2:8 “To 1 the angel of the church in Smyrna write the following: 2
“This is the solemn pronouncement of 3 the one who is the first and the last, the one who was dead, but 4 came to life:
1 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.
2 tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.
3 tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.
sn The expression This is the solemn pronouncement of reflects an OT idiom. See the note on this phrase in 2:1.
4 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present between these two phrases.
5 tn Grk “her children,” but in this context a reference to this woman’s followers or disciples is more likely meant.
6 tn Grk “I will kill with death.” θάνατος (qanatos) can in particular contexts refer to a manner of death, specifically a contagious disease (see BDAG 443 s.v. 3; L&N 23.158).
7 tn Grk “I will give.” The sense of δίδωμι (didwmi) in this context is more “repay” than “give.”
8 sn This pronoun and the following one are plural in the Greek text.
9 tn Grk “each one of you according to your works.”