1:4 From John, 1 to the seven churches that are in the province of Asia: 2 Grace and peace to you 3 from “he who is,” 4 and who was, and who is still to come, 5 and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 1:5 and from Jesus Christ – the faithful 6 witness, 7 the firstborn from among the dead, the ruler over the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has set us free 8 from our sins at the cost of 9 his own blood 1:6 and has appointed 10 us as a kingdom, 11 as priests 12 serving his God and Father – to him be the glory and the power for ever and ever! 13 Amen.
1:7 (Look! He is returning with the clouds, 14
and every eye will see him,
even 15 those who pierced him, 16
and all the tribes 17 on the earth will mourn because 18 of him.
This will certainly come to pass! 19 Amen.) 20
1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” 21 says the Lord God – the one who is, and who was, and who is still to come – the All-Powerful! 22
1:9 I, John, your brother and the one who shares 23 with you in the persecution, kingdom, and endurance that 24 are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus. 25 1:10 I was in the Spirit 26 on the Lord’s Day 27 when 28 I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 1:11 saying: “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches – to Ephesus, 29 Smyrna, 30 Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
1:12 I 31 turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, 32 and when I did so, 33 I saw seven golden lampstands, 1:13 and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man. 34 He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet and he wore a wide golden belt 35 around his chest. 1:14 His 36 head and hair were as white as wool, even as white as snow, 37 and his eyes were like a fiery 38 flame. 1:15 His feet were like polished bronze 39 refined 40 in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar 41 of many waters. 1:16 He held 42 seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His 43 face shone like the sun shining at full strength. 1:17 When 44 I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but 45 he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, 1:18 and the one who lives! I 46 was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades! 47 1:19 Therefore write what you saw, what is, and what will be after these things. 48 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands is this: 49 The seven stars are the angels 50 of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus, 51 write the following: 52
“This is the solemn pronouncement of 53 the one who has a firm grasp on 54 the seven stars in his right hand 55 – the one who walks among the seven golden 56 lampstands: 2:2 ‘I know your works as well as your 57 labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate 58 evil. You have even put to the test 59 those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. 2:3 I am also aware 60 that you have persisted steadfastly, 61 endured much for the sake of my name, and have not grown weary. 2:4 But I have this against you: You have departed 62 from your first love! 2:5 Therefore, remember from what high state 63 you have fallen and repent! Do 64 the deeds you did at the first; 65 if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place – that is, if you do not repent. 66 2:6 But you do have this going for you: 67 You hate what the Nicolaitans 68 practice 69 – practices I also hate. 2:7 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, 70 I will permit 71 him to eat from the tree of life that is 72 in the paradise of God.’ 73
2:8 “To 74 the angel of the church in Smyrna write the following: 75
“This is the solemn pronouncement of 76 the one who is the first and the last, the one who was dead, but 77 came to life: 2:9 ‘I know the distress you are suffering 78 and your poverty (but you are rich). I also know 79 the slander against you 80 by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but are a synagogue 81 of Satan. 2:10 Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. The devil is about to have some of you thrown 82 into prison so you may be tested, 83 and you will experience suffering 84 for ten days. Remain faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown that is life itself. 85 2:11 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers 86 will in no way be harmed by the second death.’
2:12 “To 87 the angel of the church in Pergamum write the following: 88
“This is the solemn pronouncement of 89 the one who has the sharp double-edged sword: 90 2:13 ‘I know 91 where you live – where Satan’s throne is. Yet 92 you continue to cling 93 to my name and you have not denied your 94 faith in me, 95 even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, 96 who was killed in your city 97 where Satan lives. 2:14 But I have a few things against you: You have some people there who follow the teaching of Balaam, 98 who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block 99 before the people 100 of Israel so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. 101 2:15 In the same way, there are also some among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 102 2:16 Therefore, 103 repent! If not, I will come against you quickly and make war against those people 104 with the sword of my mouth. 2:17 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, 105 I will give him some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white 106 stone, 107 and on that stone will be written a new name that no one can understand 108 except the one who receives it.’
2:18 “To 109 the angel of the church in Thyatira write the following: 110
“This is the solemn pronouncement of 111 the Son of God, the one who has eyes like a fiery flame 112 and whose feet are like polished bronze: 113 2:19 ‘I know your deeds: your love, faith, 114 service, and steadfast endurance. 115 In fact, 116 your more recent deeds are greater than your earlier ones. 2:20 But I have this against you: You tolerate that 117 woman 118 Jezebel, 119 who calls herself a prophetess, and by her teaching deceives 120 my servants 121 to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 122 2:21 I 123 have given her time to repent, but 124 she is not willing to repent of her sexual immorality. 2:22 Look! I am throwing her onto a bed of violent illness, 125 and those who commit adultery with her into terrible suffering, 126 unless they repent of her deeds. 2:23 Furthermore, I will strike her followers 127 with a deadly disease, 128 and then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts. I will repay 129 each one of you 130 what your deeds deserve. 131 2:24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, all who do not hold to this teaching 132 (who have not learned the so-called “deep secrets 133 of Satan”), to you I say: I do not put any additional burden on you. 2:25 However, hold on to what you have until I come. 2:26 And to the one who conquers 134 and who continues in 135 my deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations 136 –
2:27 he 137 will rule 138 them with an iron rod 139
and like clay jars he will break them to pieces, 140
2:28 just as I have received the right to rule 141 from my Father – and I will give him the morning star. 142 2:29 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
3:1 “To 143 the angel of the church in Sardis write the following: 144
“This is the solemn pronouncement of 145 the one who holds 146 the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a reputation 147 that you are alive, but 148 in reality 149 you are dead. 3:2 Wake up then, and strengthen what remains that was about 150 to die, because I have not found your deeds complete 151 in the sight 152 of my God. 3:3 Therefore, remember what you received and heard, 153 and obey it, 154 and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never 155 know at what hour I will come against 156 you. 3:4 But you have a few individuals 157 in Sardis who have not stained 158 their clothes, and they will walk with me dressed 159 in white, because they are worthy. 3:5 The one who conquers 160 will be dressed like them 161 in white clothing, 162 and I will never 163 erase 164 his name from the book of life, but 165 will declare 166 his name before my Father and before his angels. 3:6 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
3:7 “To 167 the angel of the church in Philadelphia write the following: 168
“This is the solemn pronouncement of 169 the Holy One, the True One, who holds the key of David, who opens doors 170 no one can shut, and shuts doors 171 no one can open: 3:8 ‘I know your deeds. (Look! I have put 172 in front of you an open door that no one can shut.) 173 I know 174 that you have little strength, 175 but 176 you have obeyed 177 my word and have not denied my name. 3:9 Listen! 178 I am going to make those people from the synagogue 179 of Satan – who say they are Jews yet 180 are not, but are lying – Look, I will make 181 them come and bow down 182 at your feet and acknowledge 183 that I have loved you. 3:10 Because you have kept 184 my admonition 185 to endure steadfastly, 186 I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away 187 your crown. 188 3:12 The one who conquers 189 I will make 190 a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never depart from it. I 191 will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from my God), 192 and my new name as well. 3:13 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
3:14 “To 193 the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following: 194
“This is the solemn pronouncement of 195 the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator 196 of God’s creation: 3:15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. 197 I wish you were either cold or hot! 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going 198 to vomit 199 you out of my mouth! 3:17 Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired great wealth, 200 and need nothing,” but 201 do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, 202 poor, blind, and naked, 3:18 take my advice 203 and buy gold from me refined by fire so you can become rich! Buy from me 204 white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness 205 will not be exposed, and buy eye salve 206 to put on your eyes so you can see! 3:19 All those 207 I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent! 3:20 Listen! 208 I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home 209 and share a meal with him, and he with me. 3:21 I will grant the one 210 who conquers 211 permission 212 to sit with me on my throne, just as I too conquered 213 and sat down with my Father on his throne. 3:22 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
1 tn Grk “John.” The word “From” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate the sender of the letter.
2 tn Grk “Asia”; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia. The words “the province of” are supplied to indicate to the modern reader that this does not refer to the continent of Asia.
3 tn It is probable that the ὑμῖν (Jumin) applies to both elements of the greeting, i.e., to both grace and peace.
4 tc The earliest and best
5 tn BDAG 106 s.v. ἀπό 5.d states: “The expr. εἰρήνη ἀπὸ ‘ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος’ Rv 1:4 is quite extraordinary. It may be an interpretation of the name Yahweh already current, or an attempt to show reverence for the divine name by preserving it unchanged, or simply one more of the grammatical peculiarities so frequent in Rv.”
6 tn Or “Jesus Christ – the faithful one, the witness…” Some take ὁ πιστός (Jo pistos) as a second substantive in relation to ὁ μάρτυς (Jo martus). In the present translation, however, ὁ πιστός was taken as an adjective in attributive position to ὁ μάρτυς. The idea of martyrdom and faithfulness are intimately connected. See BDAG 820 s.v. πιστός 1.a.α: “ὁ μάρτυς μου ὁ πιστός μου Rv 2:13 (μάρτυς 3); in this ‘book of martyrs’ Christ is ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστὸς (καὶ ὁ ἀληθινός) 1:5; 3:14; cp. 19:11 (the combination of ἀληθινός and πιστός in the last two passages is like 3 Macc 2:11). Cp. Rv 17:14.”
7 sn The Greek term translated witness can mean both “witness” and “martyr.”
8 tc The reading “set free” (λύσαντι, lusanti) has better ms support (Ì18 א A C 1611 2050 2329 2351 ÏA sy) than its rival, λούσαντι (lousanti, “washed”; found in P 1006 1841 1854 2053 2062 ÏK lat bo). Internally, it seems that the reading “washed” could have arisen in at least one of three ways: (1) as an error of hearing (both “released” and “washed” are pronounced similarly in Greek); (2) an error of sight (both “released” and “washed” look very similar – a difference of only one letter – which could have resulted in a simple error during the copying of a ms); (3) through scribal inability to appreciate that the Hebrew preposition ב can be used with a noun to indicate the price paid for something. Since the author of Revelation is influenced significantly by a Semitic form of Greek (e.g., 13:10), and since the Hebrew preposition “in” (ב) can indicate the price paid for something, and is often translated with the preposition “in” (ἐν, en) in the LXX, the author may have tried to communicate by the use of ἐν the idea of a price paid for something. That is, John was trying to say that Christ delivered us at the price of his own blood. This whole process, however, may have been lost on a later scribe, who being unfamiliar with Hebrew, found the expression “delivered in his blood” too difficult, and noticing the obvious similarities between λύσαντι and λούσαντι, assumed an error and then proceeded to change the text to “washed in his blood” – a thought more tolerable in his mind. Both readings, of course, are true to scripture; the current question is what the author wrote in this verse.
9 tn The style here is somewhat Semitic, with the use of the ἐν (en) + the dative to mean “at the price of.” The addition of “own” in the English is stylistic and is an attempt to bring out the personal nature of the statement and the sacrificial aspect of Jesus’ death – a frequent refrain in the Apocalypse.
11 tn The verb ποιέω (poiew) can indicate appointment or assignment rather than simply “make” or “do.” See Mark 3:14 (L&N 37.106).
12 tn See BDAG 168 s.v. βασιλεία 1.a for the idea of “he made us a kingdom,” which was translated as “he appointed us (to be or function) as a kingdom” (see the note on the word “appointed” earlier in the verse).
13 tn Grk “a kingdom, priests.” The term ἱερεῖς (Jiereis) is either in apposition to βασιλείαν (basileian) or as a second complement to the object “us” (ἡμᾶς, Jhmas). The translation retains this ambiguity.
14 tc Both the longer reading τῶν αἰώνων (twn aiwnwn, “to the ages of the ages” or, more idiomatically, “for ever and ever”; found in א C Ï) and the shorter (“for ever”; found in Ì18 A P 2050 pc bo) have good ms support. The author uses the longer expression (εἰς [τοὺς] αἰῶνας [τῶν] αἰώνων, ei" [tou"] aiwna" [twn] aiwnwn) in every other instance of αἰών in Revelation, twelve passages in all (1:18; 4:9, 10; 5:13; 7:12; 10:6; 11:15; 14:11; 15:7; 19:3; 20:10; 22:5). Thus, on the one hand, the style of the author is consistent, while on the other hand, the scribes may have been familiar with such a stylistic feature, causing them to add the words here. The issues are more complex than can be presented here; the longer reading, however, is probably original (the shorter reading arising from accidental omission of the genitive phrase due to similarity with the preceding words).
16 sn An allusion to Dan 7:13.
17 tn Here καί (kai) was translated as ascensive.
18 sn An allusion to Zech 12:10.
19 tn In this context, tribes (φυλαί, fulai) could also be translated as “nations” or “peoples” (L&N 11.56).
20 tn The conjunction ἐπί (epi) is most likely causal here. The people who crucified him are those of every tribe on the earth and they will mourn because he comes as judge.
21 tn Grk “Yes, Amen.” The expression “This will certainly come to pass” is an attempt to capture the force of the juxtaposition of the Greek ναί (nai) and the Hebrew ἀμήν (amhn). See L&N 69.1.
22 sn These lines are placed in parentheses because they form an aside to the main argument.
21 tc The shorter reading “Omega” (ὦ, w) has superior ms evidence ({א1 A C 1611}) to the longer reading which includes “the beginning and the end” (ἀρχὴ καὶ τέλος or ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος, arch kai telo" or Jh arch kai to telo"), found in א*,2 1854 2050 2329 2351 ÏA lat bo. There is little reason why a scribe would have deleted the words, but their clarifying value and the fact that they harmonize with 21:6 indicate that they are a secondary addition to the text.
22 tn On this word BDAG 755 s.v. παντοκράτωρ states, “the Almighty, All-Powerful, Omnipotent (One) only of God…(ὁ) κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὁ π. …Rv 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7; 21:22.”
26 tn The translation attempts to bring out the verbal idea in συγκοινωνός (sunkoinwno", “co-sharer”); John was suffering for his faith at the time he wrote this.
27 tn The prepositional phrase ἐν ᾿Ιησοῦ (en Ihsou) could be taken with ὑπομονῇ (Jupomonh) as the translation does or with the more distant συγκοινωνός (sunkoinwno"), in which case the translation would read “your brother and the one who shares with you in Jesus in the persecution, kingdom, and endurance.”
28 tn The phrase “about Jesus” has been translated as an objective genitive.
31 tn Or “in the spirit.” “Spirit” could refer either to the Holy Spirit or the human spirit, but in either case John was in “a state of spiritual exaltation best described as a trance” (R. H. Mounce, Revelation [NICNT], 75).
32 tn Concerning the phrase κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ (kuriakh Jhmera) BDAG 576 s.v. κυριακός states: “pert. to belonging to the Lord, the Lord’s…κ. ἡμέρᾳ the Lord’s day (Kephal. I 192, 1; 193, 31…) i.e. certainly Sunday (so in Mod. Gk….) Rv 1:10 (WStott, NTS 12, ’65, 70-75).”
33 tn The conjunction καί (kai) is not introducing a coordinate thought, but one that is logically subordinate to the main verb ἐγενόμην (egenomhn).
36 map For location see JP1-D2; JP2-D2; JP3-D2; JP4-D2.
37 tn Grk “and to Smyrna.” For stylistic reasons the conjunction καί (kai) and the preposition εἰς (eis) have not been translated before the remaining elements of the list. In lists with more than two elements contemporary English generally does not repeat the conjunction except between the next to last and last elements.
41 tn Throughout the translation John’s use of καί (kai) often reflects the varied usage of the Hebrew conjunction ו (vav). A clause which καί introduces has been translated in terms of its semantic relationship to the clause that preceded it. If the καί seemed redundant, however, it was left untranslated; that is the case in this verse.
42 tn Grk “with me.” The translation “with me” implies that John was engaged in a dialogue with the one speaking to him (e.g., Jesus or an angel) when in reality it was a one-sided conversation, with John doing all the listening. For this reason, μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ (met’ emou, “with me”) was translated as “to me.”
43 tn Grk “and turning I saw.” The repetition of ἐπιστρέφω (epistrefw) is somewhat redundant in contemporary English and has been translated generally.
46 tn This phrase constitutes an allusion to Dan 7:13. Concerning υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου (Juio" tou anqrwpou), BDAG 1026 s.v. υἱός 2.d.γ says: “ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου lit. ‘the son of the man’…‘the human being, the human one, the man’…On Israelite thought contemporary w. Jesus and alleged knowledge of a heavenly being looked upon as a ‘Son of Man’ or ‘Man’, who exercises Messianic functions such as judging the world (metaph., pictorial passages in En 46-48; 4 Esdr 13:3, 51f)…Outside the gospels: Ac 7:56…Rv 1:13; 14:14 (both after Da 7:13…).” The term “son” here in this expression is anarthrous and as such lacks specificity. Some commentators and translations take the expression as an allusion to Daniel 7:13 and not to “the son of man” found in gospel traditions (e.g., Mark 8:31; 9:12; cf. D. E. Aune, Revelation [WBC], 2:800-801; cf. also NIV). Other commentators and versions, however, take the phrase “son of man” as definite, involving allusions to Dan 7:13 and “the son of man” gospel traditions (see G. K. Beale, Revelation [NIGTC], 771-72; NRSV).
47 tn Or “a wide golden sash,” but this would not be diagonal, as some modern sashes are, but horizontal. The Greek term can refer to a wide band of cloth or leather worn on the outside of one’s clothing (L&N 6.178).
51 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
52 tn The clause, “even as white as snow” seems to heighten the preceding clause and is so understood in this ascensive sense (“even”) in the translation.
53 tn The genitive noun πυρός (puros) has been translated as an attributive genitive.
56 tn The precise meaning of the term translated “polished bronze” (χαλκολιβάνῳ, calkolibanw), which appears nowhere else in Greek literature outside of the book of Revelation (see 2:18), is uncertain. Without question it is some sort of metal. BDAG 1076 s.v. χαλκολίβανον suggests “fine brass/bronze.” L&N 2.57 takes the word to refer to particularly valuable or fine bronze, but notes that the emphasis here and in Rev 2:18 is more on the lustrous quality of the metal.
57 tn Or “that has been heated in a furnace until it glows.”
58 tn Grk “sound,” but the idea is closer to the roar of a waterfall or rapids.
61 tn Grk “and having.” In the Greek text this is a continuation of the previous sentence, but because contemporary English style employs much shorter sentences, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the pronoun “he.”
62 tn This is a continuation of the previous sentence in the Greek text, but a new sentence was started here in the translation.
66 tn Grk “And when.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
67 tn Here the Greek conjunction καί (kai) has been translated as a contrastive (“but”) due to the contrast between the two clauses.
71 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
72 tn Concerning “Hades” BDAG 19 s.v. ᾅδης 1 and 2 states: “Orig. proper noun, god of the nether world, ‘Hades’, then the nether world, Hades as place of the dead, Ac 2:27, 31 (Ps 15:10; Eccl 9:10; PGM 1, 179; 16, 8; Philo, Mos. 1, 195; Jos., Bell. 1, 596, Ant. 6, 332). Of Jonah’s fish ἐκ τοῦ κατωτάτου ᾅδου. In the depths, contrasted w. heaven ἕως (τοῦ) ᾅδου Mt 11:23; Lk 10:15 (PsSol 15:10; cp.; Is 14:11, 15); ἐν τῷ ᾅδῃ 16:23; ἐν ῝Αιδου ApcPt Rainer. Accessible by gates (but the pl. is also used [e.g. Hom., X., Ael. Aristid. 47, 20 K.=23 p. 450 D.] when only one gate is meant), hence πύλαι ᾅδου (Il. 5, 646; Is 38:10; Wsd 16:13; 3 Macc 5:51; Pss. Sol. 16:2. – Lucian, Menipp. 6 the magicians can open τοῦ ῝Αιδου τὰς πύλας and conduct people in and out safely) Mt 16:18…locked ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾅδου Rv 1:18 (the genitives are either obj. [Ps.-Apollod. 3, 12, 6, 10 Aeacus, the son of Zeus holds the κλεῖς τοῦ ῝Αιδου; SEG VIII, 574, 3 (III ad) τῷ τὰς κλεῖδας ἔχοντι τῶν καθ᾿ ῝Αιδου (restored)] or possess.; in the latter case death and Hades are personif.; s. 2)…Hades personif.…w. θάνατος (cp. Is 28:15; Job 38:17…) Rv 6:8; 20:13f.”
76 tn Grk “Therefore write the things that you saw, and the things that are, and the things that will take place after these things.” Verse 19 could also be translated (taking καί…καί [kai…kai] as “both…and”): “Therefore write what you have seen, both what things currently are and what is going to happen after these things.” The structure of this verse is debated.
81 tn The words “is this” are supplied to make a complete sentence in English.
82 tn Or perhaps “the messengers.”
86 map For location see JP1-D2; JP2-D2; JP3-D2; JP4-D2.
87 tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.
88 tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” The expression τάδε λέγει (tade legei) occurs eight times in the NT, seven of which are in Rev 2-3. “The pronoun is used to add solemnity to the prophetic utterance that follows. …In classical drama, it was used to introduce a new actor to the scene (Smyth, Greek Grammar, 307 [§1241]). But the τάδε λέγει formula in the NT derives from the OT, where it was used to introduce a prophetic utterance (BAGD, s.v. ὅδε, 1)” (ExSyn 328). Thus, the translation “this is the solemn pronouncement of” for τάδε λέγει is very much in keeping with the OT connotations of this expression.
89 tn Grk “holds,” but the term (i.e., κρατῶν, kratwn) with an accusative object, along with the context, argues for a sense of firmness. (Cf. ExSyn 132.)
90 sn On seven stars in his right hand see 1:16.
91 tn Grk “lampstands of gold” with the genitive τῶν χρυσῶν (twn cruswn) translated as an attributive genitive.
91 tn Although the first possessive pronoun σου (sou) is connected to τὰ ἔργα (ta erga) and the second σου is connected to ὑπομονήν (Jupomonhn), semantically κόπον (kopon) is also to be understood as belonging to the Ephesian church. The translation reflects this.
92 tn The translation “tolerate” seems to capture the sense of βαστάσαι (bastasai) here. BDAG 171 s.v. βαστάζω 2.b.β says, “bear, endure…κακούς Rv 2:2.…bear patiently, put up with: weaknesses of the weak Ro 15:1; cf. IPol 1:2; evil Rv 2:3.”
93 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the participle was broken off from the previous sentence and translated as an indicative verb beginning a new sentence here in the translation.
96 tn Because of the length and complexity of this Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the phrase “I am also aware” to link this English sentence back to “I know” at the beginning of v. 2.
97 tn The Greek word translated “persisted steadfastly” (ὑπομονή, Jupomonh) is the same one translated “steadfast endurance” in v. 2.
101 tn The Greek word translated “departed from” (ἀφίημι, afihmi; L&N 15.48) can actually be used of divorce (L&N 34.78), so the imagery here is very strong.
106 tn Grk “from where,” but status is in view rather than physical position. On this term BDAG 838 s.v. πόθεν 1 states, “from what place? from where?…In imagery μνημόνευε πόθεν πέπτωκες remember from what (state) you have fallen Rv 2:5.”
107 tn Grk “and do” (a continuation of the previous sentence in the Greek text). For stylistic reasons in English a new sentence was started here in the translation. The repeated mention of repenting at the end of the verse suggests that the intervening material (“do the deeds you did at first”) specifies how the repentance is to be demonstrated.
108 tn Or “you did formerly.”
109 tn Although the final clause is somewhat awkward, it is typical of the style of Revelation.
111 tn Grk “But you do have this.” The words “going for you” are supplied to complete the English idiom; other phrases like “in your favor” (NIV) or “to your credit” (NRSV) could also be supplied.
112 sn The Nicolaitans were a sect (sometimes associated with Nicolaus, one of the seven original deacons in the church in Jerusalem according to Acts 6:5) that apparently taught that Christians could engage in immoral behavior with impunity.
113 tn The expression τὰ ἔργα τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν (ta erga twn Nikolaitwn) has been translated as a subjective genitive.
116 tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.” The pendent dative is allowed to stand in the English translation because it is characteristic of the author’s style in Revelation.
117 tn Or “grant.”
118 tn Or “stands.”
119 tc The omission of “my” (μου, mou) after “God” (θεοῦ, qeou) is well attested, supported by א A C and the Andreas of Caesarea group of Byzantine
121 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.
122 tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.
123 tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.
124 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present between these two phrases.
126 tn Or “know your suffering.” This could refer to suffering or distress caused by persecution (see L&N 22.2).
127 tn Because of the length and complexity of this Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the phrase “I also know” to link this English sentence back to “I know” at the beginning of the verse.
128 tn The words “against you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
129 sn A synagogue was a place for Jewish prayer and worship, with recognized leadership (e.g., Mt 4:23, Mk 1:21, Lk 4:15, Jn 6:59).
131 tn Grk “is about to throw some of you,” but the force is causative in context.
132 tn Or “tempted.”
133 tn Or “experience persecution,” “will be in distress” (see L&N 22.2).
134 tn Grk “crown of life,” with the genitive “of life” (τῆς ζωῆς, th" zwh") functioning in apposition to “crown” (στέφανον, stefanon): “the crown that consists of life.”
136 tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”
141 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.
142 tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.
143 tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.
144 sn On the sharp double-edged sword see 1:16.
146 tc The shorter reading adopted here has superior ms support (א A C P 2053 al latt co), while the inclusion of “your works and” (τὰ ἔργα σου καί, ta erga sou kai) before “where you reside” is supported by the Byzantine witnesses and is evidently a secondary attempt to harmonize the passage with 2:2, 19; 3:1, 8, 15.
147 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “Yet” to indicate the contrast between their location and their faithful behavior.
148 tn The present indicative verb κρατεῖς (kratei") has been translated as a progressive present.
149 tn Grk “the faith”; here the Greek article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
150 tn Grk “the faith of me” (τὴν πίστιν μου, thn pistin mou) with the genitive “of me” (μου) functioning objectively.
151 tn Or “martyr.” The Greek word μάρτυς can mean either “witness” or “martyr.”
152 tn Grk “killed among you.” The term “city” does not occur in the Greek text of course, but the expression παρ᾿ ὑμῖν, ὅπου ὁ σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ (par’ Jumin, {opou Jo satana" katoikei) seems to indicate that this is what is meant. See G. B. Caird, Revelation (HNTC), 36-38.
151 sn See Num 22-24; 31:16.
152 tn That is, a cause for sinning. An alternate translation is “who instructed Balak to cause the people of Israel to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols…”
153 tn Grk “sons,” but the expression υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραήλ (Juioi Israhl) is an idiom for the people of Israel as an ethnic entity (see L&N 11.58).
154 tn Due to the actual events in the OT (Num 22-24; 31:16), πορνεῦσαι (porneusai) is taken to mean “sexual immorality.” BDAG 854 s.v. πορνεύω 1 states, “engage in illicit sex, to fornicate, to whore…W. φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα ‘eat meat offered to idols’ Rv 2:14, 20.”
156 tn The term ὁμοίως (Jomoiws, “likewise”) is left untranslated because it is quite redundant.
161 tc The “therefore” (οὖν, oun) is not found in א 2053 2329 2351 ÏA or the Latin
162 tn Grk “with them”; the referent (those people who follow the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
166 tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.” The pendent dative is allowed to stand in the English translation because it is characteristic of the author’s style in Revelation.
167 tn Or “bright.” The Greek term λευκός (leukos) can refer either to the color white (traditional here) or to an object that is bright or shining, either from itself or from an outside source of illumination (L&N 14.50; 79.27).
168 tn On the interpretation of the stone, L&N 2.27 states, “A number of different suggestions have been made as to the reference of ψῆφος in this context. Some scholars believe that the white ψῆφος indicates a vote of acquittal in court. Others contend that it is simply a magical amulet; still others, a token of Roman hospitality; and finally, some have suggested that it may represent a ticket to the gladiatorial games, that is to say, to martyrdom. The context, however, suggests clearly that this is something to be prized and a type of reward for those who have ‘won the victory.’”
169 tn Or “know”; for the meaning “understand” see L&N 32.4.
171 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.
172 tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.
173 tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.
174 tn Grk “a flame of fire.” The Greek term πυρός (puros) has been translated as an attributive genitive.
175 tn The precise meaning of the term translated “polished bronze” (χαλκολιβάνῳ, calkolibanw), which appears no where else in Greek literature outside of the book of Revelation (see 1:15), is uncertain. Without question it is some sort of metal. BDAG 1076 s.v. χαλκολίβανον suggests “fine brass/bronze.” L&N 2.57 takes the word to refer to particularly valuable or fine bronze, but notes that the emphasis here and in Rev 1:15 is more on the lustrous quality of the metal.
176 tn Grk “and faith.” Here and before the following term καί (kai) has not been translated because English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the next to last and last terms in a list.
177 tn Or “perseverance.”
178 tn The phrase “In fact” is supplied in the translation to bring out the ascensive quality of the clause. It would also be possible to supply here an understood repetition of the phrase “I know” from the beginning of the verse (so NRSV). Grk “and your last deeds [that are] greater than the first.”
181 tn The Greek article has been translated here with demonstrative force.
182 tc The ms evidence for γυναῖκα (gunaika, “woman”) alone includes {א C P 1611 2053 pc lat}. The ms evidence for the addition of “your” (σου, sou) includes A 1006 2351 ÏK pc sy. With the pronoun, the text reads “your wife, Jezebel” instead of “that woman, Jezebel.” In Revelation, A C are the most important
183 sn Jezebel was the name of King Ahab’s idolatrous and wicked queen in 1 Kgs 16:31; 18:1-5; 19:1-3; 21:5-24. It is probable that the individual named here was analogous to her prototype in idolatry and immoral behavior, since those are the items singled out for mention.
184 tn Grk “teaches and deceives” (διδάσκει καὶ πλανᾷ, didaskei kai plana), a construction in which the first verb appears to specify the means by which the second is accomplished: “by her teaching, deceives…”
185 tn See the note on the word “servants” in 1:1.
186 sn To commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. Note the conclusions of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:29, which specifically prohibits Gentile Christians from engaging in these activities.
186 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and contemporary English style.
187 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to bring out the contrast present in this woman’s obstinate refusal to repent.
191 tn Grk “onto a bed,” in this context an idiom for severe illness (L&N 23.152).
