King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: you have some people who hold to the teaching of Bil‘am, who taught Balak to set a trap for the people of Isra’el, so that they would eat food that had been sacrificed to idols and commit sexual sin.
Berean Standard Bible:
But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.
American Standard Version:
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.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
But{G235} I have{G2192} a few things{G3641} against{G2596} thee{G4675}, because{G3754} thou hast{G2192} there{G1563} them that hold{G2902} the doctrine{G1322} of Balaam{G903}, who{G3739} taught{G1722}{G1321} Balac{G904} to cast{G906} a stumblingblock{G4625} before{G1799} the children{G5207} of Israel{G2474}, to eat{G5315} things sacrificed unto idols{G1494}, and{G2532} to commit fornication{G4203}.
Cross-References (KJV):
2 Peter 2:15
- Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Numbers 31:16
- Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
Revelation 2:20
- Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Numbers 25:1
- ¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
Numbers 25:3
- And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.
Acts 15:29
- That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
Jude 1:11
- Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
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Commentary for Revelation 2:14
Revelation 2:14 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically from the Book of Revelation, which is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. This book is apocalyptic literature, characterized by symbolic language and visions concerning the end times and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The verse is part of a letter dictated by Jesus Christ to the church in Pergamos, one of the seven churches in Asia Minor addressed at the beginning of Revelation.
In this verse, Jesus rebukes the church for tolerating some members who adhere to the "doctrine of Balaam." This refers to the Old Testament figure Balaam, who, in the Book of Numbers (Numbers 22-24, 31:16), was hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Although Balaam was prevented from cursing them, he later advised Balak to entice the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, which led to their downfall (Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16).
The historical context of Balaam's story is set during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land when they were seen as a threat by neighboring nations. Balaam's actions are seen as an attempt to weaken Israel spiritually and morally. In the New Testament context, the "doctrine of Balaam" is used metaphorically to describe those who lead others into sin, particularly by compromising with pagan practices and moral laxity.
In Revelation 2:14, the specific sins mentioned are eating food sacrificed to idols and committing fornication, which were common pagan practices in the Greco-Roman world at the time. These practices were particularly problematic for the early Christian communities, as they not only violated Jewish dietary laws but also signified participation in idolatry, which was incompatible with Christian monotheism. The term "fornication" here may also be understood metaphorically to represent spiritual unfaithfulness to God.
The theme of the verse is a warning against syncretism—the blending of religious beliefs and practices—and moral compromise within the church. It calls for purity and faithfulness to God, emphasizing that even in a religiously and morally diverse society, Christians must remain distinct in their worship and conduct. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of straying from God's commandments and the importance of maintaining doctrinal and moral integrity in the face of external pressures.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G235
There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀλλά
Transliteration: allá
Pronunciation: al-lah'
Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet. - Strong's Number: G2192
There are 628 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔχω
Transliteration: échō
Pronunciation: skheh'-o
Description: a primary verb; to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition):--be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use. - Strong's Number: G3641
There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὀλίγος
Transliteration: olígos
Pronunciation: ol-ee'-gos
Description: of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat:--+ almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while. - Strong's Number: G2596
There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κατά
Transliteration: katá
Pronunciation: kat-ah'
Description: a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined):--about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity. - Strong's Number: G4675
There are 360 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: σοῦ
Transliteration: soû
Pronunciation: soo
Description: genitive case of σύ; of thee, thy:--X home, thee, thine (own), thou, thy. - Strong's Number: G3754
There are 1189 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅτι
Transliteration: hóti
Pronunciation: hot'-ee
Description: neuter of ὅστις as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:--as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why. - Strong's Number: G1563
There are 98 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐκεῖ
Transliteration: ekeî
Pronunciation: ek-i'
Description: of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither:--there, thither(-ward), (to) yonder (place). - Strong's Number: G2902
There are 46 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: κρατέω
Transliteration: kratéō
Pronunciation: krat-eh'-o
Description: from κράτος; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively):--hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by). - Strong's Number: G1322
There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: διδαχή
Transliteration: didachḗ
Pronunciation: did-akh-ay'
Description: from διδάσκω; instruction (the act or the matter):--doctrine, hath been taught. - Strong's Number: G903
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Βαλαάμ
Transliteration: Balaám
Pronunciation: bal-ah-am'
Description: of Hebrew origin (בִּלְעָם); Balaam, a Mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher):--Balaam. - Strong's Number: G3739
There are 1215 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὅς
Transliteration: hós
Pronunciation: ho
Description: probably a primary word (or perhaps a form of the article ὁ); the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:--one, (an-, the) other, some, that, what, which, who(-m, -se), etc. See also οὗ. - Strong's Number: G1722
There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐν
Transliteration: en
Pronunciation: en
Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition. - Strong's Number: G1321
There are 91 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: διδάσκω
Transliteration: didáskō
Pronunciation: did-as'-ko
Description: a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application):--teach. - Strong's Number: G904
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Βαλάκ
Transliteration: Balák
Pronunciation: bal-ak'
Description: of Hebrew origin (בָּלָק); Balak, a Moabite:--Balac. - Strong's Number: G906
There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: βάλλω
Transliteration: bállō
Pronunciation: bal'-lo
Description: a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):--arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare ῥίπτω. - Strong's Number: G4625
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: σκάνδαλον
Transliteration: skándalon
Pronunciation: skan'-dal-on
Description: ("scandal"); probably from a derivative of κάμπτω; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin):--occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock. - Strong's Number: G1799
There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐνώπιον
Transliteration: enṓpion
Pronunciation: en-o'-pee-on
Description: neuter of a compound of ἐν and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι; in the face of (literally or figuratively):--before, in the presence (sight) of, to. - Strong's Number: G5207
There are 348 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: υἱός
Transliteration: huiós
Pronunciation: hwee-os'
Description: apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:--child, foal, son. - Strong's Number: G2474
There are 68 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Ἰσραήλ
Transliteration: Israḗl
Pronunciation: is-rah-ale'
Description: of Hebrew origin (יִשְׂרָאֵל); Israel (i.e. Jisrael), the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively):--Israel. - Strong's Number: G5315
There are 90 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: φάγω
Transliteration: phágō
Pronunciation: fag'-o
Description: a primary verb (used as an alternate of ἐσθίω in certain tenses); to eat (literally or figuratively):--eat, meat. - Strong's Number: G1494
There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰδωλόθυτον
Transliteration: eidōlóthyton
Pronunciation: i-do-loth'-oo-ton
Description: neuter of a compound of εἴδωλον and a presumed derivative of θύω; an image-sacrifice, i.e. part of an idolatrous offering:--(meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols. - Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet. - Strong's Number: G4203
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πορνεύω
Transliteration: porneúō
Pronunciation: porn-yoo'-o
Description: from πόρνη; to act the harlot, i.e. (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry:--commit (fornication).