He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
10. He that leadeth into captivity ] Decidedly the best attested reading is, “If any into captivity, into captivity he goeth:” and there being no verb expressed in the first clause, it is a question what verb is to be supplied. This will depend on the sense given to the rest of the sentence, and this on the reading adopted there. If the received text be right (it is, more literally than in the A. V., “if any will kill with the sword, he must be killed with the sword:” cf. St Mat 26:52), its reading in the earlier clause must be accepted as a correct gloss. But there is a reading not so well attested, and which might have arisen accidentally “if any to be killed by the sword, [he must]” (one important MS. omits this) “be killed by the sword.” Inferior as this reading is in external evidence, it is supported by the parallel with Jer 15:2; Jer 43:11. We have therefore the choice between the two versions, “If any man [be] for captivity, he goeth into captivity: if any [be] to be slain by the sword, he must be slain by the sword,” and that of the A. V. with the word “leadeth” put in italics: and we shall choose between them, according as we think that St John is likelier to have had in his mind the text in Jeremiah or our Lord’s saying. Perhaps the former suits the context best “the patience and the faith of the saints” is to be shewn in submitting to death or captivity. But the other view, that their patience and faith is to be sustained by remembering the certainty of God’s vengeance on their oppressors, is supported by the parallel passage, Rev 14:12.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
He that leadeth into captivity – This is clearly intended to refer to the power or government which is denoted by the beast. The form of expression here in the Greek is special – If anyone leadeth into captivity, etc. – Ei tis aichmalosian sunagei. The statement is general, and is intended to make use of a general or prevalent truth with reference to this particular case. The general truth is, that people will, in the course of things, be dealt with according to their character and their treatment of others; that nations characterized by war and conquests will be subject to the evils of war and conquest – or that they may expect to share the same lot which they have brought on others. This general statement accords with what the Saviour says in Mat 26:52; All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. This has been abundantly illustrated in the world; and it is a very important admonition to nations not to indulge in the purposes of conquest and to individuals not to engage in strife and litigation. The particular idea here is, that it would be a characteristic of the power here referred to that it would lead others into captivity. This would be fulfilled if it was the characteristic of this power to invade other countries and to make their inhabitants prisoners of war; if it made slaves of other people; if it set up an unjust dominion over other people; or if it was distinguished for persecuting and imprisoning the innocent, or for depriving the nations of liberty. It is unnecessary to say that this is strikingly descriptive of Rome, considered in any and every point of view, whether under the republic or the empire, whether secular or ecclesiastical, whether pagan or papal. In the following forms there has been a complete fulfillment under that mighty power of what is here said:
- In the desire of conquest or of extending its dominion, and, of course, leading others captive as prisoners of war or subjecting them to slavery.
- In its persecutions of true Christians, alike pursued under the pagan and the papal form of the administration.
- Especially in the imprisonments practiced under the Inquisition, where tens of thousands have been reduced to the worst kind of captivity. In every way this description is applicable to Rome, as seeking to lead the world captive or to subject it to its own absolute sway.
Shall go into captivity – As a just recompense for subjecting others to bondage, and as an illustration of a general principle of the divine administration. This is yet, in a great measure, to be fulfilled; and, as I understand it, it discloses the manner in which the papal secular power will come to an end. It will be by being subdued, so that it might seem to be made captive and led off by some victorious host. Rome now is practically held in subjection by foreign arms, and has no true independence; perhaps this will be more and more so as its ultimate fall approaches.
He that killeth with the sword – See the notes as above, on Mat 26:52. There can be no doubt that this is applicable to Rome in all the forms of its administration considered as a pagan power; or considered as a nominally Christian power, either with reference to its secular or its spiritual dominion. Compute the numbers of human beings that have been put to death by that Roman power, and no better language could have been chosen to characterize it than what is used here – killed with the sword. Compare the notes on Dan 7:24-28, II. (3), (g).
Must be killed with the sword – This domination must be brought to an end by war and slaughter. Nothing is more probable than this in itself; nothing could be more in accordance with the principles of the divine dealings in the world. Such a power as that of Rome will not be likely to be overcome but by the force of arms; and the probability is that it will ultimately be overthrown in a bloody revolution, or by foreign conquest. Indeed, there are not a few intimations now that this result is hastening on. Italy is becoming impatient of the secular power swayed in connection with the papacy, and sighs for freedom; and it is every way probable that that land would have been free, and that the secular power of the papacy, if not every form of the papacy itself, would have come to an end in the late convulsion (1848), if it had not been for the intervention of France and Austria. The period designated by prophecy for the final overthrow of that power had not arrived; but nothing can secure its continuance for any very considerable period longer.
