Go
Articles on

Revelation 2

Rev. 2:14 KJV (With Strong’s)

+
14
But
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 hast
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)
there
ekei (Greek #1563)
there; by extension, thither
KJV usage: there, thither(-ward), (to) yonder (place).
Pronounce: ek-i'
Origin: of uncertain affinity
them that hold
krateo (Greek #2902)
to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).
Pronounce: krat-eh'-o
Origin: from 2904
the doctrine
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
didache (Greek #1322)
instruction (the act or the matter)
KJV usage: doctrine, hath been taught.
Pronounce: did-akh-ay'
Origin: from 1321
of Balaam
Balaam (Greek #903)
Balaam, a Mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher)
KJV usage: Balaam.
Pronounce: bal-ah-am'
Origin: of Hebrew origin (01109)
, who
hos (Greek #3739)
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
KJV usage: one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also 3757.
Pronounce: hos
Origin: ἥ (hay), and neuter ὅ (ho) probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article 3588)
g taught
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)
Balac
Balak (Greek #904)
Balak, a Moabite
KJV usage: Balac.
Pronounce: bal-ak'
Origin: of Hebrew origin (01111)
to cast
ballo (Greek #906)
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
KJV usage: arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare 4496.
Pronounce: bal'-lo
Origin: a primary verb
a stumblingblock
skandalon (Greek #4625)
" probably from a derivative of 2578; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)
KJV usage: occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock.
Pronounce: skan'-dal-on
Origin: ("scandal
before
enopion (Greek #1799)
in the face of (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: before, in the presence (sight) of, to.
Pronounce: en-o'-pee-on
Origin: neuter of a compound of 1722 and a derivative of 3700
the children
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
huios (Greek #5207)
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
KJV usage: child, foal, son.
Pronounce: hwee-os'
Origin: apparently a primary word
of Israel
Israel (Greek #2474)
Israel (i.e. Jisrael), the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: Israel.
Pronounce: is-rah-ale'
Origin: of Hebrew origin (03478)
, 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)
i 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
, 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 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
.*
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
k
g
Num. 31:16• 16Lo, these, through the counsel of Balaam, caused the children of Israel to commit sin against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague on the assembly of Jehovah. (Num. 31:16)
i
Acts 15:29• 29to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication; keeping yourselves from which ye will do well. Farewell. (Acts 15:29)
k
1 Cor. 6:13,18• 13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats; but God will bring to nothing both it and them: but the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
 18Flee fornication. Every sin which a man may practise is without the body, but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. (1 Cor. 6:13,18)

More on:

+
Balaam,
Balac,
Fornication,
Idolatry,
Israel,
Sacrifice,
Stumbling Block

Cross References

+

Ministry on This Verse

+
I have.
Rev. 2:4,20• 4but I have against thee, that thou hast left thy first love.
 20But I have against thee that thou permittest the woman Jezebel, she who calls herself prophetess, and she teaches and leads astray my servants to commit fornication and eat of idol sacrifices. (Rev. 2:4,20)
Balaam.
Num. 24:14• 14And now behold, I go to my people: come, I will admonish thee what this people will do to thy people at the end of days. (Num. 24:14)
;
Num. 25:1‑3• 1And Israel abode in Shittim; and the people began to commit fornication with the daughters of Moab.
 2And they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods; and the people ate, and bowed down to their gods.
 3And Israel joined himself to Baal-Peor; and the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Israel. (Num. 25:1‑3)
;
Num. 31:8,16• 8And they slew the kings of Midian, besides the others slain, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian; and Balaam the son of Beor they slew with the sword.
 16Lo, these, through the counsel of Balaam, caused the children of Israel to commit sin against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague on the assembly of Jehovah. (Num. 31:8,16)
;
Josh. 24:9• 9And Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you; (Josh. 24:9)
;
2 Peter 2:15• 15having left the straight way they have gone astray, having followed in the path of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the reward of unrighteousness; (2 Peter 2:15)
;
Jude 11• 11Woe to them! because they have gone in the way of Cain, and given themselves up to the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 11)
a stumbling-block.
Isa. 57:14• 14And it shall be said, Cast up, cast up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling-blocks out of the way of my people. (Isa. 57:14)
;
Jer. 6:21• 21Therefore thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I will lay stumbling-blocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall over them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish. (Jer. 6:21)
;
Ezek. 3:20• 20And when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and do what is wrong, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die; because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous acts which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thy hand. (Ezek. 3:20)
;
Ezek. 44:12• 12Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and were unto the house of Israel a stumbling-block of iniquity; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, saith the Lord Jehovah, that they shall bear their iniquity. (Ezek. 44:12)
;
Matt. 18:7• 7Woe to the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; yet woe to that man by whom the offence comes! (Matt. 18:7)
;
Rom. 9:32• 32Wherefore? Because it was not on the principle of faith, but as of works. They have stumbled at the stumblingstone, (Rom. 9:32)
;
Rom. 11:9• 9And David says, Let their table be for a snare, and for a gin, and for a fall-trap, and for a recompense to them: (Rom. 11:9)
;
Rom. 14:13,21• 13Let us no longer therefore judge one another; but judge ye this rather, not to put a stumbling-block or a fall-trap before his brother.
 21It is right not to eat meat, nor drink wine, nor do anything in which thy brother stumbles, or is offended, or is weak. (Rom. 14:13,21)
;
1 Cor. 1:23• 23but *we* preach Christ crucified, to Jews an offence, and to nations foolishness; (1 Cor. 1:23)
;
1 Cor. 8:9• 9But see lest anywise this your right to eat itself be a stumbling-block to the weak. (1 Cor. 8:9)
;
1 Peter 2:8• 8and a stone of stumbling and rock of offence; who stumble at the word, being disobedient to which also they have been appointed. (1 Peter 2:8)
eat.
Rev. 2:20• 20But I have against thee that thou permittest the woman Jezebel, she who calls herself prophetess, and she teaches and leads astray my servants to commit fornication and eat of idol sacrifices. (Rev. 2:20)
;
Acts 15:20‑21,29• 20but to write to them to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.
 21For Moses, from generations of old, has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.
 29to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication; keeping yourselves from which ye will do well. Farewell. (Acts 15:20‑21,29)
;
Acts 21:25• 25But concerning those of the nations who have believed, we have written, deciding that they should observe no such thing, only to keep themselves both from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. (Acts 21:25)
;
1 Cor. 8:4‑13• 4--concerning then the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God save one.
 5For and if indeed there are those called gods, whether in heaven or on earth,
 6yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom all things, and *we* for him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and *we* by him.
 7But knowledge is not in all: but some, with conscience of the idol, until now eat as of a thing sacrificed to idols; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.
 8But meat does not commend us to God; neither if we should not eat do we come short; nor if we should eat have we an advantage.
 9But see lest anywise this your right to eat itself be a stumbling-block to the weak.
 10For if any one see thee, who hast knowledge, sitting at table in an idol-house, shall not his conscience, he being weak, be emboldened to eat the things sacrificed to the idol?
 11and the weak one, the brother for whose sake Christ died, will perish through thy knowledge.
 12Now, thus sinning against the brethren, and wounding their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
 13Wherefore if meat be a fall-trap to my brother, I will eat no flesh for ever, that I may not be a fall-trap to my brother. (1 Cor. 8:4‑13)
;
1 Cor. 10:18‑31• 18See Israel according to flesh: are not they who eat the sacrifices in communion with the altar?
 19What then do I say? that what is sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything?
 20But that what the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons, and not to God. Now I do not wish you to be in communion with demons.
 21Ye cannot drink the Lord's cup, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the Lord's table, and of the table of demons.
 22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
 23All things are lawful, but all are not profitable; all things are lawful, but all do not edify.
 24Let no one seek his own advantage, but that of the other.
 25Everything sold in the shambles eat, making no inquiry for conscience sake.
 26For the earth is the Lord's and its fulness.
 27But if any one of the unbelievers invite you, and ye are minded to go, all that is set before you eat, making no inquiry for conscience sake.
 28But if any one say to you, This is offered to holy purposes, do not eat, for his sake that pointed it out, and conscience sake;
 29but conscience, I mean, not thine own, but that of the other: for why is my liberty judged by another conscience?
 30If *I* partake with thanksgiving, why am I spoken evil of for what *I* give thanks for?
 31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do, do all things to God's glory. (1 Cor. 10:18‑31)
to commit.
Rev. 21:8• 8But to the fearful and unbelieving, and sinners, and those who make themselves abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. (Rev. 21:8)
;
Rev. 22:15• 15Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loves and makes a lie. (Rev. 22:15)
;
1 Cor. 6:13‑18• 13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats; but God will bring to nothing both it and them: but the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
 14And God has both raised up the Lord, and will raise us up from among the dead by his power.
 15Do ye not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then, taking the members of the Christ, make them members of a harlot? Far be the thought.
 16Do ye not know that he that is joined to the harlot is one body? for the two, he says, shall be one flesh.
 17But he that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit.
 18Flee fornication. Every sin which a man may practise is without the body, but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. (1 Cor. 6:13‑18)
;
1 Cor. 7:2• 2but on account of fornications, let each have his own wife, and each woman have her own husband. (1 Cor. 7:2)
;
Heb. 13:4• 4Let marriage be held every way in honour, and the bed be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers will God judge. (Heb. 13:4)
• He was led by his covetousness to try and serve the bad king of Moab by cursing the people of God. When God gave him an answer, he goes to God a second time, because his heart wanted its own way. And it is solemn to learn that if God gives you up you may get what you want. (“Lectures on Revelation 2:12-18” by W. Kelly)
• Even the philosophers began to take up Christian truth, and in the writings of the fathers we find pretty much what we have here. What fornication is in moral things, such was their illicit commerce with the world in the things of God. (“Lectures on Revelation 2:12-18” by W. Kelly)
• To Eat Idol Sacrifices: Association with the false worship of devils in the world (1 Cor. 10:20). (“Revelation 2 Symbols” by A.H. Burton)
• Fornication: Illicit commerce with the world. (“Revelation 2 Symbols” by A.H. Burton)

J. N. Darby Translation

+
14
But I have a few things against thee: that thou hast there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a snare before the sons of Israel, to eat of idol sacrifices and commit fornication.

W. Kelly Translation

+
14
But I have a few things against thee, [becausea] thou hast there someb that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication.

WK Translation Notes

+
a
Some of the oldest Latin copies omit "because," which others give.
b
The word "some," or "persons that hold," is better than "them that hold."

WK Verse Note

+
(Note: Words in italics have been inserted from the J. N. Darby translation where the W. Kelly translation doesn’t exist.)