Revelation 2:24
But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Original Language Analysis
λέγουσιν·
I say
G3004
λέγουσιν·
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 30
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχουσιν
have
G2192
ἔχουσιν
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 30
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
14 of 30
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
16 of 30
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
ἔγνωσαν
have
G1097
ἔγνωσαν
have
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
18 of 30
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βάθη
the depths
G899
βάθη
the depths
Strong's:
G899
Word #:
20 of 30
profundity, i.e., (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
23 of 30
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
λέγουσιν·
I say
G3004
λέγουσιν·
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
24 of 30
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
βάλω
I will put
G906
βάλω
I will put
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
26 of 30
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
ἐφ'
upon
G1909
ἐφ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
27 of 30
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Acts 15:28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;2 Corinthians 2:11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.2 Corinthians 11:3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.Revelation 13:14And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Historical Context
Some Gnostic groups taught that spiritual believers could indulge fleshly desires without spiritual harm, claiming special knowledge ('gnosis') of evil's powerlessness over the enlightened. Others required extreme asceticism. Christ steers between these errors, requiring only faithfulness to received teaching without burdensome innovations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of 'no other burden' combat both legalistic additions and claims that deeper spirituality requires special experiences?
- What modern teachings parallel the 'depths of Satan'—claiming that exploring sin leads to spiritual maturity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'depths of Satan' likely refers to Gnostic claims of superior knowledge through embracing evil, or Jezebel's teaching that experiencing immorality provided deeper spiritual understanding. Christ rejects this perversion—true knowledge comes through obedience, not experimental sin. The promise 'I will put upon you none other burden' offers relief; faithfulness to apostolic truth suffices without added legalistic requirements. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture's sufficiency against both antinomian license and legalistic additions.