Here is the patience and the faith of the saints – That is, the trial of their patience and of their faith. Nowhere on earth have the patience and the faith of the saints been put to a severer test than under the Roman persecutions. The same idea occurs in Rev 14:12.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Rev 13:10
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.
Retribution on the enemies of the Church
Observe here–
1. That this acclamation, It any man have an ear, let him hear, is added in Scripture when something required s spiritual understanding to discern the meaning. Let him consider what is here revealed concerning this beast, and take heed that he be not found amongst the number of the worshippers of it.
2. The consolation here given to the saints from the consideration of Gods just retribution to His and their enemies, He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity, that is, the beast who has brought many of the saints into captivity shall himself at length be taken captive (Rev 19:20). With what measure antichrist metes to others it shall be measured to him again; God has as many ways to hurt His Churchs enemies as they have to hurt His people.
3. The end and design of God in suffering antichrists rage to break forth against the Church; it is for the trial of the Churchs faith and patience. Note–
(1) That none can stand under or bear up under sufferings like saints.
(2) That under great sufferings saints themselves will have great occasion for the exercise of faith and patience.
(3) That the faith and patience of the saints will be made very conspicuous by great and sharp sufferings.
(4) That faith and patience must accompany each other in suffering times. Patience is the souls shoulder to hear what is afflictive at present: faith is the Christians eye to discover a glorious deliverance to come; where no patience is it is a token of no faith; and where no faith is there will appear great impatience. Behold, then, the faith and patience of the saints. (W. Burkitt, M. A.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 10. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity] The Latin empire here spoken of must go into captivity, because it has led into captivity, by not only propagating among the various nations its abominable antichristian system, but also in compelling them to embrace it under the penalty of forfeiting the protection of the empire.
He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.] The Latin empire must be also broken to pieces by the sword, because it has killed the saints of God. This prophecy will not receive its full accomplishment till the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.
Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.] By these words, as Dr. Mitchell observes, “God calls upon his saints to keep in view, under all their persecutions, his retributive justice; there is no violence that has been exercised upon them but what shall be retaliated upon the cruel and persecuting government and governors of the Latin empire.”
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
As it was Gods manner by the prophets of old, when he had denounced judgments against his people, to comfort them by a prediction of the ruin of their enemies; so here, by this his New Testament prophet, he assureth his church, that antichrist also should have his period, and have the same measure meted to him which he had meted out to others, by leading into captivity, and killing with the sword: and indeed, there are no sins which God doth so ordinarily punish by retaliation, as sins against justice and mercy, (of which nature persecutions are the most eminent), Isa 33:1,2.
Here is the patience and the faith of the saints; that is, there is a time for Gods people to exercise their faith and patience: patience, because they are like to wait for deliverance a long time, and to suffer many sharp things in the mean time; and faith, because their deliverance will be a thing out of sight, of which they will have no security but from the promise of God.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. He that leadeth intocaptivityA, B, C, and Vulgate read, “if any one(be) for captivity.”
shall go into captivityGreekpresent, “goeth into captivity.” Compare Jer15:2, which is alluded to here. Aleph, B, and C readsimply, “he goeth away,” and omit “into captivity.”But A and Vulgate support the words.
he that killeth with thesword, must be killed with the swordSo B and C read. But Areads, “if any (is for) being (literally, ‘to be’) killed withthe sword.” As of old, so now, those to be persecuted by thebeast in various ways, have their trials severally appointed them byGod’s fixed counsel. English Version is quite a differentsense, namely, a warning to the persecutors that they shall bepunished with retribution in kind.
Here“Herein”:in bearing their appointed sufferings lies the patient endurance .. . of the saints. This is to be the motto and watchword of theelect during the period of the world kingdom. As the first beast isto be met by patience and faith (Re13:10), the second beast must be opposed by true wisdom(Re 13:18).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity,…. As the devil, by whom men are led captive at his will, and the Romish antichrist, who leads multitudes of souls to hell; these shall be taken and cast into the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. The Jews g have a saying, that
“captivity comes into the world for idolatry, uncleanness, and murder;”
which three things are notorious in the Romish antichrist: and in the same treatise they say h, that the sword, the next judgment mentioned, comes into the world for delay of justice, and the perversion of it.
