REV 2:27 Parallel Verse View

Note: This view shows ‘verses’ which are not natural language units and hence sometimes only part of a sentence will be visible—click on any Bible version abbreviation down the left-hand side to see the verse in more of its context. Normally the OET discourages the reading of individual ‘verses’, but this view is only designed as a tool for doing comparisons of different translations—the older translations are further down the page (so you can read up from the bottom to trace the English translation history). The OET segments on this page are still very early looks into the unfinished texts of the Open English Translation of the Bible—please double-check these texts in advance before using in public.

Text critical issues=small word differences Clarity of original=clear Importance to us=normal (All still tentative.)

OET (OET-RV) They’ll rule them with irresistible power, and those who rebel will be smashed like unwanted clay pots,

Key: khaki:verbs, light-green:nominative/subject, orange:accusative/object, cyan:dative/indirect object.
Note: Automatic aligning of the OET-RV to the LV is done by some temporary software, hence the RV alignments are incomplete (and may occasionally be wrong).

ULT ‘And he will rule them with an iron sceptre, as clay jars are shattered,’

UST Those to whom I give this authority will rule the people groups with irresistible power. They will destroy evildoers as completely as if they were smashing clay pots.

BLB and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken in pieces--just as I also have received from My Father.

AICNT And he will shepherd them with an iron rod, as the ceramic vessels {are shattered},[fn]

2:27, are shattered: Later manuscripts read “will be shattered.” BYZ

OEB and they will rule them with an iron rod, as when earthen vessels are broken in pieces (as I myself have received from my Father)

WEBBE He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots, as I also have received of my Father;

WMBB (Same as above)

NET he will rule them with an iron rod*
⇔ and like clay jars he will break them to pieces,

LSV and he will rule them with a rod of iron—they will be broken as the vessels of the potter—as I have also received from My Father;

FBV He will rule the nations with an iron rod, breaking them into pieces like clay pots.[fn] In the same way that I received authority from my Father,

2:27 See Psalms 2:8-9.

TCNT and he will rule them with a rod of iron; like earthen vessels they [fn]will be shattered, just as I have received authority from my Father.

2:27 will be 78.6% 𝔐^A+,C,K ¦ are 𝔐^A− ECM^† NA SBL TH TR WH 17.1%

T4T They will rule them severely as if they were striking them [HYP] with an iron rod. They will destroy those who do evil things just like people shatter clay pots [MET].

LEB and “he will shepherd them with an iron rod; he will break them in pieces like jars made of clay,”[fn]

2:27 A quotation from Ps 2:9|link-href="None"

BBE And he will be ruling them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of the potter they will be broken, even as I have power from my Father:

Moff aye, he will shepherd them with an iron flail,
⇔ shattering them like a potter's jars-- as I myself have received authority from my Father;

Wymth And he shall be their shepherd, ruling them with a rod of iron, just as earthenware jars are broken to pieces; and his power over them shall be like that which I Myself have received from My Father;

ASV and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father:

DRA And he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and as the vessel of a potter they shall be broken,

YLT and he shall rule them with a rod of iron — as the vessels of the potter they shall be broken — as I also have received from my Father;

Drby and he shall shepherd them with an iron rod; as vessels of pottery are they broken in pieces, as I also have received from my Father;

RV and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father:
(and he shall rule them with a rod/staff of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father: )

SLT And he will rule them with an iron rod; as vessels of earthen-ware shall they be rubbed together: as I also have received of my Father.

Wbstr (And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers:) even as I received of my Father.

KJB-1769 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
( And he shall rule them with a rod/staff of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. )

KJB-1611 (And he shall rule them with a rod of yron: as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shiuers:) euen as I receiued of my Father.
((And he shall rule them with a rod/staff of iron: as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shiuers:) even as I received of my Father.)

