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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/2-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/66_Rev_02_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 2:14 - To the Church in Pergamum" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/revelation/2-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/revelation/2-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/revelation/">Revelation</a> > <a href="/revelation/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/revelation/2-13.htm" title="Revelation 2:13">◄</a> Revelation 2:14 <a href="/revelation/2-15.htm" title="Revelation 2:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/revelation/2.htm">New International Version</a> Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. <a href="/nlt/revelation/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. <a href="/esv/revelation/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. <a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. <a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have some there holding the teaching of Balaam, who would teach Balak to cast a snare before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. <a href="/kjv/revelation/2.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/2.htm">New King James Version</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. <a href="/nasb/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality. <a href="/lsb/revelation/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I have a few things against you, that you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. <a href="/amp/revelation/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have there some [among you] who are holding to the [corrupt] teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, [enticing them] to eat things that had been sacrificed to idols and to commit [acts of sexual] immorality. <a href="/csb/revelation/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. <a href="/asv/revelation/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. <a href="/cev/revelation/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I do have a few things against you. Some of you are following the teaching of Balaam. Long ago he told Balak to teach the people of Israel to eat food that had been offered to idols and to be immoral. <a href="/erv/revelation/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. <a href="/gwt/revelation/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But I have a few things against you: You have among you those who follow what Balaam taught Balak. Balak trapped the people of Israel by [encouraging] them to eat food sacrificed to idols and to sin sexually. <a href="/gnt/revelation/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> But there are a few things I have against you: there are some among you who follow the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak how to lead the people of Israel into sin by persuading them to eat food that had been offered to idols and to practice sexual immorality. <a href="/isv/revelation/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> But I have a few things against you: You have there some who hold to the teaching of Balaam, the one who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice immorality. <a href="/msb/revelation/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. <a href="/net/revelation/2.htm">NET Bible</a> But I have a few things against you: You have some people there who follow the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. <a href="/nheb/revelation/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. <a href="/wbt/revelation/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit lewdness. <a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Yet I have a few things against you, because you have with you some that cling to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling-block in the way of the descendants of Israel--to eat what had been sacrificed to idols, and commit fornication. <a href="/web/revelation/2.htm">World English Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> But I have a few things against you: that you have there those holding the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat idol-sacrifices, and to commit whoredom; <a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have some there holding the teaching of Balaam, who would teach Balak to cast a snare before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. <a href="/ylt/revelation/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'But I have against thee a few things: That thou hast there those holding the teaching of Balaam, who did teach Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat idol-sacrifices, and to commit whoredom; <a href="/slt/revelation/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But I have a few things against thee, for thou hast there them holding the teaching of Balsam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But I have against thee a few things: 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, and to commit fornication: <a href="/cpdv/revelation/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But I have a few things against you. For you have, in that place, those who hold to the doctrine of Balaam, who instructed Balak to cast a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat and to commit fornication. <a href="/nabre/revelation/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Yet I have a few things against you. You have some people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the Israelites: to eat food sacrificed to idols and to play the harlot. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the people of Israel, so that they would eat food sacrificed to idols and practice fornication.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit adultery. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “But I have a few things against you, for you have there those who hold the doctrine of the Balaam, him who taught Balaq to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat sacrifices of idols and to commit fornication.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Yet I have a few things against you, that you have there those who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to practice lewdness. <a href="/godbey/revelation/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there those holding the teachings of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the sons of Israel, and to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/revelation/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Yet I have a few things against thee, that thou hast there some who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to lay a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat of idol sacrifices, and to commit whoredom. <a href="/mace/revelation/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who counselled Balac to ensnare the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. <a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Yet I have a few things against you, because you have with you some that cling to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling-block in the way of the descendants of Israel--to eat what had been sacrificed to idols, and commit fornication. <a href="/worrell/revelation/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But I have a few things against you, because you have there those holding the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat idol-sacrifices, and to commit fornication.