He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword; the design of the phrase is to show, that there will be a just retaliation made to the antichristian beast, for all his cruelty to the saints, and the murders of them; and that because he has shed much blood of the saints, blood shall be given him to drink, and he shall be used in like manner he has used others; see Ge 9:6
Mt 26:52.
Here is the patience and the faith of the saints; meaning either that hereby, through the cruelties and barbarities of the Romish antichrist, the patience and faith of the saints are tried; and that they have great need of them, and of the exercise of them, under such usages; and that these being tried, and continue, will receive much commendation, honour, and praise; or else the sense is, that it requires both faith and patience in the saints, to believe that antichrist will be thus destroyed, and to wait quietly till the time comes. The Arabic version reads, “here is the patience and prayers of the saints”: who cry, how long will it be ere our blood is avenged? and have need of patience to rest a while, till their prayers are answered.
g Pirke Abot, c. 5. sect. 9. h Ib. sect. 8.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
If any man is for captivity ( ). Condition of first class, but with no copula () expressed. For (from captive) see Eph 4:8, only other N.T. example. Apparently John means this as a warning to the Christians not to resist force with force, but to accept captivity as he had done as a means of grace. Cf. Jer 15:2. The text is not certain, however.
If any man shall kill with the sword ( ). First-class condition with future active of , not future passive, for it is a picture of the persecutor drawn here like that by Jesus in Mt 26:52.
Must he be killed ( ). First aorist passive infinitive of . The inevitable conclusion () of such conduct. The killer is killed.
Here (). In this attitude of submission to the inevitable. For see Rev 13:18; Rev 14:12; Rev 17:9. “Faith” () here is more like faithfulness, fidelity.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity [ , ] . Lit., if any one assemble captivity (i. e., bring together captives) into captivity he goeth away. The best texts insert eijv into before the first captivity, and omit assemble, thus reading if any man is for captivity into captivity he goeth. So Rev. See on dispersion, Joh 7:35. Compare Jer 14:2; Jer 43:11. The persecutors of the Church shall suffer that which they inflict on the saints.
Sword [] . See on ch. Rev 6:4.
Here. In the thought that God judgeth in the earth.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “He that leadeth into captivity,” (ei tis eis aichmalosian) “If anyone should lead or leads into captivity,” takes the initiative of conquering men, subjecting them to bondage or slavery.
2) “Shall go into captivity,” (eis aichmalosian hupagei) “into captivity he (himself) goes; he will simply “reap”, what he sows. The use of physical force is not in man’s commission (thru the church) to spread the gospel, Gal 6:7-8; Jas 4:1.
3) “He that killeth with the sword,” (ei tis en machaire apokteinei) “If any kills by means of a sword; If any takes it to himself to spread the gospel or enlarge the church through carnal warfare, through murder, he must and shall suffer a similar recrimination from men, Gen 9:6; Mat 13:52.
4) “Must be killed with the sword,” (dei auton en machaire apoktanthenai) “it becomes him (is proper for him) to be killed by a sword; This is the “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth,” readministration principle of the Law of Moses. The fate of the persecutor of God’s people shall have a similar fate to recoil upon them, Mat 13:52.
5) “Here is the patience,” (hode estin he hypomone) “here, at this point, is (or exists) the endurance,” the reliance, or confidence in God, the kind our Lord desires his people to have and hold, Heb 10:35-36; Mat 5:12; Mat 13:52.
