Revelation 13:10
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.
REVELATION 13:10
Verse 10 presents a proverb-like statement: “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.” This mirrors Old Testament justice patterns where violence often cycles back upon its originators. It also echoes the New Testament call to patient endurance and faith of the saints (NASB: “Here is the patience and faith of the saints”). The verse acknowledges real-world cycles of conquest and retaliation, while pointing believers toward steadfast trust in God’s ultimate justice. The language suggests that earthly power’s punishments are not the final word; God’s justice will prevail in his timing. The juxtaposition of retribution and endurance invites readers to resist the impulse to retaliate in kind and to remain faithful to Christ’s example of costly love.
Theologically, this verse reinforces divine justice and the moral order God enforces through history. It helps believers trust that God sees oppression and will judge it, even if human instruments fail to bring swift justice. Endurance and faith under oppression are core motifs of Revelation. The verse also reinforces the Beatitude-like call to endure with faith—the saints’ steadfastness becomes a witness to a watching world about the truth of God’s sovereignty.
In contemporary settings, cycles of injustice and retaliation can tempt believers to retaliate or to withdraw in cynicism. Practical steps: refuse to repay evil with evil; pursue lawful, non-violent avenues for justice; practice forgiveness and restorative approaches when possible while standing firm against oppression. Cultivate patience through prayer, scripture, and communal support; remind yourself that justice belongs to God and that faithful endurance is a witness to neighbors who may be watching for a response different from the world’s. Share stories of perseverance that highlight trust in God’s timing and the hope we have in Christ.
Cross-References: Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 2:20-23; Psalm 37:7-9; Revelation 14:12-13; Matthew 5:38-39