Devine Scripture

Revelation 2:6

What does Revelation 2:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 2:6 means

Jesus notes another positive: the Ephesians hate the works of the Nicolaitans, and He hates them too. Though the exact identity of the Nicolaitans is not explained here, their practices were detestable to Christ. Later in the chapter, similar errors involve idolatry and sexual immorality, suggesting a permissive teaching that excused compromise. The Ephesians’ rejection of such deeds shows moral clarity. It matters that believers love what Christ loves and hate what He hates. Yet hostility to evil must be joined with love for Christ and people. Christ’s affirmation assures them that discernment is good; He now calls them to pair it with rekindled affection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But at least you have the credit of hating the works of the Nicolaitans, as I do.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but this thou hast, that thou dost hate the works of the Nicolaitans, that I also hate.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

Context

After the stern warning of verse 5, this verse returns to commendation, reinforcing that Jesus is just and thorough in His evaluation. He sees both good and bad. This prepares for the universal call and promise in verse 7, which will conclude the Ephesian section. The balance of praise and correction here models the tone found throughout the letters: Christ’s approval of faithfulness does not mute His call to repent where needed.

v.5Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.

v.6This passage

v.7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 26:5

    I hate the assembly of evil-doers, And will not sit with the wicked.

  • 2 John 1:9

    Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.

  • Psalms 139:21

    Do not I hate them, O Jehovah, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

  • Psalms 101:3

    I will set no base thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; It shall not cleave unto me.

  • Revelation 2:14

    But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.

  • 2 Chronicles 19:2

    And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the wicked, and love them that hate Jehovah? for this thing wrath is upon thee from before Jehovah.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Revelation 2:6.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary