Revelation 2:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 2:6 offers a specific commendation from Jesus Christ to the church in Ephesus, highlighting a positive trait amidst their significant spiritual decline. While they had forsaken their initial fervent love for Christ, they maintained a steadfast doctrinal and moral purity, actively rejecting the corrupting practices and teachings of a group known as the Nicolaitans. This verse underscores that their hatred for these evil deeds was not only righteous but also aligned perfectly with Christ's own divine indignation against such wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus's personal letter to the church in Ephesus, the first of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. The preceding verses establish the Ephesian church's commendable qualities: their hard work, perseverance, and diligent discernment in exposing false apostles ([Revelation 2:2](/revelation/2-2 "Revelation 2:2 - Ephesian Church's Discernment")). However, this praise is immediately followed by a severe rebuke for having "left their first love" ([Revelation 2:4](/revelation/2-4 "Revelation 2:4 - Ephesian Church's Lost First Love")). Thus, [Revelation 2:6](/revelation/2-6 "Revelation 2:6 - Commendation for Hating Nicolaitan Deeds") serves as a final, specific commendation, a ray of light in an otherwise sobering assessment, demonstrating that even a struggling church can possess admirable qualities that align with Christ's character. It sets a precedent for the subsequent letters, where both commendation and rebuke are intricately woven.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent and wealthy port city in Asia Minor, a strategic center for trade, culture, and pagan worship, particularly the cult of Artemis (Diana). The magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, dominated the city's religious landscape. Christians in Ephesus, like those in other Roman cities, faced immense pressure to conform to societal norms, which often involved participation in pagan festivals, guilds, and social gatherings that included idolatry and immorality. The Nicolaitans likely represented a heterodox group, possibly within or closely associated with the early Christian community, who advocated for compromise with these pagan practices—perhaps promoting a form of antinomianism or encouraging participation in idol feasts and associated immorality. Their "deeds" were a direct challenge to the purity and distinctiveness of the Christian faith in a pagan environment.

* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 2:6](/revelation/2-6 "Revelation 2:6 - Commendation for Hating Nicolaitan Deeds") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the letters to the seven churches and the broader book of Revelation. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Commendation for Righteous Indignation**. Not all hatred is sinful; Jesus Himself expresses hatred for the "deeds" of the Nicolaitans, indicating a righteous wrath against evil and corruption that contradicts God's holiness. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Purity of Doctrine and Practice**. The Ephesian church's rejection of the Nicolaitans demonstrates a commitment to spiritual integrity and a refusal to compromise with corrupting influences, a theme echoed in the warnings against false teaching in [Revelation 2:14-15](/revelation/2-14-15 "Revelation 2:14-15 - Balaam and Nicolaitan Doctrine in Pergamum"). Finally, the verse reinforces the critical theme of **Discernment Against False Teaching**. The ability to identify and reject the Nicolaitans' ways speaks to the Ephesian church's spiritual maturity and vigilance, a quality essential for believers navigating a world rife with deceptive doctrines, as seen in the broader warnings against deception in [Matthew 24:4-5](/matthew/24-4-5 "Matthew 24:4-5 - Warnings Against Deception").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hatest (Greek, _miséō'_):** This verb signifies a strong detestation or abhorrence, extending beyond mere dislike to an active opposition. While often associated with sinful human emotions, here it is used in a righteous context, denoting a fervent rejection of that which is contrary to God's nature and will. Jesus's shared hatred for these deeds validates the Ephesian church's stance as morally correct and divinely approved.
* **deeds (Greek, _érgon'_):** This term refers to actions, works, or practices. The focus is not on the Nicolaitans as individuals to be hated, but specifically on their "deeds"—their conduct, teachings, and the practical outworking of their beliefs. This distinction is crucial, emphasizing that God's hatred is directed at sin and its manifestations, not at the person.
* **Nicolaitans (Greek, _Nikolaḯtēs'_):** This refers to a specific group or sect within the early Christian community whose identity and exact practices are debated among scholars. The name itself, potentially derived from "Nikolaos," can be interpreted as "conqueror of the people" (from _nikao_ "to conquer" and _laos_ "people"). Their "deeds" are commonly understood to involve antinomianism, idolatry, and sexual immorality, possibly encouraging participation in pagan temple feasts that included eating food sacrificed to idols and engaging in licentious behavior, akin to the "doctrine of Balaam" mentioned in [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - The Doctrine of Balaam").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But this thou hast,"**: This phrase introduces a positive attribute that the Ephesian church possesses, serving as a counterpoint ("But") to the preceding rebuke regarding their lost "first love." It indicates that despite their significant spiritual failing, there remains a commendable quality in their character and practice, something that Jesus acknowledges and values.
* **"that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans,"**: This clause specifies the positive quality: a strong, active aversion to the practices and teachings of the Nicolaitans. The emphasis is on "deeds," highlighting that their rejection was directed at specific sinful actions and doctrines, not merely a general dislike. This "hatred" is presented as a virtue, demonstrating their commitment to purity and truth in the face of corrupting influences.
* **"which I also hate."**: This powerful concluding statement provides divine validation for the Ephesian church's stance. Jesus Himself shares this righteous indignation against the Nicolaitans' deeds, affirming that their discernment and moral conviction are in perfect alignment with His own holy character and divine standards. This shared hatred underscores the gravity of the Nicolaitans' errors and the importance of resisting them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the Ephesian church's commendable hatred of evil deeds with their prior failure of having lost their "first love." This highlights the complexity of their spiritual state, showing that a church can be strong in one area (doctrinal purity) while weak in another (fervent love). The phrase "which I also hate" functions as **Divine Affirmation**, lending ultimate authority and weight to the Ephesian church's position. It transforms their human stance into a divinely approved one, emphasizing God's active opposition to sin. Furthermore, the focus on "deeds" rather than the people themselves demonstrates a subtle **Distinction**, indicating that the target of the hatred is the sin and its manifestation, not the individuals caught in it, aligning with a biblical understanding of righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 2:6 profoundly illustrates that there is a righteous hatred, one that aligns with the very character of God. This is not a hatred of people, but a fervent, uncompromising detestation of evil, sin, and false teaching that corrupts the truth and defiles God's people. The Ephesian church's stand against the Nicolaitans demonstrates a vital aspect of spiritual maturity: the ability to discern and reject what is contrary to Christ, even when it masquerades as Christian liberty or enlightenment. This commendation from Jesus Himself underscores the importance of doctrinal purity and moral integrity as non-negotiable aspects of genuine faith, reminding believers that compromise with ungodliness is never an option.

