Devine Scripture

Revelation 2:23

What does Revelation 2:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 2:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 2:23 means

Jesus declares He will kill her children with death, and all the churches will know that He is the One who searches minds and hearts and repays each according to works. The severity is sobering: her most committed offspring—her movement’s fruit—will meet decisive judgment. This is not rash anger but revelatory justice. Christ’s aim is that every church recognize His omniscience and righteousness. He sees the inner life, not only outward form, and His recompense fits reality. This verse underscores His divine prerogative: He alone reads the depths and renders verdict. It is a warning and a safeguard for His flock.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I will put her children to death; and all the churches will see that I am he who makes search into the secret thoughts and hearts of men: and I will give to every one of you the reward of your works.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and her children I will kill in death, and know shall all the assemblies that I am he who is searching reins and hearts; and I will give to you--to each--according to your works.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And 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 to every one of you according to your works. But to you I say

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and her children will I kill with death; and all the assemblies shall know that I am he that searches [the] reins and [the] hearts; and I will give to you each according to your works.

Context

This climactic judgment follows the warnings of verses 21–22. Its declared purpose is pedagogical: all churches must learn who Jesus is and how He rules. With that established, the letter turns to the faithful remnant in Thyatira (verses 24–25), giving them relief from further burdens and a call to hold fast. Then come expansive promises to overcomers (verses 26–28), before the standard closing exhortation (verse 29).

v.22Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.

v.23This passage

v.24But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 3:10

    Say ye of the righteous, that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7

    But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.

  • Romans 2:5

    but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:10

    For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

  • Deuteronomy 21:21

    And all the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones: so shalt thou put away the evil from the midst of thee; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

  • Romans 14:12

    So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.

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