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:

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

What does Revelation 2:2 mean?

Revelation 2:2 describes how Jesus knows the actions, hard work, and endurance of the church in Ephesus, and how they refuse to tolerate evil people. The verse also highlights that the church has tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and has exposed them as liars.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the believers in Ephesus through John, acknowledging their efforts and discernment. The situation is a message to a real, historical church known for its activity and carefulness about who teaches among them. The verse shows that Jesus pays close attention to both the outward actions and the inner integrity of a church community.

The Greek behind Revelation 2:2

  • The word for "know" (οἶδα, oida) carries the sense of complete, direct knowledge, suggesting that Jesus is fully aware of everything about the church, not just observing from a distance.
  • "Tried" (ἐπείρασας, epeirasas) means to test or examine, showing that the church didn’t just accept claims at face value but investigated those who said they were apostles.
  • "Liars" (ψεύστας, pseustas) is a strong term for someone who knowingly deceives, emphasizing that these false apostles were not simply mistaken but were intentionally misleading others.

Why Revelation 2:2 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus is only concerned with belief; it shows he also values perseverance, hard work, and discernment within a church.
  • Revelation 2:2 highlights the importance of testing spiritual leaders and not accepting every claim to authority, which was especially relevant in the early church and remains so today.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that Jesus both encourages and corrects churches based on their real-life choices and attitudes, not just their reputation.

Where else these words appear

“liars” Greek G5571 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
  • Revelation 21:8 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.

“say” Greek G5335 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 24:9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
  • Acts 25:19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
  • Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

“labour” Greek G2873 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

“bear” Greek G941 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 22:10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
  • Acts 21:35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.