King James Version

What Does Revelation 2:5 Mean?

Revelation 2:5 in the King James Version says “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickl...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

Revelation 2:5 · KJV

Context

3

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

4

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

6

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Read Revelation 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.... 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 2:5 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 · 29 words
μνημόνευε1 of 29

“Remember”

G3421

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

οὖν2 of 29

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

πόθεν3 of 29

“from whence”

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

ἐκπέπτωκας,4 of 29

“thou art fallen”

G1601

to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient

καὶ5 of 29

“and”

G2532

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

μετανοήσῃς6 of 29

“repent”

G3340

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

καὶ7 of 29

“and”

G2532

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

τὰ8 of 29
G3588

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

πρῶτα9 of 29

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἔργα10 of 29

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ποίησον·11 of 29

“do”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

εἰ12 of 29
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ13 of 29
G1161

but, and, etc

μή14 of 29
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔρχομαί15 of 29

“I will come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

σοι16 of 29

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee

τάχει17 of 29
G5034

a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste

καὶ18 of 29

“and”

G2532

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

κινήσω19 of 29

“will remove”

G2795

to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively

τὴν20 of 29
G3588

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

λυχνίαν21 of 29

“candlestick”

G3087

a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)

σου22 of 29

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐκ23 of 29

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ24 of 29
G3588

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

τόπου25 of 29

“place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

αὐτῆς26 of 29

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐὰν27 of 29
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ28 of 29
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

μετανοήσῃς29 of 29

“repent”

G3340

to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 3:2-3Revelation 3:19Revelation 2:16Hosea 14:1Acts 17:30-31Revelation 2:21-22

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Revelation 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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