Revelation 2:22

KJV

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {G2400}, I {G1473} will cast {G906} her {G846} into {G1519} a bed {G2825}, and {G2532} them that commit adultery {G3431} with {G3326} her {G846} into {G1519} great {G3173} tribulation {G2347}, except {G3362} they repent {G3340} of {G1537} their {G846} deeds {G2041}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I am throwing her into a sickbed; and those who commit adultery with her I am throwing into great trouble, unless they turn from the sins connected with what she does;

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I will cast her onto a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer great tribulation unless they repent of her deeds.

American Standard Version

Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 2:22 issues a severe divine judgment against the symbolic figure "Jezebel" and her followers within the church of Thyatira, who were leading believers into spiritual and possibly physical immorality and idolatry. This pronouncement from Christ underscores the certainty of God's justice against unrepentant sin and spiritual compromise, yet it also extends a conditional offer of mercy, emphasizing the critical importance of genuine repentance as the sole path to avert impending tribulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the fourth of seven letters dictated by the resurrected Christ to specific churches in Asia Minor, found in [Revelation chapters 2 and 3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches"). Each letter follows a similar structure: an address to the church, a self-description of Christ, commendation, rebuke, warning, and a promise to the overcomer. The letter to Thyatira ([Revelation 2:18-29](/revelation/2-18-29 "Revelation 2:18-29 - Letter to Thyatira")) is notable for its length and the intensity of its rebuke, particularly concerning the toleration of "Jezebel." This figure, whether an actual woman or a symbolic representation of a faction, was actively promoting doctrines that led to sexual immorality and the consumption of food sacrificed to idols, practices explicitly condemned by the early church in [Acts 15:29](/acts/15-29 "Acts 15:29 - Apostolic Decree"). The immediate verses preceding [Revelation 2:22](/revelation/2-22 "Revelation 2:22 - Judgment on Jezebel and Her Followers") detail Jezebel's activities and Christ's patient forbearance, having given her "space to repent of her fornication" ([Revelation 2:21](/revelation/2-21 "Revelation 2:21 - Jezebel's Refusal to Repent")). Thus, verse 22 serves as the direct consequence of her and her followers' refusal to turn from their wicked ways.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Thyatira was a prosperous commercial city, renowned for its trade guilds (e.g., dyers, wool workers, leather workers, bronze smiths). Membership in these guilds was often essential for economic survival and social standing. However, guild activities frequently involved participation in pagan feasts, which included eating meat sacrificed to idols and engaging in immoral practices within temple precincts. For Christians, this presented a significant dilemma: compromise their faith or face economic and social ostracization. The "Jezebel" figure likely capitalized on this pressure, perhaps teaching a form of antinomianism—that spiritual liberty permitted participation in these activities, or that one could engage in them without spiritual defilement. The reference to "fornication" and "eating things sacrificed unto idols" directly addresses these specific cultural challenges. The Old Testament Queen Jezebel, known for promoting Baal worship and persecuting God's prophets in Israel ([1 Kings 18-19](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18-19 - Elijah and Jezebel")), serves as a powerful archetype for this destructive influence in Thyatira, symbolizing a spirit of idolatry, immorality, and opposition to God's truth.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes embedded in [Revelation 2:22](/revelation/2-22 "Revelation 2:22 - Divine Judgment and Repentance") are **Divine Judgment**, **Spiritual Fidelity vs. Compromise**, and the **Urgency of Repentance**. God's judgment is portrayed as certain and severe for those who persist in unrepentant sin, especially when it involves leading others astray. The phrase "cast her into a bed" and "into great tribulation" vividly illustrates the direct consequences of spiritual adultery and idolatry, emphasizing that God will not tolerate such defilement within His church. This highlights the theme of **God's Holiness and Justice**, which demands purity and exclusive devotion. Conversely, the verse starkly contrasts the path of compromise with the necessity of **Spiritual Fidelity**. The "adultery" is primarily spiritual, representing unfaithfulness to Christ by embracing false doctrines and participating in pagan practices, akin to Israel's unfaithfulness to Yahweh in the Old Testament ([Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Marriage as a Metaphor for Israel's Unfaithfulness")). Finally, the conditional clause "except they repent of their deeds" powerfully underscores the theme of **God's Patience and the Opportunity for Repentance**. Even in the face of impending judgment, God extends an invitation to turn from sin, demonstrating His desire for restoration rather than destruction, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bed (Greek, _klínē'_):** This word, typically meaning a couch for sleep, sickness, sitting, or eating, carries significant ironic weight in [Revelation 2:22](/revelation/2-22 "Revelation 2:22 - Judgment and Repentance"). Jezebel and her followers promoted a "bed" of spiritual and perhaps physical immorality—a place of illicit pleasure and compromise. However, Christ declares He will "cast her into a bed," transforming it into a "bed of sickness" or a "deathbed." This signifies a direct, personal, and severe judgment, where the very instrument of their sin becomes the instrument of their suffering, a poetic justice.