192 tn Or “into great distress.” The suffering here is not specified as physical or emotional, and could involve persecution.
196 tn Grk “her children,” but in this context a reference to this woman’s followers or disciples is more likely meant.
197 tn Grk “I will kill with death.” θάνατος (qanatos) can in particular contexts refer to a manner of death, specifically a contagious disease (see BDAG 443 s.v. 3; L&N 23.158).
198 tn Grk “I will give.” The sense of δίδωμι (didwmi) in this context is more “repay” than “give.”
199 sn This pronoun and the following one are plural in the Greek text.
200 tn Grk “each one of you according to your works.”
201 sn That is, the teaching of Jezebel (v. 20).
202 tn Grk “deep things.” For the translation “deep secrets” see L&N 28.76; cf. NAB, NIV, CEV.
206 tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”
207 tn Grk “keeps.” In a context that speaks of “holding on to what you have,” the idea here is one of continued faithful behavior (BDAG 1002 s.v. τηρέω 3 has “ὁ τηρῶν τὰ ἔργα μου the one who takes my deeds to heart Rv 2:26”).
208 tn Or “over the Gentiles” (the same Greek word may be translated “Gentiles” or “nations”).
211 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
212 tn Grk “will shepherd.”
213 tn Or “scepter.” The Greek term ῥάβδος (rJabdo") can mean either “rod” or “scepter.”
214 sn A quotation from Ps 2:9 (with the line introducing the quotation containing a partial allusion to Ps 2:8). See also Rev 12:5, 19:15.
216 tn What has been received is not specified in the Greek text, but must be supplied from the context. In the light of the two immediately preceding verses about rulership or dominion, it seems that the implied direct object of δώσω (dwsw) is “the right to rule” (i.e., ἔχειν ἐξουσίαν ποιμάνειν, ecein exousian poimanein), although many modern translations supply the word “authority” here (so NAB, NRSV, NLT).
217 tn On this expression BDAG 892 s.v. πρωϊνός states, “early, belonging to the morning ὁ ἀστὴρ ὁ πρ. the morning star, Venus Rv 2:28; 22:16.”
221 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.
222 tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.
223 tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.
224 tn Grk “who has” (cf. 1:16).
225 tn Grk “a name.”
226 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
227 tn The prepositional phrase “in reality” is supplied in the translation to make explicit the idea that their being alive was only an illusion.
226 tn The verb ἔμελλον (emellon) is in the imperfect tense.
227 tn The perfect passive participle has been translated as an intensive (resultative) perfect here.
228 tn Or “in the judgment.” BDAG 342 s.v. ἐνώπιον 3 states, “in the opinion/judgment of…As a rule…of θεός or κύριος; so after…πεπληρωμένος Rv 3:2.”
231 tn The expression πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας (pw" eilhfa" kai hkousa") probably refers to the initial instruction in the Christian life they had received and been taught; this included doctrine and ethical teaching.
232 tn Grk “keep it,” in the sense of obeying what they had initially been taught.
233 tn The negation here is with οὐ μή (ou mh, the strongest possible form of negation in Koine Greek).
234 tn Or “come on.”
236 tn Grk “a few names”; here ὄνομα (onoma) is used by figurative extension to mean “person” or “people”; according to L&N 9.19 there is “the possible implication of existence or relevance as individuals.”
237 tn Or “soiled” (so NAB, NRSV, NIV); NCV “have kept their clothes unstained”; CEV “have not dirtied your clothes with sin.”
238 tn The word “dressed” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
241 tn Or “who overcomes.”
242 tn Grk “thus.”
243 tn Or “white robes.”
244 tn The negation here is with οὐ μή (ou mh), the strongest possible form of negation in Koine Greek.
245 tn Or “will never wipe out.”
246 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
247 tn Grk “will confess.”
246 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.
247 tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.
248 tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.
249 tn The word “door” is not in the Greek text but has been supplied in the translation. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context. Since the following verse does contain the word “door” (θύραν, quran), that word has been supplied as the direct object here.
250 tn See the note on the word “door” earlier in this verse.
251 tn Grk “I have given.”
252 tn Grk “to shut it,” but English would leave the direct object understood in this case.
253 tn This translation is based on connecting the ὅτι (Joti) clause with the οἶδα (oida) at the beginning of the verse, giving the content of what is known (see also 3:1, 3:15 for parallels). Because of the intervening clause that is virtually parenthetical (see the note on the word “shut” earlier in this verse), the words “I know that” from the beginning of the verse had to be repeated to make this connection clear for the English reader. However, the ὅτι could be understood as introducing a causal subordinate clause instead and thus translated, “because you have.”
254 tn Or “little power.”
255 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
256 tn Grk “and having kept.” The participle ἐτήρησας (ethrhsas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. For the translation of τηρέω (threw) as “obey” see L&N 36.19. This is the same word that is used in 3:10 (there translated “kept”) where there is a play on words.
256 tn Grk “behold” (L&N 91.13).
257 sn See the note on synagogue in 2:9.
258 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “yet” to indicate the contrast between what these people claimed and what they were.
259 tn The verb here is ποιέω (poiew), but in this context it has virtually the same meaning as δίδωμι (didwmi) used at the beginning of the verse. Stylistic variation like this is typical of Johannine literature.
