King James Version

What Does Revelation 2:14 Mean?

Revelation 2:14 in the King James Version says “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But 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.”

Revelation 2:14 · KJV

Context

12

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

13

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14

But 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.

15

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

16

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Read Revelation 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But 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 u... This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 2:14 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἀλλ'1 of 26

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἔχεις2 of 26

“I have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

κατὰ3 of 26

“against”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

σοῦ4 of 26

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὀλίγα5 of 26

“a few things”

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

ὅτι6 of 26

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔχεις7 of 26

“I have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐκεῖ8 of 26

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

κρατοῦντας9 of 26

“them that hold”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τὴν10 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διδαχὴν11 of 26

“the doctrine”

G1322

instruction (the act or the matter)

Βαλαάμ12 of 26

“of Balaam”

G903

balaam, a mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher)

ὃς13 of 26

“who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐδίδασκεν14 of 26
G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

τὸν15 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Βαλὰκ16 of 26

“Balac”

G904

balak, a moabite

βαλεῖν17 of 26

“to cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

σκάνδαλον18 of 26

“a stumblingblock”

G4625

a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)

ἐνώπιον19 of 26

“before”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τῶν20 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱῶν21 of 26

“the children”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Ἰσραήλ22 of 26

“of Israel”

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

φαγεῖν23 of 26

“to eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

εἰδωλόθυτα24 of 26

“things sacrificed unto idols”

G1494

an image-sacrifice, i.e., part of an idolatrous offering

καὶ25 of 26

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πορνεῦσαι26 of 26

“to commit fornication”

G4203

to act the harlot, i.e., (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 31:162 Peter 2:15Revelation 2:20Numbers 25:1-3Acts 15:29Jude 1:11

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