Bshps And he shall rule them with a rodde of yron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall they be broken to sheuers:
(And he shall rule them with a rod/staff of iron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall they be broken to sheuers:)

Gnva And he shall rule them with a rodde of yron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall they be broken.
(And he shall rule them with a rod/staff of iron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall they be broken. )

Cvdl and he shal rule them with a rodde of yron: and as the vessels of a potter, shal he breake them to sheuers. Eue as I receaued of my father,
(and he shall rule them with a rod/staff of iron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall he break them to sheuers. Eve as I received of my father,)

TNT and he shall rule them with a rodde of yron: and as the vessels of a potter shall he breake them to shevers. Even as I receaved of my father
(and he shall rule them with a rod/staff of iron: and as the vessels of a potter shall he break them to shevers. Even as I received of my father )

Wycl and he schal gouerne hem in an yrun yerde; and thei schulen be brokun to gidre,
(and he shall govern hem in an iron rod/stick; and they should be broken to gidre,)

Luth Und er soll sie weiden mit einer eisernen Rute, und wie eines Töpfers Gefäß soll er sie zerschmeißen,
(And he should they/she/them graze with one/a iron rod, and as/like one/a potters vessel/container should he they/she/them smash,)

ClVg et reget eas in virga ferrea, et tamquam vas figuli confringentur,
(and kingt them in/into/on rod/staff to_carrya, and as_if vessel potters confringentur, )

UGNT καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται,
(kai poimanei autous en ɽabdōi sidaʸra, hōs ta skeuaʸ ta keramika suntribetai,)

SBL-GNT καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ ⸀συντρίβεται,
(kai poimanei autous en ɽabdōi sidaʸra hōs ta skeuaʸ ta keramika ⸀suntribetai,)

RP-GNT καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ· ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικά, συντριβήσεται· ὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου·
(kai poimanei autous en ɽabdōi sidaʸra; hōs ta skeuaʸ ta keramika, suntribaʸsetai; hōs kagō eilaʸfa para tou patros mou;)

TC-GNT καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ· ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ [fn]κεραμικὰ [fn]συντριβήσεται, ὡς κἀγὼ εἴληφα παρὰ τοῦ πατρός μου.
(kai poimanei autous en ɽabdōi sidaʸra; hōs ta skeuaʸ ta keramika suntribaʸsetai, hōs kagō eilaʸfa para tou patros mou. )

2:27 κεραμικα 𝔐^A,C,K+ [72.7%] ¦ κεραμεικα 𝔐^K− [25.4%] {Note: ECM does not collate this variant unit. Consequently, this variant unit is calculated only from Hoskier's collation.}

2:27 συντριβησεται 𝔐^A+,C,K 78.6% ¦ συντριβεται 𝔐^A− ECM^† NA SBL TH TR WH 17.1%

Key for above GNTs: yellow:punctuation differs, red:words differ (from our SR-GNT base).

TTN Tyndale Theme Notes:

The Purpose of the Judgments

What is the purpose of God’s judgments? Are they meant to bring about redemption or are they simply intended to destroy? The account of judgments in Revelation gives us some clues:

At the end of the sixth trumpet, in spite of all the plagues, people “still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God” (9:20-21). For some people, it does not matter what happens to them—they will not change even under pressure.
The tormented sufferers of the fifth trumpet sought death rather than looking to God (9:6). Many prefer to die rather than to admit their sin.
In the sixth seal (6:12-17), the people cried for the rocks to fall on them and hide them from “the wrath of the Lamb” (6:16). Their seeking escape from judgment shows fear rather than trusting in God.
Revelation emphasizes the ultimate justice of God (16:5-7) and the principle of retribution. Believers and unbelievers alike will receive exactly what they deserve (see 2:23; 11:18; 14:13; 18:6; 20:12-13; 22:12).
The judgments are God’s partial answer to the prayers of the saints for retribution. Judgment occurs in God’s time, not ours (6:9-11; 8:2-5).
The judgments, like the plagues on Egypt, disprove the power of the earthly gods and of God’s enemies (Exod 7:8-12; 12:12; cp. Rev 13:4-17; 19:20-21; 20:9-10).
The judgments are a part of God’s mission and offer a last chance to repent (14:6-7; see 9:20-21; 16:9, 11, 21).

