Revelation 2:11

KJV

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that hath {G2192} an ear {G3775}, let him hear {G191} what {G5101} the Spirit {G4151} saith {G3004} unto the churches {G1577}; He that overcometh {G3528} shall {G91} not {G3364} be hurt {G91} of {G1537} the second {G1208} death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who have ears, let them hear what the Spirit is saying to the Messianic communities. He who wins the victory will not be hurt at all by the second death.”’

Berean Standard Bible

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.

American Standard Version

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, the concluding exhortation to the church in Smyrna, encapsulates the divine call for spiritual discernment and unwavering faithfulness amidst tribulation. It offers a profound promise of eternal security to those who overcome the world's pressures and persecutions, assuring them deliverance from the ultimate and terrifying reality of the second death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding exhortation within the letter to the church in Smyrna, found in [Revelation 2:8-11](/revelation/2-8-11 "Revelation 2:8-11 - Letter to Smyrna"). It follows a pattern established in the letters to the [seven churches of Asia Minor](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches"), where each message begins with a description of Christ, followed by commendation, rebuke (if any), exhortation, and a promise to the overcomer. Smyrna, uniquely among these churches, receives no rebuke, only commendation for its endurance through severe poverty and tribulation. The phrase "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" is a recurring motif, appearing at the end of each of the [first four letters](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - Ephesus"), [Revelation 2:17](/revelation/2-17 "Revelation 2:17 - Pergamum"), [Revelation 2:29](/revelation/2-29 "Revelation 2:29 - Thyatira"), and [Revelation 3:6](/revelation/3-6 "Revelation 3:6 - Sardis"), [Revelation 3:13](/revelation/3-13 "Revelation 3:13 - Philadelphia"), [Revelation 3:22](/revelation/3-22 "Revelation 3:22 - Laodicea"), emphasizing the urgent and personal nature of the divine message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Smyrna was a wealthy and beautiful port city, fiercely loyal to Rome, and a center of imperial cult worship. Citizens were expected to participate in emperor worship, often by burning a pinch of incense and declaring "Caesar is Lord." Christians, who refused to do so, were branded as atheists and traitors, leading to intense persecution. The city also had a significant and often hostile Jewish population, some of whom actively opposed the Christians, as indicated by the reference to "the synagogue of Satan" in [Revelation 2:9](/revelation/2-9 "Revelation 2:9 - Smyrna's Tribulation"). This context of economic hardship, social ostracism, and the very real threat of martyrdom—exemplified by the martyrdom of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, around A.D. 155—makes the promise to "not be hurt of the second death" particularly poignant and powerful for the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the [Book of Revelation](/revelation/1 "Revelation - The Revelation of Jesus Christ"). The repeated call, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches," underscores the theme of **spiritual discernment** and the vital importance of heeding divine revelation, not just intellectually, but existentially. It is a call to individual responsibility within the corporate body. The promise to "He that overcometh" highlights the central theme of **victorious perseverance** (Greek: _nikáō_). In Revelation, overcoming is not merely enduring, but actively conquering the forces of evil, the temptations of the world, and the fear of death through steadfast faith in Christ, as seen in [Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb"). Finally, the assurance of escaping "the second death" introduces the critical theme of **eternal judgment and salvation**. This concept, further elaborated in [Revelation 20:6](/revelation/20-6 "Revelation 20:6 - Blessed and Holy are those who have part in the first resurrection") and [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Second Death for the Unbelieving"), distinguishes physical death from an ultimate, eternal separation from God in the "lake of fire," making the promise a profound declaration of ultimate salvation for the faithful.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overcometh (Greek, _nikáō'_):** From G3528, meaning "to subdue," "conquer," "prevail," or "get the victory." This verb is central to the Book of Revelation, appearing 17 times. It signifies not merely passive endurance but active triumph over spiritual adversaries, worldly pressures, and even death itself, through steadfast faith in Christ. The one who "overcomes" is the one who remains faithful to Jesus despite all opposition.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, referring to a "current of air," "breath," or "breeze," and by analogy, a "spirit," often referring to the Holy Spirit. In this context, "the Spirit" is the divine agent through whom Christ's message is conveyed to the churches, emphasizing the supernatural origin and authority of the revelation. It implies a spiritual, not merely intellectual, reception of the message.
* **Second (Greek, _deúteros'_):** From G1208, meaning "second" in time, place, or rank.
* **Death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** From G2288, meaning "death" literally or figuratively.
* **Second Death (Greek, _deúteros thánatos'_):** This compound phrase denotes a distinct and ultimate form of death, beyond physical demise. As explicitly defined in Revelation, it refers to eternal separation from God, often depicted as the "lake of fire," signifying ultimate spiritual condemnation and destruction for the unrighteous. The promise is to be "not hurt" (G91 _adikéō_, meaning "to do wrong" or "to injure") by this final, eternal judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches":** This recurring imperative serves as a solemn call to profound spiritual attention and discernment. It implies that the message is not for casual listening but requires an open, receptive heart and mind, capable of understanding divine truth beyond mere intellectual apprehension. The "Spirit" is the Holy Spirit, the divine communicator of Christ's message, emphasizing the supernatural origin and authority of the words delivered to the collective body of believers, "the churches."
* **"He that overcometh":** This phrase identifies the recipient of the promise. "Overcometh" (Greek: _nikáō_) signifies active victory and perseverance in faith. In the context of Smyrna, it refers to those who conquer fear, resist apostasy, endure persecution, and remain loyal to Christ even unto physical death. It highlights the active role of the believer in maintaining their faith amidst trials.
* **"shall not be hurt of the second death":** This is the glorious promise to the overcomer. The Greek phrase "shall not be hurt" (οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ, _ou mē adikēthē_) uses a strong double negative, emphasizing an absolute and certain protection. "The second death" is a distinct concept from physical death, referring to eternal spiritual judgment and separation from God, often identified with the "lake of fire" in Revelation. The promise assures believers that their ultimate destiny is not condemnation but eternal life and communion with God, regardless of the physical suffering or death they may experience in this life.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 2:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly in the phrase "the second death," which is a symbolic representation of eternal spiritual condemnation and separation from God, distinct from physical death. This symbol is further elucidated later in Revelation as the "lake of fire," serving as a terrifying ultimate consequence for the unfaithful. The repeated phrase "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" is a form of **Exhortation** and **Apostrophe**, directly addressing the reader and calling for individual spiritual responsiveness. It acts as a rhetorical device to underscore the urgency and personal relevance of the divine message. Furthermore, the use of **Contrast** is evident between the temporary physical suffering and potential death faced by the Smyrnan believers and the eternal, ultimate "second death" they are promised to escape. This contrast highlights the profound eternal security offered to those who remain faithful. The language also contains **Metaphor**, as "having an ear" is not merely about physical hearing but about spiritual receptivity and understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 2:11 profoundly reinforces the biblical doctrines of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and eschatological hope. It teaches that God's messages, though delivered to specific churches, carry universal application, requiring individual spiritual attentiveness. The concept of "overcoming" is not a call to self-reliance but a description of the Spirit-empowered perseverance of believers who remain faithful to Christ, even unto death, trusting in His ultimate victory. The promise of exemption from the "second death" underscores the radical distinction between temporal suffering and eternal judgment, emphasizing that true security lies not in avoiding earthly trials but in securing one's eternal destiny through Christ. This verse thus provides immense comfort and motivation for believers facing any form of persecution or hardship, reminding them that their ultimate reward is eternal life with God, free from ultimate condemnation.

