And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

REVELATION 2:21KJV
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Revelation 2:21 (KJV)

What does Revelation 2:21 mean?

Revelation 2:21 describes how Jesus, speaking to the church in Thyatira, says He gave a woman called "Jezebel" time to change her ways and turn away from her sexual immorality, but she refused to do so. The verse highlights that an opportunity for repentance was offered, but it was not accepted.

In this part of Revelation, Jesus is addressing specific issues within the church at Thyatira through a message given to John. The "Jezebel" mentioned is likely a symbolic name for a woman influencing the church to act against Christian teachings, particularly by encouraging sexual immorality and idolatry. The verse emphasizes both the patience shown in giving her a chance to repent and the seriousness of her refusal.

The Greek behind Revelation 2:21

  • χρόνος (chronos, transliterated as "space"): This word means "time" or "a period." Here, it shows that a real opportunity or period was given for repentance, not just a warning or a single chance.
  • μετανοέω (metanoeō, "to repent"): This Greek verb means to change one’s mind or turn away from wrongdoing. The verse uses it twice, stressing both the offer to repent and the refusal to do so.
  • πορνεία (porneia, "fornication"): This word refers to sexual immorality in general. Its use here connects the accusation directly to a specific kind of wrongdoing, not just a vague moral failing.

Why Revelation 2:21 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God’s judgment is not sudden or without warning; there is a real offer of time and opportunity for change before consequences come.
  • By naming the specific issue (sexual immorality) and the refusal to repent, the verse highlights the seriousness of ongoing, unrepentant wrongdoing within a faith community.
  • This verse connects to the larger message to the church in Thyatira, showing both the patience and the justice in Jesus’ response to persistent sin.

Where else these words appear

“fornication” Greek G4202 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
  • Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

“repent” Greek G3340 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
  • Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

“space” Greek G5550 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Acts 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
  • 1 Corinthians 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.