Revelation 2:20
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Revelation 2:20 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, God is addressing the church in Thyatira and expressing his displeasure with them for allowing a woman named Jezebel to lead others astray. Jezebel is described as someone who calls herself a prophetess, but instead of teaching truths from God, she is leading God's servants to engage in immoral activities such as fornication and consuming food sacrificed to idols. By permitting Jezebel to continue in her false teachings and deceitful practices, the church is failing in its responsibility to uphold God's commandments and protect the spiritual well-being of its members. This verse serves as a warning to the church in Thyatira to address the issue of false teachings and immoral behavior within their congregation, and to remain steadfast in their faithfulness to God's truth.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the author of the Book of Revelation is addressing a church and warning them about the presence of a woman named Jezebel who is misleading the congregation. The mention of Jezebel is significant in the Bible, as Jezebel was a queen in the Old Testament known for promoting idol worship and leading people astray from true faith. The use of the name Jezebel in this context is symbolic of false prophets and teachers who entice believers to engage in immoral behavior. The reference to fornication and eating things sacrificed to idols highlights the dangers of compromising one's faith and engaging in practices that go against the teachings of Christianity. By allowing Jezebel to continue her teachings within the church, the congregation is being reprimanded for tolerating false teachings and not adhering to the true doctrines of their faith.
Revelation 2:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
But 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.
World English Bible
But I have this against you, that you tolerate yourwoman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
Douay-Rheims
But I have against thee a few things: because thou sufferest the woman Jezabel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants, to commit fornication and to eat of things sacrificed to idols.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Notwithstanding, I haue a few things against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Iezabel, which calleth her selfe a prophetesse, to teache and to deceiue my seruants to make them commit fornication, and to eate meates sacrificed vnto idoles.