* [Psalm 97:10](/psalm/97-10 "Psalm 97:10 - Hate Evil, Love the Lord")
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Abhor What Is Evil")
* [Amos 5:15](/amos/5-15 "Amos 5:15 - Hate Evil, Love Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 2:6 challenges contemporary believers to examine their own spiritual posture. In an age often characterized by a desire for tolerance and inclusivity, this verse reminds us that there are indeed "deeds" and doctrines that God hates, and which His followers are called to likewise abhor. This is not an excuse for personal animosity or judgmentalism towards individuals, but a call to a holy indignation against sin, falsehood, and anything that distorts the gospel or defiles the church. Are we discerning enough to identify such "deeds" in our culture and even within Christian circles? Do we possess the courage to stand against them, even when it is unpopular or costly? This righteous hatred should fuel a passionate love for truth, holiness, and the purity of Christ's church, inspiring us to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and to live lives that reflect God's own abhorrence of evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "deeds" or doctrines in contemporary society or within the church might Jesus "also hate" today?**
* **How can we cultivate a righteous hatred for sin without falling into judgmentalism or hatred of people?**
* **In what areas might I or my church be tempted to compromise with ungodly practices for the sake of cultural acceptance or perceived freedom?**
* **How does my commitment to truth and purity compare with my commitment to "first love"? Are they in balance?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Nicolaitans, and what were their "deeds"?**

Answer: The exact identity and practices of the Nicolaitans remain somewhat mysterious, as they are only mentioned twice in Revelation (here and in [Revelation 2:15](/revelation/2-15 "Revelation 2:15 - The Doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans")). However, scholarly consensus suggests they were a heterodox group or sect within early Christianity that advocated for a dangerous compromise with pagan culture. Their "deeds" likely involved antinomianism (a belief that Christians are free from moral law, leading to license), participation in idolatrous feasts, and sexual immorality. This is often linked to the "doctrine of Balaam" in [Revelation 2:14](/revelation/2-14 "Revelation 2:14 - Balaam's Counsel to Israel"), which refers to leading God's people into sin through idolatry and sexual impurity. Essentially, they promoted a lifestyle that blurred the lines between Christian faith and pagan practices, which Jesus vehemently condemned.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 2:6, with its declaration that Jesus "also hates" the deeds of the Nicolaitans, powerfully reveals a facet of Christ's character often overlooked: His righteous, holy indignation against sin and all that defiles His people and His truth. This is not a vengeful or petty hatred, but a divine abhorrence rooted in His perfect holiness and justice. This aspect of Christ's character is crucial for understanding His redemptive work. He is the one who, out of perfect love for His Father and for humanity, utterly detests the sin that separates us from God. His mission to "destroy the works of the devil" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Came to Destroy the Works of the Devil")) is a direct manifestation of this holy hatred for evil. The cross, where Jesus bore the full weight of sin and its consequences, is the ultimate demonstration of God's hatred for sin and His love for sinners. He did not compromise with sin but conquered it, offering a path to purity and freedom for those who would turn from their own "deeds" and embrace His righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the Ephesian church's righteous stand against the Nicolaitans foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil, a victory that believers are called to participate in by hating what He hates and loving what He loves ([Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Abhor Evil, Cling to Good")).

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

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?