* [Revelation 20:6](/revelation/20-6 "Revelation 20:6 - The Second Death Has No Power Over the Resurrected")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Fate of the Unbelieving in the Lake of Fire")
* [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:11 speaks powerfully to believers in every age, reminding us that faithfulness to Christ often entails enduring hardship and opposition. In a world that often prioritizes comfort and conformity, this verse challenges us to cultivate a spiritual "ear" that is attuned to the Spirit's voice, enabling us to discern truth from error and remain steadfast in our convictions. The call to "overcome" is not a passive waiting but an active, Spirit-empowered resistance to the pressures that would compromise our faith. This includes resisting the allure of worldly success, the fear of social ostracism, or even the threat of physical harm. The ultimate promise—freedom from the "second death"—serves as an eternal anchor, assuring us that any earthly suffering is temporary and pales in comparison to the everlasting joy and security found in Christ. It compels us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our spiritual integrity and unwavering loyalty to God above all else, knowing that our ultimate reward is secure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ears" do I need to cultivate to better hear what the Spirit is saying to the church and to me personally?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to "overcome" through perseverance and faithfulness to Christ?**
* **How does the promise of escaping the "second death" influence my perspective on present trials and my commitment to Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the "second death" mentioned in Revelation 2:11?**

Answer: The "second death" is a theological concept unique to the Book of Revelation, distinct from physical death. It refers to eternal spiritual judgment and separation from God, often depicted as the "lake of fire." While physical death is the cessation of earthly life, the second death is the ultimate and irreversible condemnation for those who reject Christ and whose names are not found in the [Book of Life](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life"). It signifies ultimate destruction and eternal suffering for the unrighteous, as described in [Revelation 20:14-15](/revelation/20-14-15 "Revelation 20:14-15 - Death and Hades Cast into the Lake of Fire").

**How does one "overcome" according to Revelation 2:11?**

Answer: To "overcome" (Greek: _nikáō_) in the context of Revelation means to remain faithful to Christ despite intense pressure, persecution, and temptation. For the church in Smyrna, this meant enduring poverty, slander, and the threat of martyrdom without compromising their faith. Generally, it involves resisting the world's systems, sin, and the devil's schemes through the power of the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus. Believers overcome "by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death," as stated in [Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb"). It is a victory achieved through Christ, not by human strength alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:11, while a direct promise to the overcomer, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. He is the supreme "Overcomer," who conquered sin, death, and the grave, as declared in [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World") where He states, "I have overcome the world." His victory on the cross and resurrection from the tomb (see [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ")) is the foundation upon which believers can also overcome. We are able to "overcome" not by our own strength, but by being united with Christ through faith, sharing in His triumph (see [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Him")). The promise of not being hurt by the "second death" is a direct result of Christ's substitutionary sacrifice, where He bore the ultimate judgment for sin, thus delivering those who believe in Him from eternal condemnation (see [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life") and [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Therefore, the call to "hear what the Spirit saith" is fundamentally a call to hear and respond to the Person and work of Jesus Christ, the one who guarantees eternal life and freedom from the ultimate death.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 20:14

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Revelation 2:7

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.

Revelation 13:9

If any man have an ear, let him hear.

Revelation 2:17

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 hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].