King James Version

What Does Revelation 2:24 Mean?

Revelation 2:24 in the King James Version says “But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depth... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Revelation 2:24 · KJV


Context

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.

23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

24

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

25

But that which ye have already hold fast till I come .

26

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'depths of Satan' likely refers to Gnostic claims of superior knowledge through embracing evil, or Jezebel's teaching that experiencing immorality provided deeper spiritual understanding. Christ rejects this perversion—true knowledge comes through obedience, not experimental sin. The promise 'I will put upon you none other burden' offers relief; faithfulness to apostolic truth suffices without added legalistic requirements. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture's sufficiency against both antinomian license and legalistic additions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Some Gnostic groups taught that spiritual believers could indulge fleshly desires without spiritual harm, claiming special knowledge ('gnosis') of evil's powerlessness over the enlightened. Others required extreme asceticism. Christ steers between these errors, requiring only faithfulness to received teaching without burdensome innovations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of 'no other burden' combat both legalistic additions and claims that deeper spirituality requires special experiences?
  2. What modern teachings parallel the 'depths of Satan'—claiming that exploring sin leads to spiritual maturity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
ὑμῖν1 of 30

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

δὲ2 of 30

But

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγουσιν·3 of 30

I say

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

καὶ4 of 30

and

G2532

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

λοιποῖς5 of 30

unto the rest

G3062

remaining ones

τοῖς6 of 30
G3588

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

ἐν7 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Θυατείροις8 of 30

Thyatira

G2363

thyatira, a place in asia minor

ὅσοι9 of 30

as many as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

οὐ10 of 30

none

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχουσιν11 of 30

have

G2192

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

τὴν12 of 30
G3588

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

διδαχὴν13 of 30

doctrine

G1322

instruction (the act or the matter)

ταύτην14 of 30
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καὶ15 of 30

and

G2532

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

οἵτινες16 of 30

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

οὐ17 of 30

none

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔγνωσαν18 of 30

have

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

τὰ19 of 30
G3588

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

βάθη20 of 30

the depths

G899

profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery

τοῦ21 of 30
G3588

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

Σατανᾶ22 of 30

of Satan

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

ὡς23 of 30

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

λέγουσιν·24 of 30

I say

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

οὐ25 of 30

none

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

βάλω26 of 30

I will put

G906

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

ἐφ'27 of 30

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμᾶς28 of 30

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἄλλο29 of 30

other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

βάρος30 of 30

burden

G922

weight; in the new testament only, figuratively, a load, abundance, authority


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 2:24 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 2:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study