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Revelation 2

Rev. 2:20 KJV (With Strong’s)

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20
Notwithstanding
alla (Greek #235)
properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
KJV usage: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
Pronounce: al-lah'
Origin: neuter plural of 243
I have
echo (Greek #2192)
(used in certain tenses only) a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)
KJV usage: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
Pronounce: ekh'-o
Origin: σχέω (skheh'-o)
a few things
oligos (Greek #3641)
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
KJV usage: + almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.
Pronounce: ol-ee'-gos
Origin: of uncertain affinity
against
kata (Greek #2596)
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
KJV usage: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
Pronounce: kat-ah'
Origin: a primary particle
thee
sou (Greek #4675)
of thee, thy
KJV usage: X home, thee, thine (own), thou, thy.
Pronounce: soo
Origin: genitive case of 4771
, because
hoti (Greek #3754)
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
KJV usage: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.
Pronounce: hot'-ee
Origin: neuter of 3748 as conjunction
thou sufferest
eao (Greek #1439)
to let be, i.e. permit or leave alone
KJV usage: commit, leave, let (alone), suffer. See also 1436.
Pronounce: eh-ah'-o
Origin: of uncertain affinity
that woman
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
gune (Greek #1135)
a woman; specially, a wife
KJV usage: wife, woman.
Pronounce: goo-nay'
Origin: probably from the base of 1096
Jezebel
Iezabel (Greek #2403)
Jezabel (i.e. Jezebel), a Tyrian woman (used as a synonym of a termagant or false teacher)
KJV usage: Jezabel.
Pronounce: ee-ed-zab-ale'
Origin: of Hebrew origin (0348)
d, which calleth
lego (Greek #3004)
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas 2036 and 5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while 4483 is properly to break silence merely, and 2980 means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean
KJV usage: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.
Pronounce: leg'-o
Origin: a primary verb
herself
heautou (Greek #1438)
him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.
KJV usage: alone, her (own, -self), (he) himself, his (own), itself, one (to) another, our (thine) own(-selves), + that she had, their (own, own selves), (of) them(-selves), they, thyself, you, your (own, own conceits, own selves, -selves).
Pronounce: heh-ow-too'
Origin: from a reflexive pronoun otherwise obsolete and the genitive case (dative case or accusative case) of 846
a prophetess
prophetis (Greek #4398)
a female foreteller or an inspired woman
KJV usage: prophetess.
Pronounce: prof-ay'-tis
Origin: feminine of 4396
, to teach
didasko (Greek #1321)
to teach (in the same broad application)
KJV usage: teach.
Pronounce: did-as'-ko
Origin: a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δάω (to learn)
and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
to seduce
planao (Greek #4105)
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
KJV usage: go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
Pronounce: plan-ah'-o
Origin: from 4106
my
emos (Greek #1699)
my
KJV usage: of me, mine (own), my.
Pronounce: em-os'
Origin: from the oblique cases of 1473 (1698, 1700, 1691)
servants
doulos (Greek #1401)
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
KJV usage: bond(-man), servant.
Pronounce: doo'-los
Origin: from 1210
to commit fornication
porneuo (Greek #4203)
to act the harlot, i.e. (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry
KJV usage: commit (fornication).
Pronounce: porn-yoo'-o
Origin: from 4204
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
to eat
phago (Greek #5315)
to eat (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: eat, meat.
Pronounce: fag'-o
Origin: a primary verb (used as an alternate of 2068 in certain tenses)
g things sacrificed unto idols
eidolothuton (Greek #1494)
an image-sacrifice, i.e. part of an idolatrous offering
KJV usage: (meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols.
Pronounce: i-do-loth'-oo-ton
Origin: neuter of a compound of 1497 and a presumed derivative of 2380
.*
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
d
1 Kings 16:31• 31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. (1 Kings 16:31)
g
Ex. 34:15• 15Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; (Ex. 34:15)
;
1 Cor. 10:20,28• 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
 28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: (1 Cor. 10:20,28)

More on:

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Fornication,
Idolatry,
Jezebel,
Sacrifice,
Servant,
Woman

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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I have.
Rev. 2:4,14• 4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
 14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Rev. 2:4,14)
that woman.
1 Kings 16:31• 31And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. (1 Kings 16:31)
;
1 Kings 17:4,13• 4And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.
 13And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. (1 Kings 17:4,13)
;
1 Kings 19:1‑2• 1And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
 2Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. (1 Kings 19:1‑2)
;
1 Kings 21:7‑15,23‑25• 7And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.
 8So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.
 9And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:
 10And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.
 11And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.
 12They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.
 13And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.
 14Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.
 15And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.
 23And of Jezebel also spake the Lord, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.
 24Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.
 25But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. (1 Kings 21:7‑15,23‑25)
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2 Kings 9:7,30‑37• 7And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord, at the hand of Jezebel.
 30And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
 31And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?
 32And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.
 33And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.
 34And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter.
 35And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
 36Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the Lord, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:
 37And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel. (2 Kings 9:7,30‑37)
and to seduce.
Rev. 2:14• 14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Rev. 2:14)
;
Ex. 34:15• 15Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; (Ex. 34:15)
;
Num. 25:1‑2• 1And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
 2And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. (Num. 25:1‑2)
;
Acts 15:20,29• 20But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
 29That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. (Acts 15:20,29)
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1 Cor. 8:10‑12• 10For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
 11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
 12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. (1 Cor. 8:10‑12)
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1 Cor. 10:18‑21,28• 18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
 19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
 21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
 28But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: (1 Cor. 10:18‑21,28)
• But the Jezebel-state is worse even than that, and most significant of the bloody and idolatrous prophetess who sought to be universal mistress in the so-called dark ages, and dark indeed they were! Of this I believe the church in Thyatira to be the remarkable foreshadowing. (“Lectures on Revelation 2:18-3:16: Thyatira” by W. Kelly)
• When Jezebel sat as a queen in Israel all was ruin and confusion; but the Lord did not fail to raise up a suited witness for Himself. (“Lectures on Revelation 2:18-3:16: Thyatira” by W. Kelly)
• Jezebel, as all knew, was one who added violence to corruption, the counsellor of blood, the active hater of all God's witnesses, the patroness in private and public of the idolatrous priests and prophets of Baal. (“Lectures on Revelation 2:18-3:16: Thyatira” by W. Kelly)
• The sin of fornication or adultery here is symbolical of that wicked commerce with the world, which is in the same relation to the Christian or the church, as intermarriage with a Canaanite would have been to an Israelite. To eat idol-sacrifices sets forth communion with what had a direct link with the power of Satan; (“Lectures on Revelation 2:18-3:16: Thyatira” by W. Kelly)
• Jezebel: Systematic allowance of worldliness, immorality and idolatry. (“Revelation 2 Symbols” by A.H. Burton)

J. N. Darby Translation

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20
But I have against thee that thou permittest the womane Jezebel, she who calls herself prophetess, and she teaches and leads astray my servantsf to commit fornication and eat of idol sacrifices.

JND Translation Notes

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e
Some read "thy wife," alluding doubtless to Jezebel's connexion with responsible Ahab. And that is the meaning I believe of "angel"; the symbolical representative of the assembly seen in those responsible in it, which indeed all really are. Hence "thee," and "to you," "to you each," and "the rest."
f
Or "bondmen," as ch. 1.1.

W. Kelly Translation

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20
But I have againsta thee that thou lettest alone the womanb Jezebel that calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and deceiveth my servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols.

WK Translation Notes

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a
The words "a few things" is all wrong, and on slender ground. The weight of authority is decisively against any qualifying term here. It was not a little complaint, but one of unusual gravity and complication. The phrase crept in, I conceive, from verse 14, as there is otherwise resemblance enough to suggest such an assimilation to a copyist. But on a closer inspection the difference, is great, especially if we are to read "thy wife Jezebel." [See the following note.]
b
The best MSS. lend their strong support against the insertion of sou (you), as read in many MSS. which would require the rendering of "thy wife."