Revelation 2:15

KJV

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} hast {G2192} thou {G4771} also {G2532} them that hold {G2902} the doctrine {G1322} of the Nicolaitans {G3531}, which thing {G3739} I hate {G3404}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise, you too have people who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Berean Standard Bible

In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

American Standard Version

So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 2:15 delivers a stern rebuke from Jesus Christ to the church in Pergamum, condemning their dangerous toleration of those who held the "doctrine of the Nicolaitans." Despite their commendable endurance in a hostile environment, the church was failing to uphold spiritual purity by allowing a teaching that promoted moral compromise and idolatry, a practice Jesus unequivocally declares He hates. This verse highlights Christ's unwavering demand for holiness and His active opposition to any doctrine that defiles His people or dishonors His name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 2:15 is an integral part of the letter to the church in Pergamum, one of the seven churches addressed by Christ in the opening chapters of [the Book of Revelation](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches"). This specific verse immediately follows Christ's commendation of the Pergamene believers for holding fast to His name even in the city where "Satan's seat" was (as stated in [Revelation 2:13](/revelation/2-13 "Revelation 2:13 - Satan's Seat in Pergamum")). However, the praise quickly turns to a severe indictment, linking the Nicolaitan doctrine to the "doctrine of Balaam" mentioned in [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam"), which led Israel into idolatry and immorality. The juxtaposition of commendation and condemnation underscores the serious nature of the internal compromise within the church, despite external pressures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Pergamum was a prominent center in Asia Minor, known for its intellectual pursuits, vast library, and, most notably, its fervent pagan worship and imperial cult. It was home to a massive altar dedicated to Zeus, a renowned temple to Asclepius (the god of healing, symbolized by a serpent), and was a primary center for emperor worship, demanding allegiance to Caesar as divine. This environment earned Pergamum the moniker "Satan's seat" ([Revelation 2:13](/revelation/2-13 "Revelation 2:13 - Pergamum, Satan's Seat")). Christians in Pergamum faced immense pressure to conform, exemplified by the martyrdom of Antipas, Christ's "faithful martyr" ([Revelation 2:13](/revelation/2-13 "Revelation 2:13 - Antipas, Christ's Faithful Martyr")). In such a context, the temptation to compromise faith for social or economic survival would have been strong, making the church's toleration of the Nicolaitan doctrine particularly egregious.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Revelation 2:15](/revelation/2-15 "Revelation 2:15 - The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans") is the **danger of internal compromise and toleration of false doctrine** within the church. While the Pergamene church bravely resisted external persecution, they faltered by permitting a teaching that undermined their spiritual purity. This verse, alongside [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam"), highlights the insidious nature of doctrines that encourage participation in idolatry and sexual immorality, often under the guise of Christian freedom or a distorted understanding of grace. The explicit declaration "which thing I hate" reveals Christ's absolute **intolerance for spiritual compromise and sin** within His body, echoing His earlier commendation of the Ephesian church for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans in [Revelation 2:6](/revelation/2-6 "Revelation 2:6 - Ephesus Hates the Nicolaitans"). This underscores Christ's unwavering demand for holiness and purity from His followers, emphasizing that true faithfulness involves not only enduring persecution but also actively rejecting anything that defiles the church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hold (Greek, _kratéō'_):** From κράτος, meaning "to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies a firm grasp or adherence, indicating that some within the Pergamene church were actively embracing and maintaining the Nicolaitan doctrine, rather than merely being exposed to it. This implies a deliberate and sustained acceptance.
* **doctrine (Greek, _didachḗ'_):** From διδάσκω, meaning "instruction (the act or the matter)." This term refers to a specific teaching or set of beliefs. The use of "doctrine" here emphasizes that the Nicolaitan influence was not just a practice but a system of thought or instruction that was being propagated and accepted within the church, shaping their understanding and behavior.
* **hate (Greek, _miséō'_):** From a primary root meaning "hatred"; to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less. Christ's use of this strong verb signifies a profound and active detestation, not a casual dislike. It conveys His absolute opposition and abhorrence for the Nicolaitan doctrine, highlighting its direct affront to His holy character and His desire for the purity of His church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So hast thou also them":** This phrase directly connects the Pergamene church's situation to the preceding discussion of the "doctrine of Balaam" in [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam"). The "also" (G2532, _kaí_) indicates that in addition to those holding Balaam's doctrine, there were also those holding the Nicolaitan doctrine. The direct address "thou" (G4771, _sý_) points to the church as a corporate entity being held responsible for the presence of these individuals and their teachings within its fellowship.
