Revelation 2:6
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἔχεις
thou hast
G2192
ἔχεις
thou hast
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μισῶ
hate
G3404
μισῶ
hate
Strong's:
G3404
Word #:
5 of 12
to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
the deeds
G2041
ἔργα
the deeds
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
7 of 12
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
The Nicolaitan heresy likely advocated compromise with pagan practices to avoid persecution, including eating idol-meat and sexual immorality (Rev 2:14-15). In trade-guild dominated Ephesus, economic pressure tempted believers to participate in pagan feasts. The church's resistance pleased Christ, though other congregations tolerated this teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's example of 'hating' false deeds while loving His church inform your response to error within Christian communities?
- What modern compromises with cultural sin might parallel the Nicolaitan teaching of blending faith with worldly practices?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ's hatred of Nicolaitan deeds reveals His holy intolerance of antinomianism—the false teaching that grace permits sinful license. Early church fathers (Irenaeus, Hippolytus) identify Nicolaitans with libertine practices mixing Christianity with pagan immorality. Reformed theology affirms that genuine faith produces sanctification; mere profession without transformation indicates false conversion. Christ's 'hatred' (Greek 'miseis') demonstrates that true love for God includes hatred of evil—not the sinner, but the sin that enslaves.