Rev 6:9 | RWP | e4.org | Under the altar ( υποκατω του θυσιαστηριου ). "Under" ( υποκατω ), for the blood of the sacrifices was poured at the bottom of the altar ( ). The altar of sacrifice ( ; ), not of incense. The imagery, as in Hebrews, is from the tabernacle. For the word see ., often in Rev. ( , ; ; ; ; ). This altar in heaven is symbolic, of course, the antitype for the tabernacle altar ( ). The Lamb was slain ( , , ) and these martyrs have followed the example of their Lord. The souls ( τας ψυχας ). The lives, for the life is in the blood ( ), were given for Christ ( ; ). Of the slain ( των εσφαγμενων ). See . Christians were slain during the Neronian persecution and now again under Domitian. A long line of martyrs has followed. For the word of God ( δια τον λογον του θεου ). As in , the confession of loyalty to Christ as opposed to emperor-worship. And for the testimony which they held ( κα δια την μαρτυριαν ην ειχον ). See also . Probably κα equals "even" here, explaining the preceding. The imperfect tense ειχον suits the repetition of the witness to Christ and the consequent death.

‏ Revelation of John 6:9

Under the altar ( υποκατω του θυσιαστηριου ). "Under" ( υποκατω ), for the blood of the sacrifices was poured at the bottom of the altar (Le 4:7). The altar of sacrifice (Ex 39:39; 40:29), not of incense. The imagery, as in Hebrews, is from the tabernacle. For the word see Mt 5:23f., often in Rev. (Re 8:3, 5; 9:13; 11:1; 14:18; 16:7). This altar in heaven is symbolic, of course, the antitype for the tabernacle altar (Heb 8:5). The Lamb was slain (5:6, 9, 12) and these martyrs have followed the example of their Lord.

The souls ( τας ψυχας ). The lives, for the life is in the blood (Le 17:11), were given for Christ (Php 2:17; 2Ti 4:6).

Of the slain ( των εσφαγμενων ). See 5:6. Christians were slain during the Neronian persecution and now again under Domitian. A long line of martyrs has followed.

For the word of God ( δια τον λογον του θεου ). As in 1:9, the confession of loyalty to Christ as opposed to emperor-worship.

And for the testimony which they held ( κα δια την μαρτυριαν ην ειχον ). See also 1:9. Probably κα equals "even" here, explaining the preceding. The imperfect tense ειχον suits the repetition of the witness to Christ and the consequent death.