* **"that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans":** This identifies the specific group and their teaching. The word "hold" (G2902, _kratéō_) implies active adherence and retention, not just passive exposure. The "doctrine" (G1322, _didachḗ_) refers to a system of teaching, suggesting an organized or influential set of beliefs rather than isolated acts. The Nicolaitans (G3531, _Nikolaḯtēs_) were a sect promoting moral compromise, likely involving participation in idolatrous feasts and sexual immorality, mirroring the temptations faced by Israel through Balaam.
* **"which thing I hate":** This is Christ's emphatic and personal declaration. The pronoun "which thing" (G3739, _hós_) refers directly to the doctrine and the act of holding it. The verb "hate" (G3404, _miséō_) conveys a deep, active aversion. This is not merely a statement of disapproval but a profound expression of divine abhorrence, underscoring Christ's absolute holiness and His demand for moral and doctrinal purity within His church. It reveals His righteous indignation against anything that defiles His bride.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 2:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The use of **Direct Condemnation** is paramount, as Jesus unequivocally states, "which thing I hate." This strong, personal declaration from Christ emphasizes the severity of the issue and leaves no room for misinterpretation regarding His stance on the Nicolaitan doctrine. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Contrast** to the earlier commendation of the Pergamene church for their steadfastness in the face of external persecution. While they were praised for holding fast to Christ's name, their internal compromise with false teaching presents a stark and tragic contrast, highlighting that faithfulness requires both external endurance and internal purity. Finally, the "doctrine of the Nicolaitans" itself serves as a **Symbolism** for any teaching that encourages moral laxity, spiritual compromise, or syncretism within the church. Though the specific practices are not fully detailed, the name and its association with Balaam's doctrine symbolize the perennial temptation for believers to engage in idolatry and immorality, blurring the lines between Christian faith and worldly practices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The condemnation of the Nicolaitan doctrine in Revelation 2:15 profoundly reveals Christ's unwavering commitment to the holiness and purity of His church. This is not merely a matter of personal preference but reflects the very character of God, who is holy and cannot tolerate sin or compromise within His covenant people. The toleration of false teaching, especially one that leads to idolatry and immorality, is viewed as a direct assault on God's nature and His redemptive purposes. It underscores the theological truth that genuine faith is not passive but actively resists error and pursues righteousness, understanding that grace does not license sin but empowers transformation. Christ's hatred for this doctrine serves as a powerful reminder that the church, as His bride, is called to be spotless and blameless, reflecting His glory to the world.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Destructive Heresies")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14-22](/1_corinthians/10-14-22 "1 Corinthians 10:14-22 - Fleeing Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:15 serves as an enduring and vital warning for believers and churches across all generations. In an age where theological lines are often blurred and moral compromises are increasingly normalized, Christ's clear declaration of "I hate" against the Nicolaitan doctrine calls us to a renewed vigilance. It challenges us to critically examine not only the doctrines we embrace but also the practices we tolerate within our communities and personal lives. Are we, like the Pergamene church, so focused on external pressures that we neglect internal purity? This verse compels us to cultivate discernment, to be rooted deeply in biblical truth, and to actively resist any teaching or lifestyle that undermines the holiness and distinctiveness of Christ's followers. It reminds us that true love for Christ necessitates a corresponding hatred for what dishonors Him, compelling us to uphold biblical standards of doctrine and conduct, even when it is unpopular or difficult.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "doctrines" or cultural compromises might the church today be tolerating that Jesus would "hate"?**
* **How can individual believers cultivate greater discernment to identify and reject false teachings in their own lives and communities?**
* **In what ways might our pursuit of "freedom" or "grace" inadvertently lead us toward moral or spiritual compromise, mirroring the Nicolaitan error?**
* **What steps can our church take to ensure it remains pure in doctrine and practice, reflecting Christ's holiness?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Nicolaitans, and what was their doctrine?**