Even though God has made it clear that sin is wrong and judgment is coming (Rom 2:5-11), many people still refuse to repent and accept God’s grace (Rom 1:32). Even in the final days, when God sends his witnesses to prophesy concerning the coming destruction, many people will prefer to align themselves with evil forces and will gloat over the demise of God’s prophets (11:3-10). Those who thus oppose God and flee from him will eventually be excluded from his presence.

Judgment against disobedience and evil ways is inevitable (see Rom 1:18–2:11). Yet God patiently waits for repentance and offers his grace (see Rom 2:4; 2 Pet 3:8-10). As such, the warnings of these judgments can serve as an opportunity for change.

Passages for Further Study

Exod 6:6; 12:12; Lev 26:25; 2 Kgs 17:7-23; Ps 103:6; Prov 16:11; Isa 13:11; 26:21; 59:18; Jer 5:1-9; Ezek 11:21; 39:21-24; Zeph 1:12; Mal 3:5; Luke 12:47; John 5:30; Rom 2:2-11; Heb 2:1-4; 10:29; Rev 9:20-21

SOTN SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 2:18–29: Jesus spoke to the church at Thyatira

In this section, Jesus spoke to the people who believed in him at Thyatira. He saw that they had grown in their faith. Jesus warned them about allowing an immoral woman named Jezebel to remain among them. He encouraged the believers who had not followed Jezebel’s sinful teachings to remain faithful. Lastly, he gave a promise for any believer who persevered in his faith.

Translate this heading as you did for the other messages to the churches.

2:27a–b

He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery: This is a quote of Psalm 2:9 (LXX).The Greek translation of the Old Testament is called the Septuagint (abbreviated as LXX). This Greek translation of the Old Testament was done more than a hundred years before Jesus was born. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

This kind of rule is like destroying things. Jesus will rule the nations in a way that destroys them because they fight against him (19:15–19).Beale (page 267) and Beckwith (page 471). Other ways to translate these words are:

he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces (RSV)

He will rule them with an iron stick, as if smashing pottery

He will rule them with club made of iron, like he would destroy pottery

In some languages a literal translation of the word rule would wrongly indicate ruling to their benefit. If that is true in your language, you may want to include some implied information. For example:

He will lead them with an iron scepter to their own destruction; like dashing pottery to pieces

He will destructively rule them with an iron scepter; like he would destroy pottery

2:27a

He will rule them with an iron scepter

‘He will rule them forcefully with an iron staff/stick,
You^(plur) will be as the Scripture says: ‘He will lead/govern them to their destruction with a rod made of iron,

He: Here the word He refers to believers who overcome and do his will to the end (2:26a). It does not refer to Jesus. Some English versions do not use He in 2:27a–b in order to make that clearer. For example:

They (NLT)

^26bI will give them authority over the nations, ^27ato rule them with an iron rod ^27band to break them to pieces like clay pots. (GNT)

iron: This word refers to the strongest known metal at that time. It could break most things without damage to itself. Some languages do not have a word for this metal. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

Use the major language word.
Describe it. For example:
made of very strong metal
Use the strongest thing in your language. You may then want to explain the Greek word in a footnote. An example footnote is:
Literally: “iron.” This word refers to the strongest known metal at that time. It could break most things without damage to itself.

scepter: The Greek word that the BSB translates as scepter refers to a straight heavy stick. Often a shepherd would use a stick of this kind to fight off wild animals. The word scepter refers to an ornamental stick that symbolizes the rule of a king. Other ways to translate this word are:

stick

rod/staff

2:27b

and shatter them like pottery

as when clay pots are shattered’— (NRSV)
he will destroy his enemies as someone smashes/breaks pottery into many pieces.’

