Strong’s Greek 3990, appearing in the perfect passive participle form in Revelation 20:4, denotes those who have been executed by having their heads struck off with an axe. The image is graphic, final, and public, capturing the cost of witness in a hostile world.

Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context

Revelation 20:4: “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

In the vision John sees a distinct company:
• They suffer capital punishment specifically for “their testimony of Jesus” and “the word of God.”
• They refuse idolatrous allegiance to the beast system.
• They are rewarded with resurrection life and millennial rule with Christ.

Historical Background of Beheading

In the Greco-Roman world beheading by axe or sword was considered an efficient, decisive form of execution, often reserved for citizens or those of higher status as opposed to crucifixion. Jewish law did not prescribe beheading, yet Israel was familiar with decapitation by foreign powers (1 Samuel 17:51; 2 Kings 10:6-7). By New Testament times Rome practiced it widely, and Christian martyrs such as John the Baptist (Matthew 14:10) and the Apostle Paul (by tradition, 2 Timothy 4:6-8) suffered this fate.

Theological Significance of Martyrdom

1. Witness to Christ

Martyrdom validates the reality of resurrection hope. The slain saints in Revelation 20:4 refuse the beast’s mark, affirming exclusive loyalty to Jesus Christ.

2. Vindication in Judgment

The participle highlights completed suffering; yet immediately the vision moves to vindication. God’s justice reverses the verdict of earth’s courts.

3. Participation in Reign

Far from being sidelined, the beheaded rise and share authority: “They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” Suffering leads to glory (Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12).

Connections with Earlier Scripture

• Daniel 7:9-27 sees saints receiving the kingdom after persecution.
• Revelation 6:9-11 shows martyrs under the altar awaiting vindication, answered in 20:4.
• Hebrews 11:35-38 chronicles believers who “were put to death by the sword,” anticipating a “better resurrection.”

Reflection in Church History

From the second-century martyrs of Lyon to modern believers in hostile regions, decapitation has remained a method of persecution. Revelation 20:4 offers a prophetic lens: earthly loss cannot nullify heavenly reward.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Encourage believers facing hostility that faithfulness is never wasted; resurrection life awaits.
• Teach on loyalty to Christ above cultural, political, or economic pressures symbolized by the beast’s mark.
• Use Revelation 20:4 in memorial services for persecuted Christians, highlighting present suffering and future reign.

Eschatological Hope

The single New Testament appearance of Strong’s 3990 concentrates its force: ultimate victory belongs to those who appear most defeated. The axe cannot sever the bond between the believer and Christ; instead, it becomes the doorway to royal authority in the coming kingdom.

Key Cross References

Matthew 14:10; 1 Samuel 17:51; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 11:35-38; Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 20:4