New Testament

Revelation 2:21

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God expresses His patience and mercy towards a woman symbolizing a corrupt church or leader who engages in immoral practices, referred to as fornication.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

I gave her time to repent of her fornication, but she did not repent.

KJVKing James Version

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God expresses His patience and mercy towards a woman symbolizing a corrupt church or leader who engages in immoral practices, referred to as fornication. The phrase 'I gave her time to repent' indicates that God provided opportunities for her to change her ways and turn back to Him. However, despite this grace, she chose not to repent, highlighting a refusal to acknowledge her wrongdoings. This refusal signifies a deeper spiritual issue, where pride or stubbornness prevents her from seeking forgiveness. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of unrepentant sin and the importance of responding to God's call for repentance. It emphasizes that while God is patient, there is a limit to His grace, and persistent refusal to change can lead to serious repercussions.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 2:21 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and recognize areas where we may be resistant to change. It reminds us of the importance of repentance and being open to God's correction. We should not take His grace for granted but actively seek to align our lives with His will.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 2:21 mean?

Revelation 2:21 means that God showed patience and gave a chance for repentance to a woman representing a corrupt church or leader involved in immoral actions. Despite this opportunity, she chose not to change her ways, illustrating the consequences of unrepentant sin.

What is the significance of 'fornication' in Revelation 2:21?

In Revelation 2:21, 'fornication' symbolizes spiritual unfaithfulness or immorality, often referring to idolatry or corrupt practices within the church. It highlights the serious nature of turning away from God's teachings.

What warning does Revelation 2:21 give about sin?

Revelation 2:21 warns that persistent refusal to repent can lead to serious consequences. It emphasizes that while God is patient, there is a limit to His grace, and ignoring His call for change can result in judgment.

How does Revelation 2:21 relate to God's grace?

Revelation 2:21 illustrates God's grace by showing that He provides time and opportunities for repentance. However, it also indicates that grace is not indefinite, and continual rejection of His call can lead to dire outcomes.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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