Revelation 13:10

Leadeth into captivity. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of the word “leadeth.” Without it the clause maybe translated, “If a man is destined for [or “goes into”] captivity. …” The idea may be regarded as similar to that expressed in Jer. 15:2, “Such as are for death, to death. …”

The KJV reading, which has some textual support, assures the persecuted children of God that those who pursue them and condemn them to exile and to death will themselves meet a similar fate. A partial fulfillment of this may be seen in the capture and exile of the pope in 1798 (see on Dan. 7:25; see Additional Note on Dan. 7).

Some commentators interpret v. 10 as a warning to Christians not to use force against the antichristian power.

The sword. Having used the sword, the beast will, in the end, perish by the sword of divine justice. Compare the Saviour’s statement, “They that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (Matt. 26:52).

Patience. Gr. hupomonē, “perseverance,” “fortitude,” “steadfast endurance.” Hupomonē is from hupo, “under,” and menō, “to remain.” The Greek word implies more than a passive resignation; it denotes an active endurance (see on Rom. 5:3). During the warfare of the beast the saints steadfastly endure.

Faith. Gr. pistis, “belief,” “trust,” “confidence,” “faith,” “faithfulness.” For the meaning “belief,” “confidence,” etc., see on ch. 14:12. For the meaning “faithfulness” see on Heb. 11:1; cf. on Hab. 2:4. Either the active sense of “faith” or the passive sense of “faithfulness” suits the context, although the closely parallel phrase in Rev. 14:12 seems to require the active sense (see comment there).