Answer: While the New Testament does not provide extensive details about the Nicolaitans, they are mentioned in the letters to the churches of Ephesus ([Revelation 2:6](/revelation/2-6 "Revelation 2:6 - Ephesus Hates the Nicolaitans")) and Pergamum ([Revelation 2:15](/revelation/2-15 "Revelation 2:15 - Pergamum Tolerates the Nicolaitans")). Their "doctrine" (Greek: _didachḗ_) is condemned by Christ, and their "deeds" are hated by the Ephesian church. Scholarly consensus, often drawing parallels with the "doctrine of Balaam" in [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam"), suggests that the Nicolaitans promoted moral compromise within the early church. This likely involved encouraging participation in idolatrous feasts (eating food sacrificed to idols) and engaging in sexual immorality. They may have justified these practices through a distorted understanding of Christian liberty, perhaps arguing that since salvation is by grace, outward actions (like participating in pagan rituals or engaging in certain sexual behaviors) were irrelevant to one's spiritual standing. Essentially, their doctrine facilitated syncretism and a lax approach to Christian ethics, blurring the lines between Christian faith and the surrounding pagan culture.

**Why does Jesus say 'I hate' this doctrine?**

Answer: Jesus' declaration "which thing I hate" (Greek: _miséō_) is a profoundly strong statement, revealing His absolute and righteous abhorrence for the Nicolaitan doctrine. This is not a casual dislike but a deep detestation rooted in His holy character. He hates this doctrine because it directly contradicts His nature and His purpose for the church. The Nicolaitan teachings led believers into idolatry and sexual immorality, which are an affront to God's holiness and purity. God consistently condemns idolatry throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - No Other Gods Before Me")) and the New Testament (e.g., [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee Idolatry")). Similarly, sexual immorality is repeatedly denounced as defiling and contrary to God's will for His people (e.g., [1 Corinthians 6:18-20](/1_corinthians/6-18-20 "1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - Flee Sexual Immorality")). By tolerating and even embracing such a doctrine, the Pergamene church was compromising its identity as Christ's pure bride and undermining its witness to a pagan world. Christ's hatred for this doctrine underscores His unwavering demand for holiness, reflecting His desire for His people to be set apart and undefiled, truly reflecting His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:15, with Christ's vehement condemnation of the Nicolaitan doctrine, profoundly underscores His identity as the holy and righteous Son of God, who came to purify a people for Himself. His hatred for this doctrine, which promoted moral compromise and idolatry, is a direct reflection of His mission to cleanse and sanctify His church. Just as He "gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Purifies His People")), His rejection of the Nicolaitan error demonstrates His unwavering commitment to a holy bride. This echoes the Old Testament's emphasis on God's separation from sin and idolatry, now perfectly embodied in Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His sacrifice was not a license for sin but the foundation for a new life of righteousness ([Romans 6:1-4](/romans/6-1-4 "Romans 6:1-4 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). Therefore, His hatred for the Nicolaitan doctrine is a pastoral act, a call for His followers to live consistently with the new creation they are in Him, striving to be "holy and blameless before him in love" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Holy and Blameless in Christ")). Ultimately, Christ's judgment against such compromise foreshadows His final return, when He will present to Himself a church "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Spotless Church")), demonstrating that His love for His church demands its purity.

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 2:6

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