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/revelation/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But I have a few <Fr>things<FR> against thee; for thou hast there those that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat <Fr>things<FR> sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/revelation/2-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=406" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">To the Church in Pergamum</a> …13I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the day when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: All’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">But</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echō (V-PIA-1S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">I have</a> <a href="/greek/3641.htm" title="3641: oliga (Adj-ANP) -- Puny; especially neuter somewhat.">a few things</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">against</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1563.htm" title="1563: ekei (Adv) -- (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.">some</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echeis (V-PIA-2S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">of you</a> <a href="/greek/2902.htm" title="2902: kratountas (V-PPA-AMP) -- From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain.">hold</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/1322.htm" title="1322: didachēn (N-AFS) -- Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.">teaching</a> <a href="/greek/903.htm" title="903: Balaam (N-GMS) -- Balaam, son of Beor of Pethor on the Euphrates, a soothsayer in the Old Testament. Of Hebrew origin; Balaam, a Mesopotamian.">of Balaam,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/1321.htm" title="1321: edidasken (V-IIA-3S) -- To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.">taught</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/904.htm" title="904: Balak (N-DMS) -- Balak, son of Zippor, King of Moab. Of Hebrew origin; Balak, a Moabite.">Balak</a> <a href="/greek/906.htm" title="906: balein (V-ANA) -- (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.">to place</a> <a href="/greek/4625.htm" title="4625: skandalon (N-ANS) -- A snare, stumbling-block, cause for error. Scandal; probably from a derivative of kampto; a trap-stick, i.e. Snare.">a stumbling block</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5207.htm" title="5207: huiōn (N-GMP) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship."></a> <a href="/greek/2474.htm" title="2474: Israēl (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.">Israelites</a> <a href="/greek/5315.htm" title="5315: phagein (V-ANA) -- A primary verb; to eat.">so they would eat</a> <a href="/greek/1494.htm" title="1494: eidōlothyta (Adj-ANP) -- Neuter of a compound of eidolon and a presumed derivative of thuo; an image-sacrifice, i.e. Part of an idolatrous offering.">food sacrificed to idols</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4203.htm" title="4203: porneusai (V-ANA) -- To fornicate; met: I practice idolatry. From porne; to act the harlot, i.e. indulge unlawful lust, or practise idolatry.">commit sexual immorality.</a> 15In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/numbers/25-1.htm">Numbers 25:1-3</a> While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, / who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. / So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them. <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16</a> “Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a> They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">1 Corinthians 10:8</a> We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a> No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too. <a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a> You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14-16</a> Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1-3</a> Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. / They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. <a href="/2_timothy/3-8.htm">2 Timothy 3:8</a> Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. <a href="/1_kings/18-18.htm">1 Kings 18:18</a> “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. <a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a> For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you. <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” <a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a> Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. <a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a> because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.I have.<a href="/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4,20</a> Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love… Balaam.<a href="/numbers/24-14.htm">Numbers 24:14</a> And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.<a href="/numbers/25-1.htm">Numbers 25:1-3</a> And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab… <a href="/numbers/31-8.htm">Numbers 31:8,16</a> And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword… a stumbling-block.<a href="/isaiah/57-14.htm">Isaiah 57:14</a> And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.<a href="/jeremiah/6-21.htm">Jeremiah 6:21</a> Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will lay stumblingblocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall upon them; the neighbour and his friend shall perish.<a href="/ezekiel/3-20.htm">Ezekiel 3:20</a> Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.eat.<a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Revelation 2:20</a> Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.<a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20,21,29</a> But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood… <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Acts 21:25</a> As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.to commit.<a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Revelation 21:8</a> But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.<a href="/revelation/22-15.htm">Revelation 22:15</a> For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.<a href="/1_corinthians/6-13.htm">1 Corinthians 6:13-18</a> Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/galatians/5-11.htm">Block</a> <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/3_john/1-4.