260 tn The verb here is προσκυνήσουσιν (proskunhsousin), normally used to refer to worship.
261 tn Or “and know,” “and recognize.”
261 tn Or “obey.” For the translation of τηρέω (threw) as “obey” see L&N 36.19. In the Greek there is a wordplay: “because you have kept my word…I will keep you,” though the meaning of τηρέω is different each time.
262 tn The Greek term λόγον (logon) is understood here in the sense of admonition or encouragement.
263 tn Or “to persevere.” Here ὑπομονῆς (Jupomonhs) has been translated as a genitive of reference/respect related to τὸν λόγον (ton logon).
266 tn On the verb λάβῃ (labh) here BDAG 583 s.v. λαμβάνω 2 states, “to take away, remove…with or without the use of force τὰ ἀργύρια take away the silver coins (fr. the temple) Mt 27:6. τὰς ἀσθενείας diseases 8:17. τὸν στέφανον Rv 3:11.”
267 sn Your crown refers to a wreath consisting either of foliage or of precious metals formed to resemble foliage and worn as a symbol of honor, victory, or as a badge of high office – ‘wreath, crown’ (L&N 6.192).
271 tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”
272 tn Grk “I will make him,” but the pronoun (αὐτόν, auton, “him”) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated here.
273 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
274 sn This description of the city of my God is parenthetical, explaining further the previous phrase and interrupting the list of “new names” given here.
276 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.
277 tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.
278 tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.
279 tn Or “the beginning of God’s creation”; or “the ruler of God’s creation.” From a linguistic standpoint all three meanings for ἀρχή (arch) are possible. The term is well attested in both LXX (Gen 40:13, 21; 41:13) and intertestamental Jewish literature (2 Macc 4:10, 50) as meaning “ruler, authority” (BDAG 138 s.v. 6). Some have connected this passage to Paul’s statements in Col 1:15, 18 which describe Christ as ἀρχή and πρωτότοκος (prwtotoko"; e.g., see R. H. Mounce, Revelation [NICNT], 124) but the term ἀρχή has been understood as either “beginning” or “ruler” in that passage as well. The most compelling connection is to be found in the prologue to John’s Gospel (1:2-4) where the λόγος (logos) is said to be “in the beginning (ἀρχή) with God,” a temporal reference connected with creation, and then v. 3 states that “all things were made through him.” The connection with the original creation suggests the meaning “originator” for ἀρχή here. BDAG 138 s.v. 3 gives the meaning “the first cause” for the word in Rev 3:14, a term that is too philosophical for the general reader, so the translation “originator” was used instead. BDAG also notes, “but the mng. beginning = ‘first created’ is linguistically probable (s. above 1b and Job 40:19; also CBurney, Christ as the ᾿Αρχή of Creation: JTS 27, 1926, 160-77).” Such a meaning is unlikely here, however, since the connections described above are much more probable.
281 sn Laodicea was near two other towns, each of which had a unique water source. To the north was Hierapolis which had a natural hot spring, often used for medicinal purposes. To the east was Colossae which had cold, pure waters. In contrast to these towns, Laodicea had no permanent supply of good water. Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful, but it would arrive lukewarm. The metaphor in the text is not meant to relate spiritual fervor to temperature. This would mean that Laodicea would be commended for being spiritually cold, but it is unlikely that Jesus would commend this. Instead, the metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing spiritual healing (being hot) or spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them. It is a condemnation of their lack of works and lack of witness.
286 tn Or “I intend.”
287 tn This is the literal meaning of the Greek verb ἐμέω (emew). It is usually translated with a much weaker term like “spit out” due to the unpleasant connotations of the English verb “vomit,” as noted by L&N 23.44. The situation confronting the Laodicean church is a dire one, however, and such a term is necessary if the modern reader is to understand the gravity of the situation.
291 tn Grk “and have become rich.” The semantic domains of the two terms for wealth here, πλούσιος (plousios, adjective) and πλουτέω (ploutew, verb) overlap considerably, but are given slightly different English translations for stylistic reasons.
292 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
293 tn All the terms in this series are preceded by καί (kai) in the Greek text, but contemporary English generally uses connectives only between the last two items in such a series.
296 tn Grk “I counsel you to buy.”
297 tn Grk “rich, and.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation, repeating the words “Buy from me” to make the connection clear for the English reader.
298 tn Grk “the shame of the nakedness of you,” which has been translated as an attributed genitive like καινότητι ζωῆς (kainothti zwh") in Rom 6:4 (ExSyn 89-90).
299 sn The city of Laodicea had a famous medical school and exported a powder (called a “Phrygian powder”) that was widely used as an eye salve. It was applied to the eyes in the form of a paste the consistency of dough (the Greek term for the salve here, κολλούριον, kollourion [Latin collyrium], is a diminutive form of the word for a long roll of bread).
301 tn The Greek pronoun ὅσος (Josos) means “as many as” and can be translated “All those” or “Everyone.”
306 tn Grk “Behold.”
307 tn Grk “come in to him.”
311 tn Grk “The one who conquers, to him I will grant.”
312 tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”
313 tn Grk “I will give [grant] to him.”
314 tn Or “have been victorious”; traditionally, “have overcome.”