Rev 2:9 | RWP | e4.org | Thy tribulation and thy poverty ( σου την θλιψιν κα πτωχειαν ). Separate articles of same gender, emphasizing each item. The tribulation was probably persecution, which helped to intensify the poverty of the Christians ( ; ; ; ). In contrast with the wealthy church in Laodicea ( ). But thou art rich ( αλλα πλουσιος ε ). Parenthesis to show the spiritual riches of this church in contrast with the spiritual poverty in Laodicea ( ), this a rich poor church, that a poor rich church. Rich in grace toward God ( ) and in good deeds ( ). Perhaps Jews and pagans had pillaged their property ( ), poor as they already were. Blasphemy ( βλασφημιαν ). Reviling believers in Christ. See . The precise charge by these Jews is not indicated, but see . Of them which say ( εκ των λεγοντων ). "From those saying" ( εκ with the ablative plural of the present active articular participle of λεγω ). They are Jews ( Ιουδαιους εινα εαυτους ). This is the accusative of general reference and the infinitive in indirect discourse after λεγω ( ; ) even though λεγοντων is here ablative (cf. ), common idiom. These are actual Jews and only Jews, not Christians. And they are not ( κα ουκ εισιν ). Another parenthesis like that in . These are Jews in name only, not spiritual Jews ( ., ). A synagogue of Satan ( συναγωγη του Σατανα ). In again and note , , serving the devil ( ) instead of the Lord ( ; ).

‏ Revelation of John 2:9

Thy tribulation and thy poverty ( σου την θλιψιν κα πτωχειαν ). Separate articles of same gender, emphasizing each item. The tribulation was probably persecution, which helped to intensify the poverty of the Christians (Jas 2:5; 1Co 1:26; 2Co 6:10; 8:2). In contrast with the wealthy church in Laodicea (3:17).

But thou art rich ( αλλα πλουσιος ε ). Parenthesis to show the spiritual riches of this church in contrast with the spiritual poverty in Laodicea (3:17), this a rich poor church, that a poor rich church. Rich in grace toward God (Lu 12:21) and in good deeds (1Ti 6:18). Perhaps Jews and pagans had pillaged their property (Heb 10:34), poor as they already were.

Blasphemy ( βλασφημιαν ). Reviling believers in Christ. See Mr 7:22. The precise charge by these Jews is not indicated, but see Ac 13:45.

Of them which say ( εκ των λεγοντων ). "From those saying" ( εκ with the ablative plural of the present active articular participle of λεγω ).

They are Jews ( Ιουδαιους εινα εαυτους ). This is the accusative of general reference and the infinitive in indirect discourse after λεγω (Ac 5:36; 8:9) even though λεγοντων is here ablative (cf. 3:9), common idiom. These are actual Jews and only Jews, not Christians.

And they are not ( κα ουκ εισιν ). Another parenthesis like that in 2:2. These are Jews in name only, not spiritual Jews (Ga 6:15f., Ro 2:28).

A synagogue of Satan ( συναγωγη του Σατανα ). In 3:9 again and note 2:13, 24, serving the devil (Joh 8:44) instead of the Lord (Nu 16:3; 20:4).