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_john/5-16.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-22.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">Doctrine</a> <a href="/revelation/2-7.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-20.htm">Few</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Fornication</a> <a href="/revelation/2-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_john/5-21.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/jude/1-7.htm">Immorality</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-28.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/jude/1-7.htm">Sexual</a> <a href="/jude/1-24.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/1_john/2-10.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/revelation/1-2.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/revelation/2-11.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-5.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">Block</a> <a href="/revelation/2-22.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Children</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/revelation/2-15.htm">Doctrine</a> <a href="/revelation/2-17.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Few</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Fornication</a> <a href="/revelation/2-15.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Immorality</a> <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Sexual</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-5.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/revelation/2-15.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/revelation/2-22.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/revelation/2-15.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 2</div>1. <a href="/revelation/2-1.htm">What is commanded to be written to the angels, that is, the ministers of the churches of Ephesus,</a> 8. <a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Smyrna,</a> 12. <a href="/revelation/2-12.htm">Pergamos,</a> 18. <a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Thyatira, and what is commended and lacking in them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But I have a few things against you This phrase indicates a rebuke from Jesus to the church in Pergamum. It suggests that despite any commendable qualities, there are significant issues that need addressing. This reflects the pattern seen in the letters to the seven churches, where commendation is often followed by correction.because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam Balaam was a prophet in the Old Testament who, although unable to curse Israel directly, advised King Balak of Moab on how to lead the Israelites into sin (Numbers 22-24, 31:16). This teaching represents compromise and corruption within the church, where some members are adopting practices contrary to Christian doctrine.who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites The "stumbling block" refers to actions or teachings that lead believers into sin. In the context of Balaam, it involved enticing the Israelites to engage in idolatry and immorality. This serves as a warning against false teachings and the dangers of leading others astray.so they would eat food sacrificed to idols Eating food sacrificed to idols was a contentious issue in the early church (<a href="/1_corinthians/8.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1-13</a>). It symbolizes participation in pagan rituals and a compromise of Christian distinctiveness. The reference here highlights the danger of syncretism, where Christian beliefs are mixed with pagan practices.and commit sexual immorality Sexual immorality was often associated with pagan worship practices in the ancient world. The inclusion of this phrase underscores the moral and spiritual corruption that can result from false teachings. It serves as a call to purity and faithfulness to God's commands, echoing the broader biblical theme of holiness (<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:3-7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet mentioned in the Old Testament, known for his role in advising Balak on how to lead the Israelites into sin (Numbers 22-24). His teachings are associated with leading people away from God through idolatry and immorality. 2. <a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a> The king of Moab who sought Balaam's help to curse the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land. His actions are a backdrop to the events referenced in <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a>. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> God's chosen people in the Old Testament, who were led astray by the teachings of Balaam, resulting in sin against God. 4. <a href="/topical/p/pergamum.htm">Pergamum</a> The city where the church addressed in <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> is located. Known for its pagan practices and as a center of emperor worship, it presented significant challenges for Christians trying to remain faithful. 5. <a href="/topical/s/stumbling_block.htm">Stumbling Block</a> A metaphorical term used to describe an obstacle that leads someone into sin. In this context, it refers to the teachings and practices that led the Israelites away from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/b/beware_of_false_teachings.htm">Beware of False Teachings</a> Just as the church in Pergamum was warned about the teachings of Balaam, Christians today must be vigilant against doctrines that lead away from biblical truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> The Israelites' downfall came through compromise with pagan practices. Believers must guard against compromising their faith for societal acceptance or personal gain. <a href="/topical/i/idolatry_and_immorality.htm">Idolatry and Immorality</a> These two sins are often linked in Scripture. Christians are called to purity in both worship and conduct, avoiding anything that detracts from their devotion to God. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> The ability to discern truth from error is crucial. Believers should seek wisdom and understanding through prayer and study of the Scriptures. <a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a> The church is a community of believers who should hold each other accountable, encouraging one another to remain faithful to God's commands.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 2</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_nicolaitans_in_revelation.htm">Who are the Nicolaitans mentioned in Revelation?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_balaam_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balaam in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/is_'jezebel'_in_thyatira_literal_or_symbolic.htm">Revelation 2:20 – Was “Jezebel” in Thyatira an actual prophetess, or is she purely symbolic, and how does this align or clash with other scriptural views on women’s roles? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) But I have a few things against thee.--The word "few" is not to be taken as though the ground of rebuke was a trifling one. The little leaven might leaven the whole lump; and those who had been brave unto death in the days of persecution had been less temptation-proof against more seductive influences. The church tolerated without remonstrance men holding [the word is the same as that used in commendation (<a href="/revelation/2-13.htm" title="I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is: and you hold fast my name, and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.">Revelation 2:13</a>), "Thou holdest (fast) My name"] "the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel; (namely) to eat things sacrified to idols, and to commit fornication." Israel could not be cursed, but they might be made to bring a curse upon themselves by yielding to sin; so the counsel of Balaam was to tempt them through the women of Midian, and "Behold, these caused the children of Israel to commit trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord" (<a href="/numbers/31-16.htm" title="Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.">Numbers 31:16</a>). A similar temptation was endangering the Pergamene Church.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - But I have a few things against thee. They are few in comparison with the things commended; but they are very serious; and there must be a sad want of care in the Church at Pergamum to allow such things. These corrupt teachers are alluded to in <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15</a> and <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a>. Like Balaam, they debased spiritual gifts to the vilest purposes, and thus became a σκάνδαλον, a snare or stumbling block, to ethers. Like the Nicolaitans, they held that the freedom of the gospel placed them above the moral Law, and conferred licence to commit the foulest sins. The liberty to eat meats which might have been offered to idols was made a plea for liberty to take part in idolatrous rites (<a href="/1_corinthians/8-10.htm">1 Corinthians 8:10</a>; Justin Martyr, 'Trypho,' 35; Irenaeus, I. 6:3), and for introducing heathen orgies into Christian ceremonies. The doctrine of these antinomian teachers was "the doctrine of Balaam," because, like him (<a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16</a>; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 4:06. 6; Philo, 'Vita Mosis,' 1. p. 647), they prostituted their influence to the seducing of God's people into idolatry and impurity. The similarity of this doctrine with that of the Nicolaitans is obvious; but that Nicolaus (which is equivalent to "conquering the people") is intended as a translation of Balaam (which is possibly equivalent to "lord of the people") is mere conjecture. That there were two sects side by side at Pergamum is the natural meaning of this passage; and though their doctrines were alike in being autinomian in principle and licentious in result, yet there is no need to identify them. Among countless small improvements made by the Revisers, note that the remarkable word εἰδωλόθυτον, which in the Authorized Version is rendered in six different ways, is by them rendered consistently (<a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a>; <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Acts 21:25</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/8-4.htm">1 Corinthians 8:4, 10</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/10-19.htm">1 Corinthians 10:19</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14, 20</a>). <a href="/commentaries/revelation/2-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But Ἀλλ’ (All’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. I have ἔχω (echō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. a few things ὀλίγα (oliga) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3641.htm">Strong's 3641: </a> Puny; especially neuter somewhat. against κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). you, σοῦ (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [some] ἐκεῖ (ekei) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1563.htm">Strong's 1563: </a> (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither. of you ἔχεις (echeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. hold κρατοῦντας (kratountas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2902.htm">Strong's 2902: </a> From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain. to the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. teaching διδαχὴν (didachēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1322.htm">Strong's 1322: </a> Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction. of Balaam, Βαλαάμ (Balaam) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_903.htm">Strong's 903: </a> Balaam, son of Beor of Pethor on the Euphrates, a soothsayer in the Old Testament. Of Hebrew origin; Balaam, a Mesopotamian. who ὃς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. taught ἐδίδασκεν (edidasken) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1321.htm">Strong's 1321: </a> To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach. Balak Βαλὰκ (Balak) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_904.htm">Strong's 904: </a> Balak, son of Zippor, King of Moab. Of Hebrew origin; Balak, a Moabite. to place βαλεῖν (balein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_906.htm">Strong's 906: </a> (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. a stumbling block σκάνδαλον (skandalon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4625.htm">Strong's 4625: </a> A snare, stumbling-block, cause for error. Scandal; probably from a derivative of kampto; a trap-stick, i.e. Snare. before ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Israelites Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2474.htm">Strong's 2474: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants. so they would eat φαγεῖν (phagein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A primary verb; to eat. food sacrificed to idols εἰδωλόθυτα (eidōlothyta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1494.htm">Strong's 1494: </a> Neuter of a compound of eidolon and a presumed derivative of thuo; an image-sacrifice, i.e. Part of an idolatrous offering. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. commit sexual immorality. πορνεῦσαι (porneusai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4203.htm">Strong's 4203: </a> To fornicate; met: I practice idolatry. From porne; to act the harlot, i.e. indulge unlawful lust, or practise idolatry. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/2-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 2:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 2:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/2-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 2:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 2:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>