Revelation 2:6
New International Version
But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

New Living Translation
But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.

English Standard Version
Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Berean Standard Bible
But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Berean Literal Bible
But you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

King James Bible
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

New King James Version
But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

New American Standard Bible
But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

NASB 1995
‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

NASB 1977
‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Legacy Standard Bible
Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Amplified Bible
Yet you have this [to your credit], that you hate the works and corrupt teachings of the Nicolaitans [that mislead and delude the people], which I also hate.

Christian Standard Bible
Yet you do have this: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Yet you do have this: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

American Standard Version
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Contemporary English Version
But there is one thing you are doing right. You hate what the Nicolaitans are doing, and so do I.

English Revised Version
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But you have this in your favor-you hate what the Nicolaitans are doing. I also hate what they're doing.

Good News Translation
But this is what you have in your favor: you hate what the Nicolaitans do, as much as I do.

International Standard Version
But this is to your credit: You hate the actions of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Majority Standard Bible
But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

NET Bible
But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice--practices I also hate.

New Heart English Bible
But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Webster's Bible Translation
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet this you have in your favor: you hate the doings of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

World English Bible
But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, that I also hate.

Berean Literal Bible
But you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Young's Literal Translation
but this thou hast, that thou dost hate the works of the Nicolaitans, that I also hate.

Smith's Literal Translation
But this hast thou, that thou dost hate the works of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites, which I also hate.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

New American Bible
But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

New Revised Standard Version
Yet this is to your credit: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But this you have in your favour, you hate the works of the Nic-o-la’i-tanes, which I also hate.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But you have this, that you hate the works of the Naqolaytans, those things which I also hate.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

Godbey New Testament
But you have this, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Haweis New Testament
But this thou holdest, that thou abhorrest the deeds of the Nicolatans, which I also abhor.

Mace New Testament
but in this thou art right, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Weymouth New Testament
Yet this you have in your favor: you hate the doings of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Worrell New Testament
But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Worsley New Testament
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
To the Church in Ephesus
5Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.…

Cross References
Acts 6:5
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Acts 15:24
It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

Jude 1:4
For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

1 John 2:18-19
Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. / They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.

1 John 2:26
I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

1 Timothy 1:3-4
As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines / or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

2 Timothy 3:5
having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Galatians 1:6-9
I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! ...


Treasury of Scripture

But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

that.

Revelation 2:14,15
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication…

2 Chronicles 19:2
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

Psalm 26:5
I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

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Credit Deeds Doings Favor Hate Hatest Hating Least Nicolaitanes Nicolaitans Nicola'itans Practices Works
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Credit Deeds Doings Favor Hate Hatest Hating Least Nicolaitanes Nicolaitans Nicola'itans Practices Works
Revelation 2
1. What is commanded to be written to the angels, that is, the ministers of the churches of Ephesus,
8. Smyrna,
12. Pergamos,
18. Thyatira, and what is commended and lacking in them.














But you have this to your credit
This phrase acknowledges a commendation from Christ to the church in Ephesus. The Greek word for "credit" here is "ἔχω" (echo), which implies possession or holding something in one's favor. In the context of the seven churches in Revelation, this commendation is significant as it highlights a positive aspect amidst the rebukes. Historically, the church in Ephesus was known for its diligence and perseverance, and this acknowledgment serves as an encouragement to continue in their righteous discernment.

You hate the works of the Nicolaitans
The term "Nicolaitans" is derived from the Greek "Νικολαΐτης" (Nikolaitēs), which is believed to refer to a sect that promoted practices contrary to apostolic teaching. The exact nature of their deeds is not explicitly detailed in Scripture, but early church writings suggest they may have advocated for a form of antinomianism, which is the belief that Christians are released by grace from the obligation of observing the moral law. The use of the word "hate" here is strong, indicating a deep aversion to practices that compromise the purity and holiness expected of believers. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s people being called to holiness and separation from sin.

which I also hate
This phrase underscores the alignment between the church's stance and Christ's own perspective. The Greek word for "hate" is "μισέω" (miseo), which conveys a strong detest or aversion. It is rare for Scripture to attribute such a strong emotion to Christ, emphasizing the severity of the Nicolaitans' actions. This shared hatred between Christ and the Ephesian church highlights the importance of doctrinal purity and moral integrity. Historically, this serves as a reminder of the early church's struggles against heretical teachings and the need for vigilance in maintaining the truth of the Gospel.

(6) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds (better, works) of the Nicolaitanes.--The Nicolaitanes were, as has been expressed, the Antinomians of the Asiatic Church. The life and conduct were little thought of, and the faith professed was everything. Some have thought that they were a sect who derived their name, under some colourable pretext, from Nicolas the Proselyte; others hold that the name is purely symbolical, signifying "destroyer of the people," and that it is no more than the Greek form of Balaam. (See Notes on Revelation 2:14-15, below.) The existence of a sect called Nicolaitanes in the second century is attested by Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria.

Verse 6. - They are again commended for their good points. But it is possible to hate what Christ hates without loving what he loves. It is possible to hate false doctrine and lawlessness, and yet be formal and dead one's self. Who the Nicolaitans were we cannot now determine with certainty. The name Nicolaus may be intended as a Greek equivalent of Balaam, but this is by no means certain. Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria write as if the sect of Nicolaitans existed in their day. A common belief was that their founder was Nicolaus of Antioch, one of the seven deacons. Irenaeus (1:26), followed by Hippolytus ('Refut.,' 7:24), supports this view; Ignatius ('Trall.,' 9) and the Apostolic Constitutions (6:8), are against it. The Nicolaitans may have claimed him as their founder, or similarity of name may have caused confusion with a different person. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans, and that of Balaam (ver. 14), and that of the woman Jezebel (ver. 20), seem to have this much in common - a contention that the freedom of the Christian placed him above the moral Law. Neither idolatry nor sensuality could harm those who had been made free by Christ. The moral enactments of the Law had been abrogated by the gospel, no less than the ceremonial. The special mention of "the pollutions of idols" and "fornication," in the decrees of the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:20, 29), seems to show that this pernicious doctrine was already in existence in A.D. . In 2 Peter 2 and Jude 1:7-13 a similar evil is denounced. It appears in other heretical sects, especially those of Gnostic origin, e.g. Cerinthians, Cainites, Carpocratians. In this way we may explain the statement of Eusebius ('Hist. Eccl.,' 3:29), that the Nieelaitan heresy lasted only for a short time; i.e. its religious libertinism did not die out, but passed over into other sects. Note that it is "the works of the Nicolaitans," not the men themselves, that Christ hates. He loves the sinner, while he hates the sin. "It would have been well with the Church had this always been remembered" (Alford).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
Ἀλλὰ (Alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

you have
ἔχεις (echeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

this
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

[to your credit]:
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

You hate
μισεῖς (miseis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3404: To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

works
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Nicolaitans,
Νικολαϊτῶν (Nikolaitōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3531: A Nicolaitan, possibly a follower of Nicolaus (a heretic at Ephesus). From Nikolaos; a Nicolaite, i.e. Adherent of Nicolaus.

which
(ha)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

I also
κἀγὼ (kagō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504: To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.

hate.
μισῶ (misō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3404: To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:6 But this you have that you hate (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 2:5
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