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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 2:16 Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/2-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/66_Rev_02_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 2:16 - To the Church in Pergamum" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore repent! 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Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/nlt/revelation/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/esv/revelation/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore repent! But if not, I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/kjv/revelation/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will wage war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/nasb/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8216Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/lsb/revelation/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore repent. But if not, I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/amp/revelation/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek God’s will]; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war and fight against them with the sword of My mouth [in judgment]. <a href="/csb/revelation/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/asv/revelation/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/cev/revelation/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Turn back! If you don't, I will come quickly and fight against these people. And my words will cut like a sword. <a href="/erv/revelation/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/gwt/revelation/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So return to me and change the way you think and act, or I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword from my mouth. <a href="/gnt/revelation/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Now turn from your sins! If you don't, I will come to you soon and fight against those people with the sword that comes out of my mouth. <a href="/isv/revelation/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> So repent. If you don't, I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/msb/revelation/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/net/revelation/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore, repent! If not, I will come against you quickly and make war against those people with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/nheb/revelation/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/wbt/revelation/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Repent; or else I will come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Repent, at once; or else I will come to you quickly, and will make war upon them with the sword which is in My mouth. <a href="/web/revelation/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Convert! And if not, I come to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore repent! But if not, I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. <a href="/ylt/revelation/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Reform! and if not, I come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/slt/revelation/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Repent; and if not, I come to thee swiftly, and will wage war with them with the sword of my mouth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> In like manner do penance: if not, I will come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So do penance to the same extent. If you do less, I will come to you quickly and I will fight against these ones with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/nabre/revelation/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore, repent. Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Repent then. If not, I will come to you soon and make war against them with the sword of my mouth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Repent; or else I will come to you very soon, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Repent therefore, or else I shall come upon you at once, and I shall make war with them with the sword of my mouth.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Repent, therefore; if not, I will come to you quickly, and I will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.<CM> <a href="/godbey/revelation/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Repent; otherwise I am coming to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/revelation/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Repent! but if not, I am coming to thee quickly, and will war against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/mace/revelation/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. <a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Repent, at once; or else I will come to you quickly, and will make war upon them with the sword which is in My mouth. <a href="/worrell/revelation/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Repent, therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and will make war with them with the sword of My mouth.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/revelation/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Repent <Fr>therefore<FR>---if not, I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword <Fr>that<FR> <Fr>goeth out<FR> of my mouth.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/revelation/2-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=430" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">To the Church in Pergamum</a> …15In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/3340.htm" title="3340: metanoēson (V-AMA-2S) -- From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.">repent!</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Otherwise</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchomai (V-PIM/P-1S) -- To come, go. ">I will come</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you</a> <a href="/greek/5035.htm" title="5035: tachy (Adv) -- Quickly, speedily. Neuter singular of tachus; shortly, i.e. Without delay, soon, or suddenly, or readily.">shortly</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4170.htm" title="4170: polemēsō (V-FIA-1S) -- To make war, contend, fight, battle. From polemos; to be in warfare, i.e. To battle: -fight, war.">wage war</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: met’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">against</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4501.htm" title="4501: rhomphaia (N-DFS) -- A sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief. Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. A long and broad cutlass.">sword</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">of My</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4750.htm" title="4750: stomatos (N-GNS) -- The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. ">mouth.</a> 17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> 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. <a href="/ephesians/6-17.htm">Ephesians 6:17</a> And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. <a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a> 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. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:8</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/49-2.htm">Isaiah 49:2</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Matthew 10:34</a> Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. <a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15</a> 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. <a href="/revelation/19-21.htm">Revelation 19:21</a> 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. <a href="/jeremiah/1-10.htm">Jeremiah 1:10</a> See, I have appointed you today over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant.” <a href="/psalms/2-9.htm">Psalm 2:9</a> You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery.” <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/1-20.htm">Isaiah 1:20</a> But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. <a href="/john/12-48.htm">John 12:48</a> 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. <a href="/luke/19-27.htm">Luke 19:27</a> And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’” <a href="/isaiah/63-3.htm">Isaiah 63:3-6</a> “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. / For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and the year of My redemption had come. / I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled that no one assisted. So My arm brought Me salvation, and My own wrath upheld Me. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Repent; or else I will come to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.Repent.<a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Revelation 2:5,21,22</a> Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent… <a href="/revelation/3-19.htm">Revelation 3:19</a> As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.<a href="/revelation/16-9.htm">Revelation 16:9</a> And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.else.<a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Revelation 2:5</a> Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.will fight.<a href="/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12</a> And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;<a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Revelation 1:16</a> 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.<a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15,21</a> 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… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/4-9.htm">Change</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Once</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-2.