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Selected Verse: Revelation 2:9 - Strong Concordance
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
Re 2:9 |
Strong Concordance |
I know [1492] thy [4675] works [2041], and [2532] tribulation [2347], and [2532] poverty [4432], (but [1161] thou art [1488] rich [4145]) and [2532] I know the blasphemy [988] of them which [3588] say [3004] they [1438] are [1511] Jews [2453], and [2532] are [1526] not [3756], but [235] are the synagogue [4864] of Satan [4567]. |
|
King James |
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
thy works, and--omitted in two oldest manuscripts, Vulgate, and Coptic. Supported by one oldest manuscript.
tribulation--owing to persecution.
poverty--owing to "the spoiling of their goods."
but thou art rich--in grace. Contrast Laodicea, rich in the world's eyes and her own, poor before God. "There are both poor rich-men, and rich poor-men in God's sight" [TRENCH].
blasphemy of them--blasphemous calumny of thee on the part of (or arising from) them.
say they are Jews, and are not--Jews by national descent, but not spiritually of "the true circumcision." The Jews blaspheme Christ as "the hanged one." As elsewhere, so at Smyrna they bitterly opposed Christianity; and at POLYCARP'S martyrdom they joined the heathens in clamoring for his being cast to the lions; and when there was an obstacle to this, for his being burnt alive; and with their own hands they carried logs for the pile.
synagogue of Satan--Only once is the term "synagogue" in the New Testament used of the Christian assembly, and that by the apostle who longest maintained the union of the Church and Jewish Synagogue. As the Jews more and more opposed Christianity, and it more and more rooted itself in the Gentile world, the term "synagogue" was left altogether to the former, and Christians appropriated exclusively the honorable term "Church"; contrast an earlier time when the Jewish theocracy is called "the Church in the wilderness." Compare Num 16:3; Num 20:4, "congregation of the Lord." Even in Jam 2:2 it is "your (not the Lord's) assembly." The Jews, who might have been "the Church of God," had now, by their opposition and unbelief, become the synagogue of Satan. So "the throne of Satan" (Rev 2:13) represents the heathens' opposition to Christianity; "the depths of Satan" (Rev 2:24), the opposition of heretics. |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
I know thy works - The uniform method of introducing these epistles, implying a most intimate acquaintance with all that pertained to the church. See the notes on Rev 2:2.
And tribulation - This word is of a general signification, and probably includes all that they suffered in any form, whether from persecution, poverty, or the blasphemy of opposers.
And poverty - It would seem that this church, at that time, was eminently poor, for this is not specified in regard to any one of the others. No reason is suggested why they were particularly poor. It was not, indeed, an uncommon characteristic of early Christians (compare Co1 1:26-28), but there might have Been some special reasons why that church was eminently so. It is, however, the only church of the seven which has survived, and perhaps in the end its poverty was no disadvantage.
But thou art rich - Not in this world's goods, but in a more important respect - in the grace and favor of God. These things are not infrequently united. Poverty is no hindrance to the favor of God, and there are some things in it which are favorable to the promotion of a right spirit toward God which are not found where there is abundant wealth. The Saviour was eminently poor, and not a few of his most devoted and useful followers have had as little of this world's goods as he had. The poor should always be cheerful and happy, if they can hear their Saviour saying unto them, "I know thy poverty - but thou art rich." However keen the feeling arising from the reflection "I am a poor man," the edge of the sorrow is taken off if the mind can be turned to a brighter image - "but thou art rich."
And I know the blasphemy - The reproaches; the harsh and bitter revilings. On the word "blasphemy," see the notes on Mat 9:3; Mat 26:65. The word here does not seem to refer to blasphemy against God, but to bitter reproaches against themselves. The reason of these reproaches is not stated, but it was doubtless on account of their religion.
Of them which say they are Jews - Who profess to be Jews. The idea seems to be that though they were of Jewish extraction, and professed to be Jews, they were not true Jews; they indulged in a bitterness of reproach, and a severity of language, which showed that they had not the spirit of the Jewish religion; they had nothing which became those who were under the guidance of the spirit of their own Scriptures. That would have inculcated and fostered a milder temper; and the meaning here is, that although they were of Jewish origin, they were not worthy of the name. That spirit of bitter opposition was indeed often manifested in their treatment of Christians, as it had been of the Saviour, but still it was foreign to the true nature of their religion. There were Jews in all parts of Asia Minor, and the apostles often encountered them in their journeyings, but it would seem that there was something which had particularly embittered those of Smyrna against Christianity. What this was is now unknown.
It may throw some light on the passage, however, to remark that at a somewhat later period - in the time of the martyrdom of Polycarp - the Jews of Smyrna were among the most bitter of the enemies of Christians, and among the most violent in demanding the death of Polycarp. Eusebius (Eccl. Hist. 4:15) says,. that when Polycarp was apprehended, and brought before the proconsul at Smyrna, the Jews were the most furious of all in demanding his condemnation. When the mob, after his condemnation to death, set about gathering fuel to burn him, "the Jews," says he, "being especially zealous, as was their custom - μάλιστα προθύμως, ὡς ἔθος αὐτοῖς malista prothumōs, hōs ethos autois - ran to procure fuel." And when, as the burning failed, the martyr was transfixed with weapons, the Jews urged and besought the magistrate that his body might not be given up to Christians. Possibly at the time when this epistle was directed to be sent to Smyrna, there were Jews there who manifested the same spirit which those of their countrymen did afterward, who urged on the death of Polycarp.
But are the synagogue of Satan - Deserve rather to be called the synagogue of Satan. The synagogue was a Jewish place of worship (compare the notes on Mat 4:23), but the word originally denoted "the assembly" or "the congregation." The meaning here is plain, that though they worshipped in a synagogue, and professed to be the worshippers of God, yet they were not worthy of the name, and deserved rather to be regarded as in the service of Satan. "Satan" is the word that is properly applied to the great evil spirit, elsewhere called the devil. See the Luk 22:3 note, and Job 1:6 note. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Thy works and
Omit.
Tribulation (θλῖψιν)
See on Mat 13:21. Referring to the persecutions of Jewish and heathen oppressors. See on Smyrna, Rev 2:8.
Poverty (πτωχείαν)
Because, like all the other early Christian churches, the majority of its members were of the poorer classes, and also, perhaps, with reference to their robbery by persecutors. See on poor, Mat 5:3.
Rich
In faith and grace. Compare Jam 2:6, Jam 2:7; Ti1 6:17, Ti1 6:18; Luk 12:21; Mat 19:21.
Blasphemy (βλασφημίαν)
See on Mar 7:22. Not primarily direct blasphemy against God, but reviling at believers.
Jews
Literally. Not Christians, as in Phi 3:3; Rom 2:28, Rom 2:29. Actually Jews by birth, but not spiritually. The title is not given them by the Spirit, nor by the seer, but by themselves; and none would use that title except such as were Jews by birth and by religion. The enmity of the Jews against Christians is a familiar fact to all readers of the book of Acts; and it is a matter of history that their malignity was especially displayed toward the Church of Smyrna. In the circular letter addressed by the Church of Smyrna to the churches in the Christian world, it is related that Jews joined with heathen in clamoring that Polycarp should be cast to the lions or burned alive, and were foremost ὡς ἔθος αὐτοῖς (as was their wont) in bringing logs for the pile, and in the endeavor to prevent the remains of the martyr from being delivered to his Christian associates for burial.
Synagogue of Satan
For synagogue, see on assembly, Jam 2:2, the only passage in which the word is used for a Christian assembly. This fact goes to support the literal explanation of the term Jews. For Satan, see on Luk 10:18. For John's use of the expression the Jews, see on Joh 1:19. The use of the word here in an honorable sense, so different from John's custom, has been urged against his authorship of Revelation. But John here only quotes the word, and, further, employs it without the article. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
I know thy affliction and poverty - A poor prerogative in the eyes of the world! The angel at Philadelphia likewise had in their sight but "a little strength." And yet these two were the most honourable of all in the eyes of the Lord. But thou art rich - In faith and love, of more value than all the kingdoms of the earth. Who say they are Jews - God's own people. And are not - They are not Jews inwardly, not circumcised in heart. But a synagogue of Satan - Who, like them, was a liar and a murderer from the beginning. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
I know thy works - As he had spoken to the preceding Church, so he speaks to this: I know all that ye have done, and all that ye have suffered. The tribulation here mentioned must mean persecution, either from the Jews, the heathens, or from the heretics, who, because of their flesh-pampering doctrines might have had many partisans at Smyrna.
And poverty - Stripped probably of all their temporal possessions, because of their attachment to the Gospel.
But thou art rich - Rich in faith, and heir of the kingdom of Christ.
The blasphemy of them which say they are Jews - There were persons there who professed Judaism, and had a synagogue in the place, and professed to worship the true God; but they had no genuine religion, and they served the devil rather than God. They applied a sacred name to an unholy thing: and this is one meaning of the word blasphemy in this book. |
24 But [1161] unto you [5213] I say [3004], and [2532] unto the rest [3062] in [1722] Thyatira [2363], as many as [3745] have [2192] not [3756] this [5026] doctrine [1322], and [2532] which [3748] have [1097] not [3756] known [1097] the depths [899] of Satan [4567], as [5613] they speak [3004]; I will put [906] upon [1909] you [5209] none [3756] other [243] burden [922].
13 I know [1492] thy [4675] works [2041], and [2532] where [4226] thou dwellest [2730], even where [3699] Satan's [4567] seat [2362] is: and [2532] thou holdest fast [2902] my [3450] name [3686], and [2532] hast [720] not [3756] denied [720] my [3450] faith [4102], even [2532] in [1722] those days [2250] wherein [1722] [3739] Antipas [493] was my [3450] faithful [4103] martyr [3144], who [3739] was slain [615] among [3844] you [5213], where [3699] Satan [4567] dwelleth [2730].
2 For [1063] if [1437] there come [1525] unto [1519] your [5216] assembly [4864] a man [435] with a gold ring [5554], in [1722] goodly [2986] apparel [2066], and [1161] there come in [1525] also [2532] a poor man [4434] in [1722] vile [4508] raiment [2066];
4 And why have ye brought up [0935] the congregation [06951] of the LORD [03068] into this wilderness [04057], that we and our cattle [01165] should die [04191] there?
3 And they gathered themselves together [06950] against Moses [04872] and against Aaron [0175], and said [0559] unto them, Ye take too much [07227] upon you, seeing all the congregation [05712] are holy [06918], every one of them, and the LORD [03068] is among [08432] them: wherefore then lift ye up [05375] yourselves above the congregation [06951] of the LORD [03068]?
6 Now there was a day [03117] when the sons [01121] of God [0430] came [0935] to present [03320] themselves before the LORD [03068], and Satan [07854] came [0935] also among [08432] them.
3 Then [1161] entered [1525] Satan [4567] into [1519] Judas [2455] surnamed [1941] Iscariot [2469], being [5607] of [1537] the number [706] of the twelve [1427].
23 And [2532] Jesus [2424] went about [4013] all [3650] Galilee [1056], teaching [1321] in [1722] their [846] synagogues [4864], and [2532] preaching [2784] the gospel [2098] of the kingdom [932], and [2532] healing [2323] all [3956] manner of sickness [3554] and [2532] all [3956] manner of disease [3119] among [1722] the people [2992].
65 Then [5119] the high priest [749] rent [1284] his [846] clothes [2440], saying [3004], [3754] He hath spoken blasphemy [987]; what [5101] further [2089] need [5532] have we [2192] of witnesses [3144]? behold [2396], now [3568] ye have heard [191] his [846] blasphemy [988].
3 And [2532], behold [2400], certain [5100] of the scribes [1122] said [2036] within [1722] themselves [1438], This [3778] man blasphemeth [987].
26 For [1063] ye see [991] your [5216] calling [2821], brethren [80], how that [3754] not [3756] many [4183] wise men [4680] after [2596] the flesh [4561], not [3756] many [4183] mighty [1415], not [3756] many [4183] noble [2104], are called:
27 But [235] God [2316] hath chosen [1586] the foolish things [3474] of the world [2889] to [2443] confound [2617] the wise [4680]; and [2532] God [2316] hath chosen [1586] the weak things [772] of the world [2889] to [2443] confound [2617] the things which are mighty [2478];
28 And [2532] base things [36] of the world [2889], and [2532] things which are despised [1848], hath [1586] God [2316] chosen [1586], yea, and [2532] things which [3588] are [5607] not [3361], to [2443] bring to nought [2673] things that are [5607]:
2 I know [1492] thy [4675] works [2041], and [2532] thy [4675] labour [2873], and [2532] thy [4675] patience [5281], and [2532] how [3754] thou canst [1410] not [3756] bear [941] them which are evil [2556]: and [2532] thou hast tried [3985] them which say [5335] they are [1511] apostles [652], and [2532] are [1526] not [3756], and [2532] hast found [2147] them [846] liars [5571]:
19 And [2532] this [3778] is [2076] the record [3141] of John [2491], when [3753] the Jews [2453] sent [649] priests [2409] and [2532] Levites [3019] from [1537] Jerusalem [2414] to [2443] ask [2065] him [846], Who [5101] art [1488] thou [4771]?
18 And [1161] he said [2036] unto them [846], I beheld [2334] Satan [4567] as [5613] lightning [796] fall [4098] from [1537] heaven [3772].
2 For [1063] if [1437] there come [1525] unto [1519] your [5216] assembly [4864] a man [435] with a gold ring [5554], in [1722] goodly [2986] apparel [2066], and [1161] there come in [1525] also [2532] a poor man [4434] in [1722] vile [4508] raiment [2066];
29 But [235] he is a Jew [2453], which is one inwardly [1722] [2927]; and [2532] circumcision [4061] is that of the heart [2588], in [1722] the spirit [4151], and not [3756] in the letter [1121]; whose [3739] praise [1868] is not [3756] of [1537] men [444], but [235] of [1537] God [2316].
28 For [1063] he is [2076] not [3756] a Jew [2453], which is one outwardly [1722] [5318]; neither [3761] is that circumcision [4061], which is outward [1722] [5318] in [1722] the flesh [4561]:
3 For [1063] we [2249] are [2070] the circumcision [4061], which [3588] worship [3000] God [2316] in the spirit [4151], and [2532] rejoice [2744] in [1722] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424], and [2532] have [3982] no [3756] confidence [3982] in [1722] the flesh [4561].
22 Thefts [2829], covetousness [4124], wickedness [4189], deceit [1388], lasciviousness [766], an evil [4190] eye [3788], blasphemy [988], pride [5243], foolishness [877]:
21 Jesus [2424] said [5346] unto him [846], If [1487] thou wilt [2309] be [1511] perfect [5046], go [5217] and sell [4453] that thou [4675] hast [5224], and [2532] give [1325] to the poor [4434], and [2532] thou shalt have [2192] treasure [2344] in [1722] heaven [3772]: and [2532] come [1204] and follow [190] me [3427].
21 So [3779] is he that layeth up treasure [2343] for himself [1438], and [2532] is [4147] not [3361] rich [4147] toward [1519] God [2316].
18 That they do good [14], that they be rich [4147] in [1722] good [2570] works [2041], ready to distribute [1511] [2130], willing to communicate [2843];
17 Charge [3853] them that are rich [4145] in [1722] this [3568] world [165], that they be [5309] not [3361] highminded [5309], nor [3366] trust [1679] in [1909] uncertain [83] riches [4149], but [235] in [1722] the living [2198] God [2316], who [3588] giveth [3930] us [2254] richly [4146] all things [3956] to [1519] enjoy [619];
7 Do [987] not [3756] they [846] blaspheme [987] that worthy [2570] name [3686] by [1909] the which ye [5209] are called [1941]?
6 But [1161] ye [5210] have despised [818] the poor [4434]. Do [2616] not [3756] rich men [4145] oppress [2616] you [5216], and [2532] draw [846] [1670] you [5209] before [1519] the judgment seats [2922]?
3 Blessed [3107] are the poor [4434] in spirit [4151]: for [3754] theirs [846] is [2076] the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772].
8 And [2532] unto the angel [32] of the church [1577] in Smyrna [4668] write [1125]; These things [3592] saith [3004] the first [4413] and [2532] the last [2078], which [3739] was [1096] dead [3498], and [2532] is alive [2198];
21 Yet [1161] hath he [2192] not [3756] root [4491] in [1722] himself [1438], but [235] dureth [2076] for a while [4340]: for [1161] when tribulation [2347] or [2228] persecution [1375] ariseth [1096] because [1223] of the word [3056], by and by [2117] he is offended [4624].