shatter them like pottery: The Greek words are literally “as when clay pots are shattered” (as in the NRSV). When a clay pot breaks, it shatters into many pieces and becomes useless. This clause explains how believers will rule the nations with an iron rod. They will destroy their enemies. Other ways to translate this clause are:

as when pottery is broken into pieces (NCV)

smashing them to pieces like earthenware (REB)

In some languages a literal translation will not indicate the correct meaning of “being destroyed.” If that is true in your language, you may want to:

Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:
he will completely destroy them like when pottery is broken into pieces
Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:
he will completely destroy them You may then want to explain the literal words in a footnote. An example footnote is:
Literally: “as when pottery is broken.” Broken pottery is symbolic of what happens when someone completely destroys his enemies.
Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:
“When pottery is broken” is symbolic of what happens when someone completely destroys his enemies.
Use a symbol in your language of something that, when broken, is useless and cannot be repaired. Then you may want to explain the literal words in a footnote. An example footnote is:
Literally: “pottery.” Broken pottery is symbolic of what happens when someone destroys his enemies.

2:27c

—just as I have received authority from My Father.

as I have received authority from my Father,
I will give that same authority that I have received from my heavenly Father.

Some English versions begin 2:28 here. Follow how the major language version places the verse number.

—just as I have received authority from My Father: The words just as connect this clause to 2:26b. Jesus received authority to rule the nations from his Father. He will give that same authority to his followers. Other ways to translate this clause are:

They will have the same authority I received from my Father (NLT)

This is the same power I received from my Father (NCV)

authority: Here the word authority refers to the right and power to control or rule over someone or something. You should translate this using the same word or phrase as in 2:26.

My Father: This phrase refers to God. In some languages people will not clearly understand that the phrase My Father refers to God. If that is true in your language, you may want to add this implied information. For example:

my Father God

my heavenly Father

General Comment on 2:26a–27c

2:27c is closely connected to 2:26b. In some languages it is more natural to put 2:27c before 2:27a–b. For example:

^26aTo him who overcomes and does my will to the end, ^26bI will give him/them authority over the nations,^27cjust as I have received that authority from my Father. As the Scripture says: ^27a‘He will rule them with an iron rod, ^27bas when clay pots are shattered.’

^26aTo those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, ^27cI will give the same authority that I received from my Father: ^26bI will give them authority over the nations, ^27ato rule them with an iron rod ^27band to break them to pieces like clay pots. (GNT)

The GNT example above requires that you combine verse numbers as 26–27.

UTN uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / quotemarks

καὶ ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ, ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: καί ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ ὡς τά σκεύη τά κεραμικά συντρίβεται)

This verse is a quotation of [Psalm 2:9](../02/09.md). You may wish to indicate this in your translation by putting the words of this verse within quotation marks or by using some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate a quotation.

Note 2 topic: writing-pronouns

ποιμανεῖ αὐτοὺς

˱he˲_˓will_be˒_shepherding (Some words not found in SR-GNT: καί ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ ὡς τά σκεύη τά κεραμικά συντρίβεται)

The pronoun he refers to “the one conquering” and the pronoun them refers “the nations” in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: [the one conquering will rule the nations]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ

with ˓a˒_rod iron

Jesus is speaking as if the one conquering will literally use an iron scepter to rule the nations. He means that he will rule with great strength, by association with the way that iron is very strong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. However, since Jesus is quoting this image from Psalm 2, and since the image recurs in [12:5](../12/05.md) and [19:15](../19/15.md), you may wish to retain the image in your translation. Alternate translation: [with great strength]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / simile

ὡς τὰ σκεύη τὰ κεραμικὰ συντρίβεται

as (Some words not found in SR-GNT: καί ποιμανεῖ αὐτούς ἐν ῥάβδῳ σιδηρᾷ ὡς τά σκεύη τά κεραμικά συντρίβεται)

The point of this comparison is that the one conquering will defeat his enemies as easily as clay jars are shattered. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: [defeating his enemies as easily as clay jars are shattered]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive