New Testament
Revelation 6:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 6:10, the souls of martyrs cry out to God, expressing their anguish and longing for justice.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
They cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 6:10, the souls of martyrs cry out to God, expressing their anguish and longing for justice. They address God as 'holy and true,' acknowledging His righteousness and authority. Their plea highlights a deep desire for divine judgment against those who have wronged them and continue to live in sin. This moment reflects the tension between suffering and the hope for vindication. The martyrs are not just seeking revenge; they are yearning for God's justice to be revealed. Their cry signifies the universal human quest for fairness and the assurance that God will ultimately right the wrongs of the world. This passage serves as a reminder that God hears the cries of the oppressed and that justice, though delayed, is certain in His timing. It emphasizes the importance of faith in God's ultimate plan, even amidst suffering and injustice.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 6:10 to your life
When facing injustice or suffering, remember that God hears your cries. Trust in His timing for justice and remain faithful, knowing that He will ultimately avenge wrongs. This encourages perseverance in faith, even when circumstances seem unfair.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 6:10 mean?
Revelation 6:10 depicts the souls of martyrs crying out to God for justice, expressing their anguish over the wrongs they suffered. They acknowledge God's holiness and truth while pleading for Him to judge those who have harmed them.
What is the significance of the martyrs' cry in Revelation 6:10?
The martyrs' cry in Revelation 6:10 highlights the deep human desire for justice and vindication. It reflects their hope that God will ultimately address the injustices they faced on earth.
What does 'holy and true' mean in Revelation 6:10?
In Revelation 6:10, 'holy and true' refers to God's perfect righteousness and reliability. The martyrs use this phrase to affirm their trust in God's character as they seek justice for their suffering.
How does Revelation 6:10 relate to suffering?
Revelation 6:10 relates to suffering by illustrating the martyrs' anguish and their hope for justice. It serves as a reminder that even in suffering, believers can trust that God will ultimately bring about justice.

The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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