Lexical Summary Nikolaités: Nicolaitan Original Word: Νικολαΐτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nicolaitane. From Nikolaos; a Nicolaite, i.e. Adherent of Nicolaus -- Nicolaitane. see GREEK Nikolaos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Nikolaos Definition a Nicolaitan, a follower of Nicolaus, who probably was not the same as NG3532 NASB Translation Nicolaitans (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3531: ΝικολαΐτηςΝικολαΐτης, Νικολαιτου, ὁ, a follower of Nicolaus, a Nicolaitan: plural, Revelation 2:6, 15 — a name which, it can scarcely be doubted, refers symbolically to the same persons who in Revelation 2:14 are charged with holding τήν διδαχήν Βαλαάμ, i. e. after the example of Balaam, casting a stumblingblock before the church of God (Numbers 24:1-3) by upholding the liberty of eating things sacrificed unto idols as well as of committing fornication; for the Greek name Νικόλαος coincides with the Hebrew בִּלְעָם according to the interpretation of the latter which regards it as signifying destruction of the people. See in Βαλαάμ; (cf. BB. DD., under the words Nicolaitans, Nicolas; also commentaries on Revelation, at the passages cited). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences• Revelation 2:6 – “But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” Identity of the Nicolaitans The New Testament refers to the Nicolaitans only in Jesus’ messages to the churches at Ephesus and Pergamum. Scripture presents them as a recognizable party whose “works” and “teaching” the Lord explicitly hates. While the text does not describe their founder in detail, Second-century writers (Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian) associate the group with moral laxity, especially in matters of idolatry and sexual immorality. These fathers locate the Nicolaitans within the broader stream of early Gnostic or proto-Gnostic movements that blended Christian language with pagan practice. Historical Context Ephesus and Pergamum were centers of trade, imperial cult worship, and guild activity. Participation in civic life often required eating meat offered to idols and attending temple banquets that dissolved into sexual excess (compare Numbers 25:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:18-22). The Nicolaitans appear to have encouraged believers to accommodate such customs, arguing that spiritual liberty released them from old moral constraints. Their teaching thus paralleled “the teaching of Balaam” (Revelation 2:14), which lured Israel into idolatry and immorality on the plains of Moab. Doctrinal Deviation 1. Compromise with Idolatry – They justified attendance at pagan feasts and consumption of sacrificial food, undermining the exclusive worship owed to Christ (Exodus 20:3; 1 Corinthians 10:21). Patristic Witness • Irenaeus (Against Heresies 1.26.3) links the group to “unrestrained indulgence.” These testimonies, though not inspired, align with Revelation’s portrayal and illustrate how early churches recognized and refuted the sect. Consequences Forewarned To Pergamum Jesus announces, “Repent therefore, or else I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth” (Revelation 2:16). Divine judgment falls on churches that tolerate doctrinal and moral corruption. Conversely, Ephesus receives commendation for hating what Christ hates, demonstrating that love for truth includes rejection of error (Psalm 97:10; Romans 12:9). Ministry Significance 1. Guarding Doctrine – Elders must watch both teaching and conduct (1 Timothy 4:16) lest subtle philosophies infiltrate the flock. Practical Applications for the Church Today • Evaluate teaching by Scripture rather than cultural convenience. The brief biblical mention of the Nicolaitans thus provides a lasting caution: any doctrine that dilutes exclusive devotion to Christ or excuses moral impurity, however sophisticated, is abhorrent to the Lord of the Church and must be decisively rejected. Forms and Transliterations Νικολαιτων Νικολαϊτῶν Nikolaiton Nikolaitōn Nikolaïtôn Nikolaïtō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 2:6 N-GMPGRK: ἔργα τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν ἃ κἀγὼ NAS: the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which KJV: the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which INT: works of the Nicolaitans which I also Revelation 2:15 N-GMP |
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