King James Version

What Does Revelation 2:20 Mean?

Revelation 2:20 in the King James Version says “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a pro...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”

Revelation 2:20 · KJV

Context

18

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

19

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

20

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

22

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Read Revelation 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat th... 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 2:20 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 · 23 words
ἀλλ'1 of 23

“Notwithstanding”

G235

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

ἔχω2 of 23

“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 23

“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 23

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὀλίγα5 of 23

“a few things”

G3641

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

ὅτι6 of 23

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐᾷς7 of 23

“thou sufferest”

G1439

to let be, i.e., permit or leave alone

τὴν8 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

γυναῖκα9 of 23

“that woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

Ἰεζάβηλ,10 of 23

“Jezebel”

G2403

jezabel (i.e., jezebel), a tyrian woman (used as a synonym of a termagant or false teacher)

τὴν11 of 23

“which”

G3588

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

λέγουσαν12 of 23

“calleth”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἑαυτὴν13 of 23

“herself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

προφῆτιν14 of 23

“a prophetess”

G4398

a female foreteller or an inspired woman

διδάσκειν15 of 23

“to teach”

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

καὶ16 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

πλανᾶσθαι17 of 23

“to seduce”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

ἐμοὺς18 of 23

“my”

G1699

my

δούλους19 of 23

“servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

πορνεῦσαι20 of 23

“to commit fornication”

G4203

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

καὶ21 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

εἰδωλόθυτα22 of 23

“things sacrificed unto idols”

G1494

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

φαγεῖν23 of 23

“to eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 2:141 Kings 16:311 Corinthians 10:18-21Acts 15:29Acts 15:202 Kings 9:7

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