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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 2:4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/66_Rev_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 2:4 - To the Church in Ephesus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/2-4.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/2-4.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 4</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="/ad1.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/2-3.htm" title="Revelation 2:3">◄</a> Revelation 2:4 <a href="/revelation/2-5.htm" title="Revelation 2:5">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/revelation/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/revelation/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/revelation/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But I have against you that you have abandoned your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/revelation/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless I have <i>somewhat</i> against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/revelation/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless I have <i>this</i> against you, that you have left your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/revelation/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I have <i>this</i> against you, that you have left your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/revelation/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />‘But I have <i>this</i> against you, that you have left your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/revelation/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But I have <i>this</i> against you, that you have left your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/revelation/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But I have <i>this</i> [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/revelation/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/revelation/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/revelation/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/revelation/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But I do have something against you! And it is this: You don't have as much love as you used to. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/revelation/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/revelation/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />However, I have this against you: The love you had at first is gone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/revelation/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/revelation/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />However, I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/revelation/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/revelation/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/revelation/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But I have this against you, that you left your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/revelation/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Yet I have this against you--that you no longer love Me as you did at first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/revelation/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But I have this against you, that you left your first love. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/revelation/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />But I have against you that you left your first love!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/revelation/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But I have against you that you have abandoned your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/revelation/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'But I have against thee: That thy first love thou didst leave!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/revelation/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But I have against thee, for thou hast let go thy first love.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/revelation/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first charity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/revelation/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But I have this against you: that you have relinquished your first charity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/revelation/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/revelation/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/revelation/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Nevertheless I have something against you, because you have left your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“But I have something against you, because you have left your former love.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/revelation/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/revelation/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But I have something against you, because you have left your first love.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/revelation/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Yet have I a charge against thee, that thou art gone back from thy first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/revelation/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/revelation/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Yet I have this against you--that you no longer love Me as you did at first.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/revelation/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But I have <i>it</i> against you, that you left your first love.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/revelation/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Yet I have <Fr><i>somewhat</i><FR> against thee; for thou hast left thy first love.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/revelation/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=276" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/revelation/2.htm">To the Church in Ephesus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: Alla (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/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">this</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/863.htm" title="863: aphēkes (V-AIA-2S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">You have abandoned</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</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."></a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōtēn (Adj-AFS) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">first</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."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēn (N-AFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>Therefore, 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-2.htm">Jeremiah 2:2</a></span><br />“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12</a></span><br />Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-19.htm">1 John 4:19</a></span><br />We love because He first loved us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-3</a></span><br />If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-4.htm">Hosea 6:4</a></span><br />What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a></span><br />For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a></span><br />And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-38</a></span><br />Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">2 Timothy 3:4</a></span><br />traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Ezekiel 16:8-15</a></span><br />Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD. / Then I bathed you with water, rinsed off your blood, and anointed you with oil. / I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a></span><br />You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Isaiah 1:21</a></span><br />See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">1 John 3:16-18</a></span><br />By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. / If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love.</p><p class="hdg">I have.