But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
Parallel translations
- WEB But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
- BSB But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
- NKJV But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
- NASB But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
- NLT But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Christ commends their hatred of the Nicolaitans' works, which he also hates. It matters because rejecting corrupting teaching aligns the church with Christ's own heart.
Overview
The Nicolaitans appear to have promoted compromise with pagan immorality and idolatry, a teaching Christ detests. The Ephesians shared his opposition to this corruption. The verse shows that hating sin, rightly understood, is part of loving Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- Ps 101:3I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
- 2 Jn 1:9–10Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
- Ps 26:5I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
- Rev 2:14–15But 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 Chr 19:2And 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.
- Ps 139:21–22Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Revelation ends the story with the slain-yet-standing Lamb who is worthy, the Lion of Judah, the Alpha and Omega, the returning King who makes all things new and dwells with his people forever.
How Revelation 2:6 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.