Revelation 2:6

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

But {G235} this {G5124} thou hast {G2192}, that {G3754} thou hatest {G3404} the deeds {G2041} of the Nicolaitans {G3531}, which {G3739} I also {G2504} hate {G3404}.

But you have this in your favor: you hate what the Nicolaitans do — I hate it too.

But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

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

Revelation 2:6 is part of Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Ephesus, one of the seven churches in Asia Minor. After commending their hard work, perseverance, and discernment against false apostles, and then rebuking them for having left their first love, Jesus offers this specific praise. He highlights a positive trait: their strong rejection of the practices of a group known as the Nicolaitans, a rejection that aligns with His own divine character.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' initial commendation of the Ephesian church for their steadfastness and their ability to test those who claimed to be apostles but were not (Revelation 2:2). Despite their spiritual diligence, they had lost the fervent love they once had for Christ and one another (Revelation 2:4). Yet, even with this significant failing, Jesus finds something praiseworthy in their moral and doctrinal stand against the Nicolaitans, emphasizing that this hatred of evil deeds is something He shares.

Key Themes

  • Divine Commendation for Righteous Hatred: The verse reveals that not all hatred is sinful. Jesus Himself hates the "deeds" (erga - actions, works) of the Nicolaitans, indicating a righteous indignation against practices that contradict God's holiness.
  • Purity of Doctrine and Practice: The Ephesian church was commended for maintaining a clear distinction from the corrupting influence of the Nicolaitans, indicating a commitment to spiritual integrity.
  • Discernment Against False Teaching: The church's ability to identify and reject the Nicolaitans' ways speaks to their spiritual discernment, a vital quality for believers in any age.

Linguistic Insights

The identity of the Nicolaitans remains somewhat mysterious. The name itself, Nikolaos, can be broken down into two Greek words: nikao (to conquer) and laos (the people or laity). This has led some to speculate they were a group who sought to "conquer the people" by leading them astray, possibly through a form of antinomianism (freedom from law leading to license) or by encouraging compromise with pagan practices. Their "deeds" likely involved immorality and idolatry, possibly participating in pagan temple feasts that included both sexual license and eating food sacrificed to idols.

Historical and Cultural Context

Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, a bustling port and a center of pagan worship, notably the Temple of Artemis. Early Christians in such environments faced immense pressure to conform to societal norms, which often involved participation in cultic activities or guilds that had pagan associations. The Nicolaitans likely represented a faction within the broader Christian community (or a related cult) that advocated for a more lenient approach to these cultural pressures, perhaps arguing that Christians could participate in certain pagan feasts or practices without compromising their faith. This contrasts sharply with the church in Pergamos, which is rebuked for holding the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, suggesting their influence was spreading.

Practical Application

Revelation 2:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Discernment is Crucial: We must cultivate spiritual discernment to identify and reject teachings and practices that contradict biblical truth, even if they claim to be Christian.
  • Righteous Indignation: There are times when a strong, righteous hatred for evil and sin is not only permissible but commanded by God. This is not hatred of people, but of destructive deeds and doctrines.
  • Stand Against Compromise: The church is called to maintain its distinctiveness from the world's corrupting influences. We must resist the temptation to compromise core biblical principles for cultural acceptance or perceived freedom.
  • God's Standards are Unchanging: What God hated then, He hates now. His character and moral standards remain constant, and He expects His followers to align with them.
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.

  • Psalms 101:3

    I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me.

  • 2 John 1:9

    Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

  • 2 John 1:10

    ¶ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:

  • Revelation 2:14

    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.

  • Revelation 2:15

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

  • Psalms 26:5

    I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

  • Psalms 139:21

    Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
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