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14,20</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="hdg">because.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Revelation 3:14-17</a></b></br> And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/2-2.htm">Jeremiah 2:2-5</a></b></br> Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land <i>that was</i> not sown… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12,13</a></b></br> And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">Abandoned</a> <a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/revelation/1-18.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/jude/1-21.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-13.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Somewhat</a> <a href="/revelation/1-12.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/leviticus/26-43.htm">Abandoned</a> <a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/24-27.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/revelation/2-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/revelation/2-19.htm">Love</a> <a href="/revelation/2-25.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-13.htm">Somewhat</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/revelation/2-8.htm">Smyrna,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/revelation/2-12.htm">Pergamos,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Thyatira, and what is commended and lacking in them.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/revelation/2.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>But I have this against you</b><br />This phrase introduces a divine rebuke from Jesus to the church in Ephesus. The Greek word for "against" is "kata," which implies a strong opposition or grievance. Historically, Ephesus was a prominent city known for its dedication to the goddess Artemis, and the church there was commended for its perseverance and doctrinal purity. However, this phrase indicates a serious issue that overshadows their commendable qualities. It serves as a reminder that even a church with strong external practices can fall short in the eyes of Christ if internal devotion wanes.<p><b>You have abandoned</b><br />The Greek word "aphiēmi" is used here, meaning to leave, forsake, or let go. This term suggests a deliberate action or neglect, rather than a passive loss. The historical context of Ephesus, a bustling trade center, might have contributed to distractions that led the believers to gradually neglect their spiritual priorities. This abandonment is not merely a lapse but a conscious departure from something once held dear, highlighting the importance of vigilance in maintaining one's spiritual fervor.<p><b>your first love</b><br />The phrase "first love" refers to the initial fervor and devotion the Ephesian believers had for Christ when they first embraced the faith. The Greek word "prōtos" for "first" denotes not just chronological order but also primacy in importance. This love is foundational, akin to the passionate commitment seen in a new believer's life. Scripturally, love is the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>), and its absence is a grave concern. The historical context of the early church, which faced persecution and societal pressures, underscores the challenge of maintaining this love amidst external and internal trials. This call to return to their "first love" is a call to rekindle the passion and priority of their relationship with Christ, which should be the driving force behind all their actions and beliefs.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">I have against thee that thou didst let go.</span> This is the fault, and it is no trifle which is blamed, as the word "somewhat" (which is not to be found in the original) might be taken to imply; for the decay of love is the decay of that without which all other graces are as nothing (<a href="/context/1_corinthians/13-1.htm" title="Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.">1Corinthians 13:1-3</a>), since "all religion is summed up in one word, Love. God asks this; we cannot give more; He cannot take less" (Norman Macleod, <span class= "ital">Life, </span>i., p. 324). Great as the fault is, it is the fault which Love alone would have detected. "Can any one more touchingly rebuke <span class= "ital">than</span> by commencing, 'Thou no longer lovest me enough?'" It is the regretful cry of the heavenly Bridegroom, recalling the early days of His Bride's love, the kindness of her youth, the love of her espousals (<a href="/jeremiah/2-2.htm" title="Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus said the LORD; I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your espousals, when you went after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.">Jeremiah 2:2</a>. Comp. <a href="/hosea/2-15.htm" title="And I will give her her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.">Hosea 2:15</a>). It is impossible not to see some reference in this to the language of St. Paul (which must have been familiar to the Ephesian Christians) in <a href="/context/ephesians/5-23.htm" title="For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.">Ephesians 5:23-33</a>, where human love is made a type of the divine.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But I have (this) against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love</span>. The Authorized Version unwarrantably softens the censure by inserting "somewhat;" the Greek means rather, "I have (this grave thing) against thee." In "hath aught against thee" (<a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23</a>) and "have aught against any" (<a href="/mark/11-25.htm">Mark 11:25</a>), the "aught" (<span class="greek">τι</span>) is expressed in the Greek; here nothing is expressed. "Thy first love" is expressed very emphatically with the article repeated; "thy love, thy first one." The meaning of it is much disputed. It cannot mean "thy former gentleness towards evil men and false apostles." It may mean "thy love of the brethren," so much insisted upon in St. John's First Epistle. More probably it means "thy first love for me." Christ is here speaking as the Bridegroom, and addresses the Church of Ephesus as his bride (comp. <a href="/jeremiah/2-2.htm">Jeremiah 2:2-13</a>). This thought would be familiar to the Ephesians from St. Paul's teaching (<a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Ephesians 5:23-33</a>). It shows strange ignorance of human frailty and of history to argue that "a generation at least must have passed away, and the thirty years from Nero to Domitian must have elapsed, ere the change here noted could come to pass." Does this writer forget the Epistle to the Galatians? In a very few years the Churches of Galatia had left their first love. The frequent and rapid lapses of Israel into idolatry show the same thing from the time when Aaron made the calf down to the Captivity. This verse is certainly no obstacle to the theory that the Apocalypse was written about A.D. . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/revelation/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(Alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχω</span> <span class="translit">(echō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you:</span><br /><span class="grk">σοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You have abandoned</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀφῆκες</span> <span class="translit">(aphēkes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">σου</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">first</span><br /><span class="grk">πρώτην</span> <span class="translit">(prōtēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">love.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγάπην</span> <span class="translit">(agapēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> </span><span class="str2">From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/revelation/2-4.htm">Revelation 2:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/revelation/2-4.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you that (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 2:5" /></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>