Revelation 2:11 kjv

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:11 nkjv

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." '

Revelation 2:11 niv

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Revelation 2:11 esv

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'

Revelation 2:11 nlt

"Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.

Revelation 2 verses

Revelation 2 11 Meaning

This verse serves as a solemn injunction for all who possess spiritual discernment to heed the urgent message from the Holy Spirit, directed initially to the church in Smyrna but applicable universally to the Lord's people throughout time. It then pronounces a glorious promise to those who conquer or persevere in faith despite adversity, assuring them ultimate protection from eternal damnation, referred to as "the second death." The core meaning emphasizes spiritual hearing and unwavering faithfulness leading to everlasting life.

Revelation 2 11 Context

Revelation 2:11 is part of the letter to the church in Smyrna, the second of seven letters delivered through John to specific churches in Asia Minor. Each letter addresses the unique circumstances, commendations, rebukes, and promises relevant to that local congregation. The church in Smyrna was commended entirely; no rebuke was given. They faced severe economic hardship and imminent intense persecution, including martyrdom ("imprisonment" and "death"). Historically, Smyrna was a vibrant, Roman-loyal city known for emperor worship and its loyalty to Rome. Christians refusing to participate in the civic cult, particularly emperor worship, were subjected to persecution, ostracization, and even death. This background gives profound weight to the promise in Rev 2:11, as the believers were literally confronting physical death for their faith. The call to hear what the Spirit says applies not just to Smyrna, but to all who encounter similar trials or simply desire spiritual discernment across all churches.

Revelation 2 11 Word Analysis

• He who has an ear, let him hear: The Greek phrase Ho echōn ous akousatō (ὁ ἔχων οὖς ἀκουσάτω) is an emphatic call, stressing that genuine spiritual hearing is more than merely auditory perception. It implies a willing heart and a discerning mind that is receptive to divine truth. This formula is repeated at the conclusion of each of the seven letters (Rev 2:7, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:22), indicating that while each letter had a specific audience, the messages held universal importance for all Christians. It invites deep contemplation and obedience.
• what the Spirit says: This highlights the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. The Holy Spirit is the true Speaker, conveying Christ's word to the churches. This emphasizes that these are not mere human instructions but direct pronouncements from God Himself.
• to the churches: The Greek tais ekklēsiais (ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις), plural, signifies that despite being specifically addressed to Smyrna, the counsel and promises resonate with all Christian assemblies. The unity of the Church under Christ is underscored, implying shared struggles and shared triumphs across diverse congregations.
• He who overcomes: The Greek term Ho nikōn (ὁ νικῶν) literally means "the one conquering," "the victor," or "the one prevailing." It denotes spiritual perseverance and victory over the challenges faced by believers – persecution, false teaching, worldliness, and personal sin. This overcoming is not by human strength alone but through faithfulness to Christ. In the context of Smyrna, it meant maintaining faith even unto physical death. This theme is prominent in Revelation, with specific promises tied to those who overcome.
• shall not be hurt: The Greek phrase ou mē adikēthē (οὐ μὴ ἀδικηθῇ) employs a strong double negative (οὐ μή), indicating an absolute certainty: "by no means," "never" shall they be wronged, injured, or ultimately harmed. This powerful assurance from Christ contrasts with the severe physical harm and suffering the Smyrnaeans faced, pointing to an ultimate protection that transcends earthly pain.
• by the second death: The Greek ek tou thanatou tou deuterou (ἐκ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ δευτέρου) refers to a distinct theological concept central to Revelation. It is explicitly identified later (Rev 20:14, 21:8) as "the lake of fire" – eternal separation from God, ultimate condemnation, and spiritual annihilation of the soul in hell, not mere physical cessation of life. This phrase contrasts with the "first death" (physical death) which the Smyrna Christians were exhorted not to fear. The promise is that physical death for a believer leads to life, not the more terrifying "second death."

Revelation 2 11 Bonus Section

• The Concept of "Second Death": While the term "second death" is unique to Revelation (mentioned five times: Rev 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8), its theological concept is rooted in broader biblical teaching regarding ultimate, eternal judgment and separation from God for the unrepentant. It contrasts with the general physical death common to all humanity as a consequence of sin (Rom 5:12).
• Contextual Relevance to Smyrna's Suffering: For the church in Smyrna, who faced martyrdom, the promise of not being "hurt by the second death" was particularly potent. It meant that physical death (martyrdom) was not the ultimate defeat but rather a pathway to eternal life with Christ, bypassing the more terrible ultimate judgment awaiting the ungodly.
• Connection to Martyrdom: This verse is often linked to the call for faithful endurance in the face of death. Historical figures like Polycarp of Smyrna, martyred for his refusal to renounce Christ, exemplify the "overcomers" referenced in this letter. Their physical death was indeed not a defeat in the eyes of God, but a glorious entrance into His presence.

Revelation 2 11 Commentary

Revelation 2:11 concludes the letter to the persecuted church in Smyrna with a two-part message: a universal summons to spiritual discernment and a specific promise to faithful conquerors. The opening call, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches," transcends the specific struggles of Smyrna, serving as an enduring call for all believers across generations to actively listen to and obey divine truth communicated by the Holy Spirit. This emphasis on spiritual receptivity distinguishes between merely hearing words and truly understanding and internalizing God's message.

The promise that "He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death" provides profound comfort and motivation. For the believers in Smyrna facing imminent martyrdom, this was a radical declaration. While they might suffer physical death ("the first death"), their faithfulness would guarantee exemption from eternal damnation ("the second death"), which is a spiritual, everlasting separation from God, characterized by torment in the lake of fire. This distinction elevates the spiritual triumph over the physical, reassuring the faithful that their earthly suffering is temporary and their ultimate destiny secure in God's eternal presence. The call to "overcome" implies steadfast endurance, loyalty to Christ despite immense pressure, and a refusal to compromise one's faith in the face of death. This promise underscores the ultimate value of eternal life found in Christ, making any earthly tribulation seem insignificant in comparison to everlasting salvation.

Examples:

• A Christian facing job discrimination for their faith choosing to endure hardship rather than compromise, trusting in God's eternal reward.
• Believers enduring societal scorn or ridicule for upholding biblical truth, remaining firm in their conviction.
• One who dedicates their life to serving God, even through difficulty and sacrifice, knowing that true reward is spiritual and eternal, not temporal.