* **Tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to press" or "to crush," _thlîpsis_ denotes intense pressure, affliction, distress, or suffering. When coupled with "great" (_mégas_), it emphasizes a severe and overwhelming period of hardship and anguish. This is not merely discomfort but a profound and crushing experience of divine judgment, a consequence for those who refuse to abandon their immoral and idolatrous practices.
* **Repent (Greek, _metanoéō'_):** This verb signifies a fundamental change of mind, a reconsideration that leads to moral compunction and a turning away from past actions. It implies not just regret but a decisive shift in one's moral and spiritual direction. In this context, it is the sole condition for escaping the declared judgment, highlighting God's desire for genuine transformation and a return to faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will cast her into a bed":** The opening "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) draws immediate attention to a solemn declaration. "I will cast" (G906, _bállō_) indicates a decisive, forceful action by Christ Himself. The "her" refers to Jezebel, the false prophetess. As discussed in the key word analysis, the "bed" (G2825, _klínē_) here is a place of severe judgment, likely signifying a debilitating illness or even death, a direct reversal of the "bed" of pleasure or idolatrous feasting she promoted. It's a precise, fitting punishment for her specific sin.
* **"and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation":** This clause extends the judgment to those who have been led astray by Jezebel's teachings and practices. "Commit adultery" (G3431, _moicheúō_) refers primarily to spiritual unfaithfulness—forsaking Christ for idolatry and pagan practices—though it may also include literal sexual immorality associated with cultic activities. These followers, complicit in her "deeds," will be cast "into great tribulation" (G2347, _thlîpsis_). This signifies a severe, crushing affliction or suffering, directly proportional to their spiritual compromise and rebellion against God.
* **"except they repent of their deeds":** This crucial conditional clause reveals God's mercy and justice. The judgment is not inevitable if there is a genuine turning away from their "deeds" (G2041, _érgon_), which encompasses their actions, practices, and false teachings. It underscores that God's desire is for repentance and restoration, not merely punishment. The opportunity for repentance remains open, even in the face of impending judgment, emphasizing personal responsibility and the power of a changed heart.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 2:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and the call to repentance. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "Jezebel" serving as a symbolic figure representing a destructive influence of idolatry, immorality, and false teaching within the church, echoing the infamous Old Testament queen. The "bed" itself is a powerful **Metaphor** and an example of **Irony**: what was perhaps a "bed" of illicit pleasure and spiritual compromise becomes a "bed" of sickness and suffering, a place of divine judgment. This transformation highlights the principle of *lex talionis*, where the punishment fits the crime. The "adultery" is also a **Metaphor** for spiritual unfaithfulness, portraying the covenant relationship between Christ and His church as a marriage, where idolatry and compromise constitute infidelity. The entire passage functions as a **Warning**, a common prophetic device, designed to provoke introspection and motivate a change of behavior among those who have strayed or are tempted to compromise their faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 2:22 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His active role as a righteous Judge within His church. It reveals that while God is patient and longs for repentance, His patience is not infinite, and His justice will ultimately prevail against persistent sin and spiritual apostasy. The "great tribulation" promised is a demonstration of divine wrath against those who refuse to abandon their "deeds" of spiritual adultery and idolatry, underscoring the seriousness of forsaking fidelity to Christ. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that true faith demands exclusive devotion and a radical turning away from anything that defiles the sacred covenant relationship with God. It also highlights the transformative power of genuine repentance, which alone can avert the severe consequences of unfaithfulness.

* [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Spiritual Harlotry")
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Kindness Leads to Repentance")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:22 serves as a sobering call to self-examination and spiritual vigilance for believers and churches today. It challenges us to consider where we might be tolerating "Jezebel-like" influences—whether false doctrines, moral compromises, or cultural pressures that subtly lead us away from wholehearted devotion to Christ. The passage reminds us that God's holiness demands purity and that there are real, severe consequences for spiritual unfaithfulness. It urges us to exercise discernment, to test every spirit, and to hold fast to sound doctrine, refusing to compromise our faith for social acceptance or worldly gain. Crucially, it also offers immense hope: even in the face of impending judgment, God's mercy extends an invitation to repent. This means acknowledging our sins, turning away from them, and recommitting ourselves fully to Christ. It is a powerful reminder that God's desire is always for our restoration, but that restoration requires our active, heartfelt response of repentance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or my church's life might we be tolerating "Jezebel-like" influences, leading to spiritual compromise or unfaithfulness?**
* **How does the concept of "spiritual adultery" challenge my understanding of my relationship with Christ and my commitment to Him?**
* **What specific "deeds" might I need to repent of to align more fully with God's will and avoid spiritual "tribulation"?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to identify and resist false teachings or cultural pressures that subtly undermine my devotion to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Jezebel" in Revelation 2:22?**

Answer: In [Revelation 2:20](/revelation/2-20 "Revelation 2:20 - Jezebel's Influence in Thyatira"), "Jezebel" is presented as a "prophetess" who was leading members of the church in Thyatira astray. While some scholars believe she might have been a literal woman, the consensus is that she primarily represents a symbolic figure or a faction within the church that promoted compromise with pagan practices, idolatry, and sexual immorality. Her name intentionally evokes the Old Testament Queen Jezebel ([1 Kings 18-19](/1_kings/18-19 "1 Kings 18-19 - Elijah and Jezebel")), who famously introduced Baal worship to Israel and persecuted God's prophets. Thus, the "Jezebel" in Thyatira symbolizes a spirit of spiritual corruption, false teaching, and a destructive influence that threatened the purity and fidelity of the church to Christ.

**What does "cast her into a bed" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "cast her into a bed" ([Revelation 2:22](/revelation/2-22 "Revelation 2:22 - Judgment on Jezebel")) carries a powerful ironic and symbolic meaning. While a "bed" could be associated with the immoral sexual practices or idolatrous feasts that Jezebel promoted, in this context, it transforms into a "bed of sickness" or a "deathbed." It signifies a severe, personal, and debilitating judgment from Christ, where the very instrument or context of her sin becomes the instrument of her suffering. It implies a divinely inflicted illness or affliction that will serve as a direct consequence of her unrepentant actions and her leading others into sin.

**Is the "great tribulation" mentioned here the same as the Great Tribulation described elsewhere in Revelation?**

Answer: While the term "great tribulation" (Greek: _thlîpsis megálē_) is used in [Revelation 2:22](/revelation/2-22 "Revelation 2:22 - Judgment on Jezebel's Followers") to describe the judgment on Jezebel's followers, it is distinct from "the great tribulation" (Greek: _hē thlîpsis hē megálē_) that refers to the specific, intense period of suffering for the entire world described in later chapters of Revelation ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Great Tribulation") and [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation")). In [Revelation 2:22](/revelation/2-22 "Revelation 2:22 - Judgment on Jezebel's Followers"), "great tribulation" refers to the severe, divinely ordained affliction or suffering that would specifically befall Jezebel's unrepentant followers in Thyatira. It is a localized, immediate judgment for their specific sins, rather than the global, eschatological event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:22, though a stern warning of judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the righteous Judge and the merciful Savior. Christ's declaration to "cast her into a bed" and her followers "into great tribulation" reveals His divine authority and His unwavering commitment to the holiness of His church. As the one "who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass" ([Revelation 2:18](/revelation/2-18 "Revelation 2:18 - Christ's Description to Thyatira")), Jesus possesses perfect discernment to see and judge all sin, and the power to execute that judgment. Yet, even in this pronouncement of judgment, Christ's desire for repentance shines through, as He offers a conditional reprieve: "except they repent of their deeds." This reflects His character as the one who came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). The spiritual adultery committed by Jezebel's followers is an act of unfaithfulness against Christ, who is the true Bridegroom of the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). His judgment, therefore, is an act of jealous love, seeking to purify His bride. Ultimately, Christ Himself bore the "great tribulation" of God's wrath on the cross, making repentance and forgiveness possible for all who turn to Him. He is the one who grants repentance and forgiveness of sins ([Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus, the Prince and Savior")), offering a path to escape the judgment that unrepentant sin justly deserves.

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 17:2

With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

Ezekiel 16:37

Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all [them] that thou hast loved, with all [them] that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

Ezekiel 16:41

And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.

Luke 13:5

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Jeremiah 36:3

It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

Revelation 18:3

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Ezekiel 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.