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.

REVELATION 2:14KJV
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Revelation 2:14 (KJV)

What does Revelation 2:14 mean?

Revelation 2:14 describes how Jesus, speaking to the church in Pergamum, criticizes them for tolerating people who follow the teachings of Balaam—specifically, those who encourage others to eat food offered to idols and to engage in sexual immorality. The verse points out that these actions are stumbling blocks, leading believers away from faithfulness.

In this passage, Jesus addresses the Christians in Pergamum through a message delivered by John. The reference to Balaam and Balac recalls a story from the Old Testament, where Balaam advised Balac, king of Moab, on how to entice Israel into sin. The verse uses this example to warn the church against allowing similar corrupt influences within their community, highlighting the seriousness of compromising with surrounding pagan practices.

The Greek behind Revelation 2:14

  • "Stumblingblock" (σκάνδαλον, skandalon): This word often refers to something that causes someone to trip or fall, both literally and morally. Here, it means a temptation or trap that leads believers into sin.
  • "Doctrine" (διδαχή, didachē): This term means "teaching" or "instruction." The verse criticizes the church for allowing teachings that lead people away from God’s ways.
  • "Fornication" (πορνεύω, porneuō): This word refers to sexual immorality in a broad sense, not just one specific act. The verse links this behavior with idolatry as serious issues facing the church.

Why Revelation 2:14 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Jesus holds churches accountable not only for their own actions but also for what they tolerate among their members, especially when it comes to teachings that lead others astray.
  • By referencing Balaam, the verse connects the struggles of the early church with patterns seen throughout biblical history, showing that the temptation to compromise with surrounding culture is a recurring challenge.
  • This warning helps readers understand the importance of discernment and faithfulness within a community, especially when outside influences threaten to undermine core beliefs.

Where else these words appear

“Balaam” Greek G903 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
  • Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

“fornication” Greek G4203 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
  • Revelation 2:20 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.
  • Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

“idols” Greek G1494 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

“stumblingblock” Greek G4625 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
  • Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;