaxousin). Epexegetical explanatory purpose clause with ινα — hina and the future active of σπαζω — sphazō (Revelation 5:6) instead of the more usual subjunctive (Revelation 6:2). Cf. Robertson, Grammar, p. 998f. This is what war does to perfection, makes cannon fodder (cf. John 14:27) of men.A great sword Μαχαιρα — Machaira may be a knife carried in a sheath at the girdle (John 18:10) or a long sword in battle as here. ομπαια — Romphaia also a large sword, is the only other word for sword in the N.T. (Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:16; Revelation 6:8; Revelation 19:15, Revelation 19:21). [source]
Revelation 6:4 A great sword [μαχαιρα μεγαλη]
Μαχαιρα — Machaira may be a knife carried in a sheath at the girdle (John 18:10) or a long sword in battle as here. ομπαια — Romphaia also a large sword, is the only other word for sword in the N.T. (Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:16; Revelation 6:8; Revelation 19:15, Revelation 19:21). [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 2:16 mean?

Repent therefore If however not I am coming to you quickly and I will make war against them with the sword of the mouth of Me
μετανόησον οὖν εἰ δὲ μή ἔρχομαί σοι ταχύ καὶ πολεμήσω μετ’ αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ ῥομφαίᾳ τοῦ στόματός μου

μετανόησον  Repent 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: μετανοέω  
Sense: to change one’s mind, i.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἔρχομαί  I  am  coming 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἔρχομαι  
Sense: to come.
σοι  to  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Singular
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
ταχύ  quickly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ταχύς  
Sense: quickly, speedily (without delay).
πολεμήσω  I  will  make  war 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: πολεμέω  
Sense: to war, carry on war.
μετ’  against 
Parse: Preposition
Root: μετά  
Sense: with, after, behind.
ῥομφαίᾳ  sword 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ῥομφαία  
Sense: a large sword.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
στόματός  mouth 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: στόμα  
Sense: the mouth, as part of the body: of man, of animals, of fish, etc.
μου  of  Me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.