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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 2:12 To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/2-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/66_Rev_02_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 2:12 - To the Church in Pergamum" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/revelation/2-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/revelation/2-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/revelation/">Revelation</a> > <a href="/revelation/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/revelation/2-11.htm" title="Revelation 2:11">◄</a> Revelation 2:12 <a href="/revelation/2-13.htm" title="Revelation 2:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/revelation/2.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. <a href="/nlt/revelation/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum. This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword: <a href="/esv/revelation/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. <a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword. <a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And to the messenger of the church in Pergamum write: These things says the One having the sharp two-edged sword. <a href="/kjv/revelation/2.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/revelation/2.htm">New King James Version</a> “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: <a href="/nasb_/revelation/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: <a href="/nasb/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: <a href="/nasb77/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: <a href="/lsb/revelation/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: This is what the One who has the sharp two-edged sword says: <a href="/amp/revelation/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “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]: <a href="/csb/revelation/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword: <a href="/hcsb/revelation/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: &#8220The One who has the sharp, double-edged sword says: <a href="/asv/revelation/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword: <a href="/cev/revelation/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> 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. <a href="/erv/revelation/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write; These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword: <a href="/gwt/revelation/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "To the messenger of the church in Pergamum, write: The one who holds the sharp two-edged sword says: <a href="/gnt/revelation/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: "This is the message from the one who has the sharp two-edged sword. <a href="/isv/revelation/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> "To the messenger of the church in Pergamum, write: 'The one who holds the sharp, two-edged sword, says this: <a href="/msb/revelation/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword. <a href="/net/revelation/2.htm">NET Bible</a> "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: <a href="/nheb/revelation/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: "He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things: <a href="/wbt/revelation/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he who hath the sharp sword with two edges; <a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "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. <a href="/web/revelation/2.htm">World English Bible</a> “To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: “He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things: <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things says He who is having the sharp two-edged sword: <a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And to the messenger of the church in Pergamum write: These things says the One having the sharp two-edged sword. <a href="/ylt/revelation/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things saith he who is having the sharp two-edged sword: <a href="/slt/revelation/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And to the messenger to the calling out in Pergamos write: Thus says he having the sharp two-mouthed sword;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And to the angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things, saith he, that hath the sharp two edged sword: <a href="/cpdv/revelation/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And to the Angel of the Church of Pergamus write: Thus says he who holds the sharp two-edged spear: <a href="/nabre/revelation/2.htm">New American Bible</a> “To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: “ ‘The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this: <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword:<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And to the angel of the church in Per’gamos write: These things says he who has the sharp two-edged sword; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And to The Messenger who is in the assembly of Pergamum, write: 'Thus says he who has the sharp sword of two edges.'”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write: These things says he that has the sharp, two-edged sword; <a href="/godbey/revelation/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>To the angel of the church in Pergamum write; The one having the sharp, two-edged sword says these things;<Fr> <a href="/haweis/revelation/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And to the angel of the church at Pergamos write, These things saith he who holdeth the sharp two-edged sword; <a href="/mace/revelation/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write, "THESE things, saith he, who hath the sharp sword with two edges, <a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "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. <a href="/worrell/revelation/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"And to the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write these things," saith He Who hath the sharp, two-edged sword:<Fr> <a href="/worsley/revelation/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, These <Fr>things<FR> saith He, who hath the sharp two-edged sword;<Fr> <a href="/parallel/revelation/2-12.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=378" 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> 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<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">To the</a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelō (N-DMS) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">angel</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsias (N-GFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church</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.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4010.htm" title="4010: Pergamō (N-DFS) -- Pergamum, an important city of the Roman province Asia. From purgos; fortified; Pergamus, a place in Asia Minor.">Pergamum</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: grapson (V-AMA-2S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">write:</a> <a href="/greek/3592.htm" title="3592: Tade (DPro-ANP) -- This here, this, that, he, she, it. ">These are</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">the words</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the One who</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">holds</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3691.htm" title="3691: oxeian (Adj-AFS) -- (a) sharp, (b) swift, eager. Probably akin to the base of akmen; keen; by analogy, rapid.">sharp,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1366.htm" title="1366: distomon (Adj-AFS) -- (lit: twain-mouthed; hence: of a sword, as a drinker of blood), two-edged. From dis and stoma; double-edged.">double-edged</a> <a href="/greek/4501.htm" title="4501: rhomphaian (N-AFS) -- A sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief. Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. A long and broad cutlass.">sword.</a> 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.