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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.
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This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/revelation/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And to <i>the</i> messenger of the church in Pergamum write: These things says the <i>One</i> having the sharp two-edged sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/revelation/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/revelation/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/revelation/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/revelation/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: This is what the One who has the sharp two-edged sword says:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/revelation/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“And to the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of Him who has <i>and</i> wields the sharp two-edged sword [in judgment]:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/revelation/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/revelation/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: “The One who has the sharp, double-edged sword says: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/revelation/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/revelation/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/revelation/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write; These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/revelation/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"To the messenger of the church in Pergamum, write: The one who holds the sharp two-edged sword says:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/revelation/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: "This is the message from the one who has the sharp two-edged sword. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/revelation/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"To the messenger of the church in Pergamum, write: 'The one who holds the sharp, two-edged sword, says this:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/revelation/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/revelation/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/revelation/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: "He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/revelation/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he who hath the sharp sword with two edges;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/revelation/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: “He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things: <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/revelation/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things says He who is having the sharp two-edged sword:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And to <i>the</i> messenger of the church in Pergamum write: These things says the <i>One</i> having the sharp two-edged sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/revelation/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things saith he who is having the sharp two-edged sword:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/revelation/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And to the messenger to the calling out in Pergamos write: Thus says he having the sharp two-mouthed sword;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/revelation/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things, saith he, that hath the sharp two edged sword: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/revelation/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And to the Angel of the Church of Pergamus write: Thus says he who holds the sharp two-edged spear:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/revelation/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: “ ‘The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/revelation/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“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"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/revelation/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church in Per’gamos write: These things says he who has the sharp two-edged sword;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />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"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/revelation/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write: These things says he that has the sharp, two-edged sword;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/revelation/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>To the angel of the church in Pergamum write; The one having the sharp, two-edged sword says these things;<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/revelation/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church at Pergamos write, These things saith he who holdeth the sharp two-edged sword;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/revelation/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write, "THESE things, saith he, who hath the sharp sword with two edges,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/revelation/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>"And to the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write these things," saith He Who hath the sharp, two-edged sword:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/revelation/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, These <Fr><i>things</i><FR> saith He, who hath the sharp two-edged sword;<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/revelation/2-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></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><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">To the Church in Pergamum</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11</span>He 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. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><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> </span> <span class="reftext">13</span>I 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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-2.htm">Isaiah 49:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-17.htm">Ephesians 6:17</a></span><br />And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-4.htm">Isaiah 11:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Revelation 1:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-21.htm">Revelation 19:21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-34.htm">Matthew 10:34</a></span><br />Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/149-6.htm">Psalm 149:6</a></span><br />May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-29.htm">Jeremiah 23:29</a></span><br />“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-48.htm">John 12:48</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-20.htm">Isaiah 1:20</a></span><br />But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges;</p><p class="hdg">the angel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">Revelation 2:1</a></b></br> 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;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/1-11.htm">Revelation 1:11</a></b></br> Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send <i>it</i> 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.</p><p class="hdg">Pergamos.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Revelation 2:27</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">which hath.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/2-16.htm">Revelation 2:16</a></b></br> Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Revelation 1:16</a></b></br> And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance <i>was</i> as the sun shineth in his strength.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/19-15.htm">Revelation 19:15,21</a></b></br> 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… </p><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><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Smyrna,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/revelation/2-12.htm">Pergamos,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Thyatira, and what is commended and lacking in them.</a></span><br></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.<p><b>These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword:</b><br>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. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_angel_of_the_church_in_pergamum.htm">The Angel of the Church in Pergamum</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_pergamum.htm">The Church in Pergamum</a></b><br>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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_one_who_holds_the_sharp,_double-edged_sword.htm">The One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword</a></b><br>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><b><a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_christ.htm">The Authority of Christ</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_a_challenging_environment.htm">Faithfulness in a Challenging Environment</a></b><br>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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_pergamum's_church_message.htm">What message was given to the Church in Pergamum?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_angels_and_demons_engage_in_combat.htm">Do angels and demons engage in combat?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_the_7_lampstands_symbolize.htm">What do the seven lampstands in Revelation represent?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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) <span class= "bld">Pergamos.</span>--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.<p><span class= "bld">Sharp sword with two edges.</span>--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>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 12-17.</span> - The <span class="accented">epistle to the Church at Pergamum.</span> <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Pergamum</span> is the usual form both in Greek and Latin writers; "Pergamus" is very rare. And if <span class="greek">Πέργαμος</span> 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 <span class="accented">Bergamah</span>, or <span class="accented">Bergma</span>; 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. <span class="cmt_word">The sharp two-edged sword</span> (see notes on Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:13). How much this weapon is needed is shown by the evils protested against. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/revelation/2-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">To the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">angel</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγγέλῳ</span> <span class="translit">(angelō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> </span><span class="str2">From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῆς</span> <span class="translit">(tēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">church</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκκλησίας</span> <span class="translit">(ekklēsias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Pergamum</span><br /><span class="grk">Περγάμῳ</span> <span class="translit">(Pergamō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4010.htm">Strong's 4010: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pergamum, an important city of the Roman province Asia. From purgos; fortified; Pergamus, a place in Asia Minor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">write:</span><br /><span class="grk">γράψον</span> <span class="translit">(grapson)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">These [are]</span><br /><span class="grk">Τάδε</span> <span class="translit">(Tade)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3592.htm">Strong's 3592: </a> </span><span class="str2">This here, this, that, he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the words</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγει</span> <span class="translit">(legei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the [One who]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">holds</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχων</span> <span class="translit">(echōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sharp,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀξεῖαν</span> <span class="translit">(oxeian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3691.htm">Strong's 3691: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) sharp, (b) swift, eager. Probably akin to the base of akmen; keen; by analogy, rapid.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">double-edged</span><br /><span class="grk">δίστομον</span> <span class="translit">(distomon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1366.htm">Strong's 1366: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: twain-mouthed; hence: of a sword, as a drinker of blood), two-edged. From dis and stoma; double-edged.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sword.</span><br /><span class="grk">ῥομφαίαν</span> <span class="translit">(rhomphaian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4501.htm">Strong's 4501: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sword, scimitar; fig: war, piercing grief. Probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. A long and broad cutlass.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/revelation/2-12.htm">Revelation 2:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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>