Revelation 2:2
New International Version
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.

New Living Translation
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.

English Standard Version
“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.

Berean Standard Bible
I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.

Berean Literal Bible
I know your works and your labor and endurance, and that you are not able to tolerate evil ones. And you have tested those claiming to be apostles and are not, and you have found them false.

King James Bible
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

New King James Version
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;

New American Standard Bible
‘I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false;

NASB 1995
I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;

NASB 1977
‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;

Legacy Standard Bible
‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot bear with those who are evil, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;

Amplified Bible
‘I know your deeds and your toil, and your patient endurance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and have tested and critically appraised those who call themselves apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives, of Christ), and [in fact] are not, and have found them to be liars and impostors;

Christian Standard Bible
I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.

American Standard Version
I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false;

Contemporary English Version
I know everything you have done, including your hard work and how you have endured. I know you won't put up with anyone who is evil. When some people pretended to be apostles, you tested them and found out they were liars.

English Revised Version
I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them which call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I know what you have done-how hard you have worked and how you have endured. I also know that you cannot tolerate wicked people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not apostles. You have discovered that they are liars.

Good News Translation
I know what you have done; I know how hard you have worked and how patient you have been. I know that you cannot tolerate evil people and that you have tested those who say they are apostles but are not, and have found out that they are liars.

International Standard Version
I know what you've been doing, your toil, and your endurance. I also know that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles, but are not, and have found them to be false.

Majority Standard Bible
I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.

NET Bible
I know your works as well as your labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have even put to the test those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false.

New Heart English Bible
"I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false.

Webster's Bible Translation
I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear them who are evil; and thou hast tried them who say they are apostles, and are not; and hast found them liars:

Weymouth New Testament
I know your doings and your toil and patient suffering. And I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, but have put to the test those who say that they themselves are Apostles but are not, and you have found them to be liars.

World English Bible
“I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I have known your works, and your labor, and your endurance, and that you are not able to bear evil ones, and that you have tried those saying themselves to be apostles and are not, and have found them liars,

Berean Literal Bible
I know your works and your labor and endurance, and that you are not able to tolerate evil ones. And you have tested those claiming to be apostles and are not, and you have found them false.

Young's Literal Translation
I have known thy works, and thy labour, and thy endurance, and that thou art not able to bear evil ones, and that thou hast tried those saying themselves to be apostles and are not, and hast found them liars,

Smith's Literal Translation
I know thy works, and thy fatigue, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear the wicked: and thou hast tried them saying they are sent, and are not, and thou Last found them liars:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them that are evil, and thou hast tried them, who say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Catholic Public Domain Version
I know your works, and your hardship and patient endurance, and that you cannot stand those who are evil. And so, you have tested those who declare themselves to be Apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.

New American Bible
“I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors.

New Revised Standard Version
“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I know your works, and your labour, and your patience, and how you cannot endure those who are ungodly: you have tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and you have found them liars:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“I know your works, your toil and your patience, and that you cannot tolerate The Evil One, and you have tested those who claim to be Apostles, and they are not, and you have found them false.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
I know your works, and your labor, and your patience; and that you can not bear with those who are evil, and that you have tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars;

Godbey New Testament
I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and that you are not able to bear the wicked; and you have tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them to be liars:

Haweis New Testament
I know thy works, and thy travail, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear the wicked; and hast tried those who give themselves out as apostles, yet are not, and hast found them liars;

Mace New Testament
I know thy works, thy labour, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear those who are evil: thou hast tried those who say they are apostles, but are not; and hast found them lyars:

Weymouth New Testament
I know your doings and your toil and patient suffering. And I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, but have put to the test those who say that they themselves are Apostles but are not, and you have found them to be liars.

Worrell New Testament
"I know your works and your toil, and your patience, and that you cannot bear evil men; and you tried those who call themselves apostles, and are not, and found them false;

Worsley New Testament
I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and that thou canst not bear those that are evil: and thou hast tried those who say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; and hast borne trouble, and hast patience;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
To the Church in Ephesus
1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. 3Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.…

Cross References
Acts 20:29-31
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. / Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

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

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

Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ...

1 Thessalonians 5:21
but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.

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

1 Timothy 4:1-2
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.

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

1 Corinthians 5:12-13
What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

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

Jeremiah 23:16
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.

Ezekiel 13:9
My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.

Deuteronomy 13:1-3
If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

Zechariah 13:3
And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.


Treasury of Scripture

I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars:

know.

Revelation 2:9,13,19
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan…

Revelation 3:1,8,15
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead…

Psalm 1:6
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

how.

Revelation 2:6,14,15,20,21
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate…

Galatians 1:7
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

thou hast.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ…

1 John 2:21,22
I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth…

1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

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Apostles Bear Claim Doings Evil False. Find Found Hard Labour Patience Patient Perseverance Suffering Tested Themselves Toil Tolerate Tried Waiting Wicked Work Works
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Apostles Bear Claim Doings Evil False. Find Found Hard Labour Patience Patient Perseverance Suffering Tested Themselves Toil Tolerate Tried Waiting Wicked Work Works
Revelation 2
1. What is commanded to be written to the angels, that is, the ministers of the churches of Ephesus,
8. Smyrna,
12. Pergamos,
18. Thyatira, and what is commended and lacking in them.














I know
The phrase "I know" is derived from the Greek word "οἶδα" (oida), which implies a complete and perfect knowledge. In the context of Revelation, this is a profound reminder of Christ's omniscience. He is fully aware of the actions and intentions of the church. This knowledge is not superficial but deeply intimate, emphasizing that nothing is hidden from His sight. It serves as both a comfort and a warning to believers, reassuring them that their efforts are seen and valued, while also reminding them that their shortcomings are not unnoticed.

your deeds
The term "deeds" comes from the Greek "ἔργα" (erga), referring to works or actions. In the historical context of the early church, deeds were a crucial aspect of faith, as they demonstrated the authenticity of one's belief. The church at Ephesus, to whom this message is directed, was known for its active engagement in ministry and service. This acknowledgment by Christ highlights the importance of living out one's faith through tangible actions, aligning with the broader biblical teaching that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

your labor
"Labor" is translated from the Greek "κόπος" (kopos), which conveys the idea of toil or hard work, often to the point of exhaustion. This word underscores the dedication and effort the Ephesian church put into their ministry. It reflects a commitment that goes beyond mere duty, involving sacrifice and perseverance. Historically, the early Christians faced significant challenges and opposition, making their labor not just a physical effort but a spiritual battle as well.

and your perseverance
The word "perseverance" is from the Greek "ὑπομονή" (hypomonē), meaning steadfastness or endurance. This quality was essential for the early church, which faced persecution and trials. Perseverance is a recurring theme in the New Testament, encouraging believers to remain faithful despite difficulties. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ephesian church, serving as an inspiration for modern believers to hold fast to their faith in the face of adversity.

you cannot tolerate those who are evil
The phrase "cannot tolerate" is derived from the Greek "οὐ δύνασαι βαστάσαι" (ou dynasai bastasai), indicating an inability or unwillingness to endure or bear. This reflects the church's commitment to holiness and purity, refusing to allow evil to take root within their community. The historical context of Ephesus, a city known for its idolatry and immorality, highlights the challenge and significance of maintaining such a stance. This commitment to righteousness is a call for the church today to uphold biblical standards and reject compromise.

and you have tested and exposed as liars
The act of testing and exposing is captured by the Greek "ἐδοκίμασας" (edokimasas), meaning to examine or scrutinize. The Ephesian church was diligent in discerning truth from falsehood, particularly concerning those who claimed spiritual authority. This vigilance is crucial in maintaining doctrinal purity and protecting the church from deception. The historical practice of testing claims against the teachings of the apostles underscores the importance of grounding one's faith in Scripture.

those who falsely claim to be apostles
The phrase "falsely claim" is rooted in the Greek "λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς εἶναι ἀποστόλους" (legontas heautous einai apostolous), referring to self-proclaimed apostles who lacked genuine authority. In the early church, apostles were foundational leaders, and false claims posed a significant threat to the integrity of the church's teaching. The Ephesian church's ability to identify and reject these impostors demonstrates their commitment to truth and their discernment, serving as a model for contemporary believers to be vigilant against false teachings.

(2) I know thy works.--This phrase is probably common to all the epistles. See, however, Note on Revelation 2:9. It expresses the way in which all actions are naked and open before the eyes--those flame-like eyes (Revelation 1:14)--of Him with whom we have to do (Psalm 11:4-5; Psalm 139:11-12; Hebrews 4:13). The veneer of a formal faith might impose on the world, but it would not escape His scrutiny (Acts 1:24). He knows, too, and lovingly accepts, the unmarked and unrequited acts of true love (Matthew 10:42; Matthew 26:13), and appreciates, amid all its failures, genuine loyalty to Him (John 21:17). . . . Verse 2. - Owing to the inaccurate use of a corrupt text, the Authorized Version is here very faulty. The Revised Version is to be preferred throughout. I know thy works. This introductory "I know" appears in all seven letters. He whose eyes are "as a flame of fire" (Revelation 1:14) has perfect knowledge of his servants, and this knowledge is the basis of the praise and blame. "Works," a favourite word with St. John, and very frequent in both Gospel and Apocalypse, is used in a wide sense, including the whole of conduct (comp. John 3:19, 20; John 5:36; John 7:3, 7; John 8:39, 41, etc.; 1 John 3:8, 12 2John 11 3 John 1:10). Thy toil and patience. Explanatory of "thy works;" the Ephesians know how to toil and how to suffer patiently. They have "learned to labour and to wait." St. Ignatius says that he must be trained "in patience and long suffering" by the Ephesians ('Ephes.,' 3.). And that thou canst not bear evil men. Again St. Ignatius supplies a commentary: "Now, Onesimus of his own accord highly praiseth your orderly conduct in God, for that ye all live according to truth, and that no heresy hath a home among you; nay, ye do not so much as listen to any one, if he speak of aught else save concerning Jesus Christ in truth" ('Ephes.,' 6.). The word for "evil" (κακός), though one of the commonest in the Greek language, is rare in St. John; it occurs only here and in Revelation 16:2 (see note); John 18:23 3John 11. Didst try them which call themselves apostles, and they are not. It is incredible that this can mean St. Paul. Even allowing the prodigious assumption that the "Jewish Christianity" of St. John was opposed to the "Gentile Christianity" of St. Paul, what chance would an opponent of St. Paul have had in a Church which St. Paul founded and fostered? And had such opposition existed, could St. Polycarp, St. John's own disciple, have spoken of "the wisdom of the blessed and glorious Paul" ('Philippians,' 3.)? This mention of false apostles is doubly interesting:

(1) as a fulfilment of warnings given by St. Paul himself to the Ephesian Church (Acts 20:28-30; comp. 2 Timothy, passim);

(2) as a strong incidental mark of the date of the book. In A.D. , when contemporaries of the apostles were abundant, the claim to be an apostle might with some show of reason be made; in A.D. such a claim would be ridiculous. This Trench admits, and hence tells us that the meaning of "apostles" must not be pressed, "as though it implied a claim to have seen and been sent by the Lord Jesus," But this is just what "apostle" does imply (Acts 1:21, 22; 1 Corinthians 9:1).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I know
Οἶδα (Oida)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

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

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

labor,
κόπον (kopon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2873: From kopto; a cut, i.e. toil, literally or figuratively; by implication, pains.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[your]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

perseverance.
ὑπομονήν (hypomonēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5281: Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.

[I know]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

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

you cannot
δύνῃ (dynē)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

tolerate
βαστάσαι (bastasai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 941: Perhaps remotely derived from the base of basis; to lift, literally or figuratively.

[those who are] evil,
κακούς (kakous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2556: Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

you have tested
ἐπείρασας (epeirasas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3985: To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

exposed
εὗρες (heures)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

as liars
ψευδεῖς (pseudeis)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5571: False, deceitful, lying, untrue. From pseudomai; untrue, i.e. Erroneous, deceitful, wicked.

those who
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

falsely
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

claim
λέγοντας (legontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

to be
ἑαυτοὺς (heautous)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

apostles.
ἀποστόλους (apostolous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:2 I know your works and your toil (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
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