…<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="/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="/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="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a> 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. <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="/revelation/1-16.htm">Revelation 1:16</a> 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. <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="/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="/psalms/149-6.htm">Psalm 149:6</a> May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands, <a href="/jeremiah/23-29.htm">Jeremiah 23:29</a> “Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” <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="/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="/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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges;the angel.<a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">Revelation 2:1</a> 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;<a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Revelation 1:11</a> 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.<a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Revelation 2:27</a> 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.<a href="/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16</a> Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.<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="/revelation/2-8.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Church</a> <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Double-Edged</a> <a href="/1_john/4-13.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Edges</a> <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Follows</a> <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Pergamos</a> <a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Pergamum</a> <a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Per'gamum</a> <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Two-Edged</a> <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Words</a> <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Write</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Church</a> <a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Double-Edged</a> <a href="/revelation/2-13.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/exodus/28-7.htm">Edges</a> <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Follows</a> <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Pergamos</a> <a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Pergamum</a> <a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Per'gamum</a> <a href="/revelation/3-19.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/revelation/2-16.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Two-Edged</a> <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Words</a> <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Write</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'; 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Pergamum was a significant city in Asia Minor, known for its cultural and religious influence, including temples dedicated to various gods and the imperial cult. This setting highlights the spiritual challenges faced by the church amidst pagan practices.These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword: The "sharp, double-edged sword" symbolizes the power and authority of Christ's word, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>, where the word of God is described as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. This imagery emphasizes judgment and discernment, indicating Christ's ability to penetrate and judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The sword also represents Christ's authority over the church and His ability to protect and purify it from false teachings and practices.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_church_in_pergamum.htm">The Angel of the Church in Pergamum</a> This refers to the spiritual messenger or leader of the church in Pergamum, a city known for its cultural and religious diversity, including pagan worship. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_pergamum.htm">The Church in Pergamum</a> A Christian community located in Pergamum, a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), known for its intellectual and religious significance, including the worship of various deities. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_one_who_holds_the_sharp,_double-edged_sword.htm">The One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword</a> This is a reference to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His authority and the power of His word, which is described as a sharp, double-edged sword.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_christ.htm">The Authority of Christ</a> Jesus is depicted as holding a sharp, double-edged sword, symbolizing His ultimate authority and the power of His word to judge and discern truth from falsehood. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a> In a city like Pergamum, known for its diverse beliefs, the church is reminded of the need for discernment, relying on the truth of Christ's word to navigate cultural and spiritual challenges. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a> Believers are encouraged to wield the word of God as a sword, using it to defend against spiritual deception and to uphold truth in their lives. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_a_challenging_environment.htm">Faithfulness in a Challenging Environment</a> The church in Pergamum is called to remain faithful amidst a culture of idolatry and opposition, a reminder for Christians today to stand firm in their faith regardless of societal pressures.<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/do_angels_and_demons_engage_in_combat.htm">Do angels and demons engage in combat?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_the_7_lampstands_symbolize.htm">What do the seven lampstands in Revelation represent?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_there_war_in_peaceful_heaven.htm">How can there be a war in heaven (Revelation 12:7) if other biblical texts suggest heaven is a place of perfect peace?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm" title="And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shines in his strength.">Revelation 1:16</a>. The appropriateness of this language to the state of the church in Pergamos will best appear afterwards. (See Note on <a href="/context/revelation/2-15.htm" title="So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.">Revelation 2:15-16</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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. <a href="/commentaries/revelation/2-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>To the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine 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. angel ἀγγέλῳ (angelō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive 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. church ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> 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 <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. Pergamum Περγάμῳ (Pergamō) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4010.htm">Strong's 4010: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. These [are] Τάδε (Tade) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3592.htm">Strong's 3592: </a> This here, this, that, he, she, it. the words λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. of the [One who] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine 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. holds ἔχων (echōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative 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. sharp, ὀξεῖαν (oxeian) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3691.htm">Strong's 3691: </a> (a) sharp, (b) swift, eager. Probably akin to the base of akmen; keen; by analogy, rapid. double-edged δίστομον (distomon) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1366.htm">Strong's 1366: </a> (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 <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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/2-12.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:12 To the angel of the assembly (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/2-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 2:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 2:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/2-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 2:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 2:13" /></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>