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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Revelation 2:2 - 2:2
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
I know (oida). Rather than ginōskō and so “emphasizes better the absolute clearness of mental vision which photographs all the facts of life as they pass” (Swete). So also in Rev 2:9, Rev 2:13, Rev 2:19; Rev 3:1, Rev 3:8, Rev 3:15. For the distinction see Joh 21:17, “where the universal knowledge passes into the field of special observation.”
Works (erga). The whole life and conduct as in Joh 6:29.
And thy toil and patience (kai ton kopon kai tēn hupomonēn sou). “Both thy toil and patience,” in explanation of erga, and see 1Th 1:3, where all three words (ergon, kopos, hupomonē) occur together as here. See Rev 14:13 for sharp distinction between erga (activities) and kopoi (toils, with weariness). Endurance (hupomonē) in hard toil (kopos).
And that (kai hoti). Further explanation of kopos (hard toil).
Not able (ou dunēi). This Koiné form for the Attic dunasai (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also in Mar 9:22; Luk 16:2.
Bear (bastasai). First aorist active infinitive of bastazō, for which verb see Joh 10:31; Joh 12:6; Gal 6:2. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden.
And didst try (kai epeirasas). First aorist active indicative of peirazō, to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6) were condemned. The present tenses (dunēi, echeis) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1Jo 4:1.
Which call themselves apostles (tous legontas heautous apostolous). Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2Co 11:5, 2Co 11:13; 2Co 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Act 20:29; in sheep’s clothing, Jesus had said (Mat 7:15).
And they are not (kai ouk eisin). A parenthesis in Johannine style (Joh 2:9; Joh 3:9; 1Jo 3:1) for kai ouk ontas to correspond to legontas.
And didst find (kai heures). Second aorist active indicative of heuriskō. Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with epeirasas.
False (pseudeis). Predicate accusative plural of pseudēs, self-deceived deceivers as in Rev 21:8.