Revelation 2:22
What does Revelation 2:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 2:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 2:22 means
Because she refuses to repent, Jesus declares He will cast her onto a bed—turning the place of sin into a place of affliction. Those who commit adultery with her will be thrown into great tribulation unless they repent of her works. Judgment is not indiscriminate; it is targeted and still leaves room for repentance for her followers. Christ’s discipline is both punitive and restorative, designed to halt the spread of corruption and to bring back the deceived. The imagery warns that what is sought for pleasure can become the scene of pain when opposed to God. Compassion remains open to those who turn.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See, I will put her into a bed, and those who make themselves unclean with her, into great trouble, if they go on with her works.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862lo, I will cast her into a couch, and those committing adultery with her into great tribulation--if they may not repent of their works,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Behold, I will cast her into a bed: and they that commit adultery with her shall be in very great tribulation, except they do penance from their deeds,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold, I cast her into a bed, and those that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,
Context
After announcing Jezebel’s stubborn impenitence (verse 21), this verse lays out the coming discipline for her and her partners. It foreshadows the even more severe outcome in verse 23 for her “children,” likely devoted adherents. The sequence moves from opportunity for repentance, to threatened affliction, to a statement of purpose and universal lesson in the next verse. The call to the wider church will follow in verses 24–25.
v.21And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.
v.22This passage
v.23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 18:30
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord Jehovah. Return ye, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
- Ezekiel 23:45
And righteous men, they shall judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of women that shed blood; because they are adulteresses, and blood is in their hands.
- Zephaniah 3:7
I said, Only fear thou me; receive correction; so her dwelling shall not be cut off, according to all that I have appointed concerning her: but they rose early and corrupted all their doings.
- Ezekiel 16:37
therefore behold, I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them against thee on every side, and will uncover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.
- Luke 13:3
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.
- Ezekiel 33:11
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
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