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Reform</a> <a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/revelation/1-19.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/revelation/2-12.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Change</a> <a href="/revelation/12-7.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/revelation/3-16.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Once</a> <a href="/genesis/11-4.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/revelation/3-11.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Reform</a> <a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/revelation/3-10.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/revelation/6-4.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 2</div>1. <a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">What is commanded to be written to the angels, that is, the ministers of the churches of Ephesus,</a> 8. <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Smyrna,</a> 12. <a href="/revelation/2-12.htm">Pergamos,</a> 18. <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Thyatira, and what is commended and lacking in them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Therefore repent! The call to repentance is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing a change of mind and heart leading to a transformation of life. In the context of Revelation, this call is directed to the church in Pergamum, which was struggling with false teachings and moral compromise. Repentance is a necessary response to sin, aligning with the messages of the prophets in the Old Testament (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a>) and the teachings of Jesus (e.g., <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a>). The urgency of the command underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action.Otherwise I will come to you shortly This phrase indicates the imminent nature of Christ's intervention if the church fails to repent. The concept of Christ coming to a church or individual is not necessarily about the Second Coming but can refer to a temporal judgment or correction. The use of "shortly" suggests that the consequences of failing to repent will be swift. This echoes the warnings given to other churches in Revelation, such as Ephesus (<a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Revelation 2:5</a>), where Christ threatens to remove their lampstand if they do not repent.and wage war against them The imagery of waging war is symbolic of divine judgment and is consistent with Old Testament depictions of God as a warrior (e.g., <a href="/exodus/15-3.htm">Exodus 15:3</a>). In the context of Revelation, this war is not physical but spiritual, targeting the false teachings and practices within the church. The "them" refers to those within the church who are leading others astray, similar to the false prophets and teachers warned against in the New Testament (e.g., <a href="/2_peter/2.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a>).with the sword of My mouth. The sword is a metaphor for the Word of God, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>, where it is described as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. In Revelation, the sword from Christ's mouth symbolizes His authoritative and powerful word of judgment (<a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Revelation 1:16</a>). This imagery highlights the power of Christ's words to discern truth from falsehood and to execute judgment. It also connects to the prophetic vision of the Messiah in <a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a>, where He strikes the earth with the rod of His mouth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker in this verse, addressing the church in Pergamum. He is depicted as the one who holds the "sharp, double-edged sword" (<a href="/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12</a>), symbolizing His authority and judgment. 2. <a href="/topical/c/church_in_pergamum.htm">Church in Pergamum</a> The recipients of this message. Pergamum was a city known for its cultural and religious diversity, including pagan worship, which posed challenges to the Christian community there. 3. <a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a> The action called for by Jesus. It involves a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sword_of_my_mouth.htm">Sword of My Mouth</a> A metaphor for the Word of God, which is powerful and discerning, able to judge thoughts and intentions (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>). 5. <a href="/topical/w/war_against_them.htm">War Against Them</a> Refers to the judgment that will come upon those who do not repent, emphasizing the seriousness of the call to repentance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_repentance.htm">The Urgency of Repentance</a> Repentance is not optional but a necessary response to sin. Jesus' call to "repent" is urgent and immediate, indicating the seriousness of sin and the need for a prompt response. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a> The "sword of My mouth" signifies the authority and power of God's Word. Believers are reminded of the importance of Scripture in discerning truth and guiding their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_divine_judgment.htm">The Reality of Divine Judgment</a> Jesus warns of coming judgment for those who do not repent. This serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of divine judgment and the need to live in accordance with God's will. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> The imagery of the sword highlights the spiritual battle believers face. Christians are called to equip themselves with the Word of God to stand firm against spiritual deception and sin. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_holiness.htm">The Call to Holiness</a> The message to Pergamum underscores the call to holiness and separation from worldly influences. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and align their actions with God's standards.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 2</a> <a href="/q/what_was_pergamum's_church_message.htm">What message was given to the Church in Pergamum?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_rev_3_16_align_with_god's_mercy.htm">How does the lukewarm analogy in Revelation 3:16 align with other biblical passages that describe God's patience and mercy?</a> <a href="/q/revelation_1_16__interpret_sword_image.htm">Revelation 1:16 - How should one interpret the sword coming out of Jesus' mouth, and does this literal image raise questions about the text's credibility?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_i_achieve_salvation.htm">How do I achieve salvation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly (see on ver. 5). Some take "in like manner" with this verse: "In like manner (as Ephesus) repent therefore;" but this is not probable. Repent of having allowed some members to follow the examples of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans. With the sword of my mouth (comp. <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Revelation 1:16</a> and Revelation 2:12). It is possible that there is here another allusion to Balaam. It was with a drawn sword that the angel of the Lord withstood him (<a href="/numbers/22-23.htm">Numbers 22:23</a>), and with the sword that he was slain (<a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Numbers 31:8</a>; <a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Joshua 13:22</a>). Those who follow Balaam in his sin shall follow him in his punishment; and the Church which allows such things will have to suffer along with those who commit them (comp. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:8</a>). <a href="/commentaries/revelation/2-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. repent! μετανόησον (metanoēson) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3340.htm">Strong's 3340: </a> From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider. Otherwise δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I will come ἔρχομαί (erchomai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to you σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. shortly ταχύ (tachy) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5035.htm">Strong's 5035: </a> Quickly, speedily. Neuter singular of tachus; shortly, i.e. Without delay, soon, or suddenly, or readily. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. wage war πολεμήσω (polemēsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4170.htm">Strong's 4170: </a> To make war, contend, fight, battle. From polemos; to be in warfare, i.e. To battle: -fight, war. against μετ’ (met’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. them αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. with ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῇ (tē) Article - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sword ῥομφαίᾳ (rhomphaia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4501.htm">Strong's 4501: </a> A sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief. Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. A long and broad cutlass. of My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. mouth. στόματός (stomatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4750.htm">Strong's 4750: </a> The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/2-16.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:16 Repent therefore or else I am coming (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/2-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 2:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 2:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>