Happy are Those Who Die by a Lord, Revelation 14:13
In Revelation 14:13, we come across the phrase “by a lord” when John is instructed to write, “Happy are the dead, the ones who die from now on by a lord (ἐν κυρίῳ).”
The word “lord” is capitalized in some English translations, implying it is referring to the Lord Jesus. However, the context does not support this interpretation. The timing of Revelation 14, starting in verse six, occurs during the second half of the Tribulation Period, just before the return of Christ. Three angels are seen giving distinctly different messages to those residing upon the earth.
The first angel has good news related to eternity, the gospel specifically for those in the Great Tribulation. This message is not the gospel presented today, which has the inherent ability to save a person (Romans 1:16). The present salvation message relates to the death for sin and resurrection of Christ three days later according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This messenger brings a message to the Nations, telling them to worship the God, Who is the Creator of heaven and earth, for the hour of His judgment has come (Revelation 14:7).
The second angel cries out with the message that Babylon—the great religious harlot—has fallen (Revelation 14:8). Her fall occurs shortly before the return of Christ to claim the earth and establish His kingdom. A third angel declares that anyone who worships the beast and his image, having received his mark, will now face the wrath of God (Revelation 14:9-11). At this point, John is instructed to write, “Happy are the dead, the ones dying by a lord from now.” They are happy because they are able to rest from their hard labor (Revelation 14:13).
The tribulation period will be a very difficult time on earth. It will be such a time of trouble unlike any time before or after (Daniel 12:1). Those who accept the message of the Kingdom of the Heavens will face dangerous times. In the last half of the Tribulation Period, the man of lawlessness declares himself to be a god. All those who do not receive his mark cannot participate in commerce—buy or sell. During this time, even having a bit of cold drinking water, much less food, will take a lot of hard work. The saints will be killed, enslaved, and persecuted. Therefore, death for those who believe in the coming Messiah will bring them rest from their labors and result in happiness.
En (ἐν) is a Greek preposition meaning “in, among, or by.” Grammar and context are important in determining the case clarified by the preposition. The specific phrase “in lord” is used ninety-six times in forty-seven verses, demonstrating both the locative and instrumental cases. In 1 Corinthians 16:19, Paul writes that the assembly in Asia, along with Aquila and Priscilla, greets them in [the] Lord. In Greek, there is no need to place an article before “Lord” because the context indicates it is a title. When a noun is used as a title, the article is unnecessary; however, it should be supplied in English for clarity. In Romans 14, Paul writes concerning the weaker brothers. The one who is stronger in the faith is to accept the weaker one without causing doubt. Paul was persuaded by [the] Lord Jesus that nothing is common because of itself (Romans 14:14).
When Paul went to Troas to bring the good news of the Christ, a door was opened to him by the Lord (2 Corinthians 2:12). In these verses, the preposition (ἐν) is used in an instrumental sense for the Lord was the means by Whom Paul came to this knowledge. He is also the One who opened a door for Paul to present the gospel in Troas. These few passages show that “en (ἐν)” can be used in an instrumental sense with the noun “lord”, not just locative. Although the primary meaning of this preposition is “in.” The context dictates how the preposition relates to the noun. Therefore, it can express both location and means.
If we interpret Revelation 14:13 as referring to Christians—those who die in their position in the Lord from the time of John’s writing—we violate the context of Revelation. The time of the Tribulation is not for the Church. It has been removed from the earth, cleansed, glorified, and presented to the Father (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:17). The patience of the saints, in the context, refers to those who did not receive the mark of the beast or worship his image (Revelation 20:4). They face total financial ruin and even death. Many will be sold into slavery and killed (Revelation 13:10). All who are saved during the Tribulation do not possess a position in the Lord Jesus. To apply this passage to saints in our dispensation, it must be ripped from its context and set aside as though it is a comment from John about what he is writing. This would imply that those who do not have to face this troubled time will be happy. However, John is explicitly instructed to write this, not give a personal response to the information he just received. Nowhere in the letters to the Church does Paul, or another Apostle, write that death today brings happiness. Peter writes of persecution for refusing to be involved with the way of the Gentiles. This should not discourage a saint; instead, they should be happy because the Spirit of glory rests upon them (1 Peter 4:14).
James writes about happiness in enduring a temptation and not being a forgetful hearer (James 1:12, 25). Paul writes of our happy hope, the appearance of our great God, even Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). He also speaks of the happiness that comes from maintaining a good conscience, stating that one who does not violate their conscience is blessed (Romans 14:22). Since those of the Church are not part of the Tribulation Period, we cannot impose its presence upon the text to indicate John is writing to the Church concerning happiness and death.
The term “Lord” is not restricted to a title for God or Jesus. In the Greek language, it is used for one who is a master, within a position of authority, and a polite response. The woman at the well does not refer to Jesus as “Lord” in the sense of recognizing Him as God when He asks her for water. Instead, her response is of respect, acknowledging that He is a Jew, John 4:11. It is always the context that determines how the word “lord” is used. In Revelation 14:13, the noun “lord” is not specific as to who is the master, nor does the context indicate it is a title. Therefore, it implies someone with the character or quality of a master. Following the original language and context, the verse is properly translated with a lowercase “lord” since it does not refer to Jesus. And I heard a voice out from the heaven saying, “Write, ‘Happy are the dead, the ones by a lord dying from now on. ‘Yes’, says the Spirit, in order that to rest out from their labor, for their works follow with them.”
Therefore, Revelation 14:13 refers to the Tribulation Period saints who are put to death by a lord, not to Christians who have or will die in their position in the Lord. These saints are those who believe the message of the Kingdom of the Heavens during the Tribulation Period and reject the lies of the man of lawlessness and his false prophet.