He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

REVELATION 2:11KJV
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Revelation 2:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 2:11 mean?

Revelation 2:11 says that anyone who is willing to listen should pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches: those who overcome will not be harmed by the "second death." The verse promises safety from a final, spiritual death to those who remain faithful.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking through John to the church in Smyrna, encouraging believers facing persecution. The "second death" refers to final judgment or eternal separation from God, a theme that appears later in Revelation. The verse assures faithful Christians that, even if they suffer or die for their faith, they will not face this ultimate loss.

The Greek behind Revelation 2:11

  • ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais, "churches"): This word means "assemblies" or "gatherings," highlighting that the message is meant for all Christian communities, not just one group.
  • νικῶν (nikōn, "overcometh"): This word carries the sense of conquering or being victorious, suggesting an ongoing struggle or perseverance, not just a single act.
  • θάνατος (thanatos, "death"): Used here for "second death," it points to more than physical death—it is often understood as spiritual death or eternal separation from God.

Why Revelation 2:11 matters

  • Revelation 2:11 clarifies that physical suffering or even death is not the worst fate for believers; the real danger is the "second death," which faithful followers will avoid.
  • The verse emphasizes listening carefully to spiritual truth, as shown by the repeated call to "hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
  • This promise connects to the larger message of Revelation, where perseverance and faithfulness are repeatedly encouraged for those facing trials.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G91 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
  • 1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
  • Revelation 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

“overcometh” Greek G3528 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 11:22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
  • 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
  • Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

“ear” Greek G3775 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • Romans 11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • Hebrews 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: