Revelation 2:21
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔδωκα
I gave
G1325
ἔδωκα
I gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 13
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
χρόνον
space
G5550
χρόνον
space
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
4 of 13
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
μετενόησεν
repent
G3340
μετενόησεν
repent
Strong's:
G3340
Word #:
6 of 13
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πορνείας
fornication
G4202
πορνείας
fornication
Strong's:
G4202
Word #:
9 of 13
harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Revelation 16:9And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.Revelation 16:11And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.2 Peter 3:15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;1 Peter 3:20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Historical Context
'Jezebel' likely refers to a false prophetess in Thyatira, not the historical queen, though the parallel is deliberate. Like her Old Testament counterpart who promoted Baal worship, this teacher advocated syncretism. Thyatira's trade guilds pressured Christians to attend feasts involving idol worship and immorality. Her prophetic claims gave false authority to compromise.
Questions for Reflection
- How should God's patience with sinners inform both your evangelism and your personal response to conviction?
- What warning does Jezebel's hardness despite opportunity give about the danger of habitual sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's patience in giving 'space to repent' demonstrates His mercy while underscoring human responsibility. The Greek 'chronon' (time) indicates a definite period, not indefinite tolerance. This balance reflects Reformed theology's affirmation of both divine sovereignty in salvation and human moral accountability. Jezebel's refusal despite opportunity shows the hardness of impenitent hearts—a warning against presuming on God's patience. True repentance involves forsaking specific sins, not mere emotional regret.