Revelation 2:16

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 2:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
Revelation 2:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Repent, etc.] This is said to those who were truly godly in those times, but still retained their communion with these corrupt men, and had not, as yet, separated from then; nor had they protested against these evil doctrines and practices, at least but very coldly, and had too much connived at them; and therefore are called upon to repent of their lukewarmness, negligence, and sinful compliances: or else I will come unto thee quickly: in a providential way, to rebuke and chastise for such remissness, indifference, and evil communication: and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth; of this sword, (see Gill on “<660116>Revelation 1:16”). And it is observable, that Christ does not…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The three oldest manuscripts read, "Repent, therefore." Not only the Nicolaitanes, but the whole Church of Pergamos is called on to repent of not having hated the Nicolaitane teaching and practice. Contrast Paul, Act 20:26. I will come--I am coming. fight against them--Greek, "war with them"; with the Nicolaitanes primarily; but including also chastisement of the whole Church at Pergamos: compare "unto THEE." with the sword of my mouth--resumed from Rev 1:16, but with an allusion to the drawn sword with which the angel of the Lord confronted Balaam on his way to curse Israel: an earnest of the sword by which he and the seduced Israelites fell at last. The spiritual Balaamites of John's day…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Repent - See Revelation 2:5. Or else I will come unto thee quickly - On the word “quickly,” see the notes on Revelation 1:1. The meaning here is, that he would come against them in judgment, or to punish them. And will fight against them - Against the Nicolaitanes. He would come against the church for tolerating them, but his opposition would be principally directed against the Nicolaitanes themselves. The church would excite his displeasure by retaining them in its bosom, but it was in its power to save them from destruction. If the church would repent, or if it would separate itself from the evil, then the Saviour would not come against them. If this were not done, they would feel the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“If not, I come to thee - who wilt not wholly escape when I punish them. And will fight with them - Not with the Nicolaitans, who are mentioned only by the by, but the followers of Balaam. With the sword of my mouth - With my just and fierce displeasure. Balaam himself was first withstood by the angel of the Lord with "his sword drawn," Num 22:23, and afterwards "slain with the sword," Num 31:8. Revelation 2:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Repent: Rev 2:5, Rev 2:21, Rev 2:22, Rev 3:19, Rev 16:9; Act 17:30, Act 17:31 else: Rev 2:5 will fight: Rev 2:12, Rev 1:16, Rev 19:15, Rev 19:21; Isa 11:4, Isa 49:2; Eph 6:17; Th2 2:8 Revelation 2:17”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification