Revelation 2:22
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Original Language Analysis
βάλλω
will cast
G906
βάλλω
will cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
3 of 21
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
αὐτῶν
her
G846
αὐτῶν
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 21
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῶν
her
G846
αὐτῶν
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 21
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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
μεγάλην
great
G3173
μεγάλην
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
14 of 21
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
15 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
μετανοήσωσιν
they repent
G3340
μετανοήσωσιν
they repent
Strong's:
G3340
Word #:
17 of 21
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
18 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 17:2With 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.Luke 13:5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.Revelation 18:9And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,Jeremiah 36:3It 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 18:3For 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.Luke 13:3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.Ezekiel 23:29And they shall deal with thee hatefully, and shall take away all thy labour, and shall leave thee naked and bare: and the nakedness of thy whoredoms shall be discovered, both thy lewdness and thy whoredoms.Ezekiel 33:11Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?Zephaniah 3:7I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.
Historical Context
First-century churches faced intense pressure to participate in guild feasts that included sexual immorality and idol worship. Economic survival often depended on guild membership. This judgment served both to discipline the church and warn against syncretism—a constant temptation when cultural conformity offers tangible benefits.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the reality of church discipline (temporal judgment) reflect God's fatherly care for His people's holiness?
- What 'tribulation' might God use in your life to call you back from compromise with worldly patterns?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The promise of 'great tribulation' for the impenitent demonstrates that God's judgment begins with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17). Those who committed adultery with Jezebel face consequences unless they repent of 'their deeds'—emphasizing personal responsibility despite external temptation. The conditional 'except they repent' maintains hope while warning of certain judgment. Reformed theology affirms that temporal judgments serve medicinal purposes, calling believers to repentance before final judgment.