6) “And the faith of the saints,” (kai he pistis ton hagion) “Even the existence of the saints,” the redeemed of Israel, not sealed against death, during the latter forty two months of Daniel’s seventieth week – the time of Israel’s desolation or trouble, Rev 14:12.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(10) This verse may read: If any one (is) for captivity, into captivity he goeth; if any one to be hilled by the sword, he should by the sword be killed. If we read the verse thus, it is generally understood to be a caution to the suffering saints that there is nothing for them but to endure, just as Jeremiah told his countrymen that those who were for death must go out to meet it, and those who were for sword or captivity must face them (Jer. 15:2). But is not this a warning to them that the way of the Churchs victory lay through suffering captivity and meeting sword, and that the temptation to take the sword or seize the weapons of their foes would be fatal to their true success? The spirit of the words reminds them that their weapons are the weapons of faith and patience, of truth and righteousness; and they must accept the tribulation, as their Lord did His cross, because thus it must be. At the same time, their very doing so is a witness to their foes that all those who take the sword will perish with the sword; and that the sword, from which the saints do not shrink, will assuredly turn against those who use it. Here (i.e., in the enduring of these persecutions, and amid so many temptations, not seizing easy, world-like methods of saving themselves) is the endurance and faith of the saints.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. He that leadeth This verse is very incorrectly translated. It should be: He that is (destined) into captivity goeth into captivity; he that is (destined) to be slain by the sword must be slain by the sword. For the despot is relentless, and the martyr must suffer. And so it is well added, Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
The second ( earth-born) or two-horned beast=The hierarchy of the spiritual empire=Clergy, 11-14.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘If anyone is for captivity, to captivity he goes, if anyone is to be killed with the sword with the sword he is killed.’
The Greek text is very uncertain but Jer 15:2 gives us the sense, ‘such as are for death, to death, such as are for the sword, to the sword, and such as are for famine, to the famine, and such as are for captivity to captivity’. There it referred to unbelieving Israel, here it applies to believers. God will not intervene to prevent persecution, for it is a part of His purposes and results in the fulfilling of His will. Thus His people will accept their destiny knowing that not a hair of their heads can perish (Luk 21:18)
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
‘Here is the patient endurance and faith of God’s people (the saints).’
God’s people rest in the will of God and trust Him through adversity recognising that He is over all, whatever happens. They know that their fate is in the hands of the God Who will one day raise them from the dead and give them rich rewards.
Note. The Continuing Nature Of This Vision.
As we have demonstrated the first reference of this chapter is to the blasphemous claims of Imperial Rome and its idolatrous religion. However, the genius of apocalyptic lies in its ability to convey intrinsic ideas and that is nowhere more true than here. John’s eyes were naturally on Rome but the wild beast will in its essential nature go on through the ages, for anti-Christ will ever arise and it thus represents anti-Christ and his empires wherever such are found (chapter 17). The essential wild beast did not die with the Roman Empire.
It must, however, be granted that this empire as an ‘idea’ has in fact itself reared its head a number of times through the ages. Charlemagne, the grand dukes of Moscow (16th century) and Mussolini (20th century) have all seen themselves as reviving it, and the Roman church has until fairly recently perpetuated the idea and still utilises the title Pontifex Maximus used by the Roman emperors.
Wherever religions and philosophies set themselves up against Christ, seeking to set up something to replace Him and enforcing themselves by political persuasion, there we have the wild beast, there we have anti-Christ (that which stands over against Christ) represented by the wild beast. Whether it be the rise of Islam, the degenerate kings and worldly popes of the Middle Ages, Russian and Chinese communism, the modern rise of Islam, or whatever else, each simply carries on the role of the wild beast. They depict man as he really is.
We therefore do not need to doubt that if Christ delays His coming yet other anti-Christs will arise as the end approaches, possibly, but not necessarily, even connected with Rome in a revived ‘Roman Empire’. There is the wild beast who was and is not (Rev 17:8), and will yet ‘be’, to come again. And when he does come we will be able to apply these chapters to him because the monster’s method and approach do not change.
In chapter 13 the Roman Empire is primarily in John’s mind, but only because Rome was the bestial empire of that time. That the idea stretches further chapter 17 makes clear. The message of Revelation applied to the idea of ‘anti-Christ’ and did not fade out or cease to be meaningful at the fall of ancient Rome. Its essential teaching applies throughout history, and will apply until the end. In the end anti-Christ, whatever its form, will be destroyed by the manifestation of His coming (2Th 2:8).
End of note.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Ver. 10. He that leadeth into captivity ] q.d. Be of good cheer; Antichrist shall one day meet with his match, drink as he brewed, be paid in his own coin, filled with his own ways, have blood again to drink, for he is worthy. See Isa 33:1 ; 2Th 1:6 .
Here is the patience ] q.d. Here is matter for the trial exercise and increase of the saints’ graces. Hard weather tries what health. The walnut tree is most fruitful when most beaten. Or, here is support for the saints, and that which may well make them to hold out faith and patience.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
He that, &c. = If any one is for captivity, into captivity he goeth; if any one is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he is killed. Hebrew idioms for destiny. See Jer 15:2; Jer 43:11. Eze 5:2, Eze 5:12. Zec 11:9. None will escape the beast.
He that. Read, If any one (App-123.)
faith. App-150.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Rev 13:10. ) The LXX. have , , , respecting the vanquished who are led away into captivity: but in 1 Maccab. Rev 14:7, it is said, that is, Simon freed and brought together many, who had been captives. Also 1 Maccab. Rev 3:9; Rev 3:13, , . And this notion agrees with this passage, in this sense: if any one supplies and equips captives, he will be taken captive.-, goes away) being easily led away.-) The present, as . , , and , are the same.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
that leadeth: Exo 21:23-25, Isa 14:2, Isa 33:1, Mat 7:2
he that killeth: Rev 16:6, Gen 9:5, Gen 9:6, Isa 26:21, Mat 26:52
Here: Rev 1:9, Rev 2:2, Rev 2:19, Rev 3:3, Rev 3:10, Rev 14:12, Lam 3:26, Hab 2:3, Luk 18:1-8, Luk 21:19, Col 1:11, Heb 6:12, Heb 10:36, Heb 10:37, Heb 12:3, Heb 12:4, Jam 1:2-4, Jam 5:7, Jam 5:8
Reciprocal: Gen 42:22 – his blood Jdg 1:7 – as I have Isa 21:2 – the treacherous Jer 30:16 – General Eze 39:10 – shall spoil Dan 8:24 – shall destroy Dan 11:45 – he shall come Joe 3:7 – and will Rom 8:25 – with patience Rom 12:12 – patient 2Th 3:5 – and into Heb 12:1 – with patience 2Pe 1:6 – patience Rev 6:4 – power Rev 11:18 – shouldest Rev 16:7 – true Rev 18:6 – Reward
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Rev 13:10. If any one is for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any one shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. In a climax of two clauses consolation is afforded to the righteous amidst all their trials. There is a lex talionis in the dealings of God. They who lead His people into captivity, they who kill them with the sword, shall experience a similar fate.
Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. For surely there is enough to nerve our patience and to stimulate our faith in the thought that God judgeth in the earth, and that it is a righteous thing with Him to recompense tribulation to them that trouble His people.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
What a consolation it must have been to suffering Christians to know God was aware of their persecutions and would appropriately punish their persecutors. This would also warn against taking up the sword to avenge such persecutions. Christians patiently endure to the end knowing the One on the throne will judge all and set things right.
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
God promised the saints that those He has destined for captivity (i.e., Antichrist, his followers, and the saints) will eventually end up as captives (cf. Jer 15:2; Jer 43:11). Those who kill others (the others being believers in Jesus Christ, Rev 13:7) will die (cf. Mat 26:52). This assurance that God will execute justice should encourage the saints to persevere steadfastly and to trust God during this period of intense persecution and martyrdom (cf. Rev 14:12). Possibly God meant that believers should willingly submit to whatever fate was in store for them and not resist their persecutors. [Note: Swete, p. 168.] The whole verse is an encouragement for believers to submit to the sovereignty of God realizing that He has permitted Antichrist’s activity but that they are secure. It also assures them of divine retribution and urges them to persevere faithfully.
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The First Beast Is The Little Horn |
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The First Beast |
The Little Horn |
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"All who dwell on the earth will worship him" (Rev 13:8). |
Both have a worldwide empire. |
"It will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it" (Dan 7:7; Dan 7:23). |
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"The woman . . . was nourished [in the wilderness] for a time and times and half a time" (Rev 12:14). |
Both have victory over the saints for three and one-half years. |
"The saints . . . will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time" (Dan 7:25). |
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"The beast was . . . thrown alive into the lake of fire" (Rev 19:20). |
Messiah destroys both at His second advent. |
"The beast was slain . . . and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever" (Dan 7:11; Dan 7:26). |
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"Those who had not worshiped the beast . . . came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years" (Rev 20:4-6). |
Immediately following both their destructions the saints will receive the messianic kingdom. |
"Then the sovereignty, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints" (Dan 7:22; Dan 7:27). |