Rev 2:9 | NETfull | STEP | ‘I know the distress you are suffering and your poverty (but you are rich). I also know the slander against you by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Revelation of John 2:9

9 ‘I know the distress you are suffering ^{▼▼ Or “know your suffering.” This could refer to suffering or distress caused by persecution (see L&N 22.2).} and your poverty (but you are rich). I also know ^{▼▼ Because of the length and complexity of this Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the phrase “I also know” to link this English sentence back to “I know” at the beginning of the verse.} the slander against you ^{▼▼ The words “against you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.} by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but are a synagogue ^{▼▼ A synagogue was a place for Jewish prayer and worship, with recognized leadership (e.g., Mt 4:23, Mk 1:21, Lk 4:15, Jn 6:59).} of Satan.