Revelation 2:11

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.

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}.

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.”’

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.

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.

Revelation 2:11 concludes the Lord's message to the church in Smyrna, one of the seven churches of Asia Minor. It delivers a crucial promise to those who endure hardship and remain faithful.

Context

This verse is part of the letter addressed to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11). Unlike some other churches, Smyrna receives no rebuke but is commended for its faithfulness despite intense suffering and poverty. The church was facing severe persecution and tribulation, even to the point of death, from both Roman authorities and a hostile Jewish community (referred to as "the synagogue of Satan"). The message serves as an encouragement to persevere in the face of these trials.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Discernment: The repeated phrase "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" (also found in Revelation 2:7 and other letters) emphasizes the need for spiritual understanding beyond mere physical hearing. It calls individuals to personally heed the divine instructions and warnings given to the entire body of believers.
  • Overcoming Faith: The promise is specifically for "He that overcometh." In the context of Smyrna, this means those who conquer fear, endure persecution, resist apostasy, and remain loyal to Christ even unto death. This theme of overcoming is central to the Book of Revelation, highlighting the victory of faithful believers.
  • The Second Death: The core promise is freedom from the "second death." This concept is distinct from physical death, which all humans experience. The "second death" is an eternal spiritual judgment, often identified in Revelation as the lake of fire, signifying eternal separation from God and ultimate condemnation for the unrighteous.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "overcometh" is nikao (νικάω), which means "to conquer," "to prevail," or "to gain the victory." This word is used throughout Revelation to describe the perseverance and triumph of believers over the world, sin, and spiritual adversaries. It conveys a sense of active struggle and ultimate triumph through faith in Christ.

Practical Application

Revelation 2:11 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers today. It assures us that our endurance in faith, even through severe difficulties, is noticed and rewarded by God. The promise of not being hurt by the second death underscores the eternal security and hope offered to those who remain faithful to Christ. It encourages believers to prioritize spiritual integrity over worldly comfort and to trust in God's ultimate justice and salvation, knowing that temporary suffering pales in comparison to eternal life with Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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].

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