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Revelation 2:21

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 2:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.
Revelation 2:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass:
19I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.
20But I have [this] against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
21And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.
22Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.
23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
24But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden.
← Revelation 2:20Revelation 2:22 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication, etc.] Of idolatry. This may have respect to the time of the witnesses, the Waldenses, and others, who bore a testimony against the Romish idolatry, and reproved for it, and denounced the judgment of God in case of impenitence; and as these things were repeated time after time, this may be called a space given to repent in; just as Jezebel had a space given her to repent in, from the time that Elijah declared the word of the Lord, that the dogs should eat her: so the Jews f98 say of the old world, that God gave them bwçl ˆmz, “space to repent”, but they repented not, as here: and she repented not; (see <660920>Revelation 9:20,21); for the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“space--Greek, "time." of her fornication . . . she repented not--The three oldest manuscripts read, "and she willeth not to repent of (literally, 'out of,' that is, so as to come out of) her fornication." Here there is a transition from literal to spiritual fornication, as appears from Rev 2:22. The idea arose from Jehovah's covenant relation to the Old Testament Church being regarded as a marriage, any transgression against which was, therefore, harlotry, fornication, or adultery.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication - Probably after some direct and solemn warning of the evil of her course. The error and sin had been of long standing, but he now resolved to bear with it no longer. It is true of almost every great sinner, that sufficient time is given for repentance, and that vengeance is delayed after crime is committed. But it cannot always be deferred, for the period must arrive when no reason shall exist for longer delay, and when punishment must come upon the offender. And she repented not - As she did not do it; as she showed no disposition to abandon her course; as all plea of having had no time to repent would now be taken away, it was proper that…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I gave her time to repent - So great is the power of Christ! But she will not repent - So, though repentance is the gift of God, man may refuse it; God will not compel. Revelation 2:22”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:21 Through messengers such as John, Christ had given this false prophet opportunity to repent of her sinful teachings and actions, but like many, she had refused (cp. 9:20-21).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“space: Rev 9:20, Rev 9:21; Jer 8:4-6; Rom 2:4, Rom 2:5, Rom 9:22; Pe1 3:20; Pe2 3:9, Pe2 3:15 Revelation 2:22”
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Related study paths

Read Revelation 2 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification