Posted by Steve Caruso , updated Tuesday, August 20, 2002 8:29 AM
"Behold, I cast her into
a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into
great tribulation, except they repent of her works."
- Rev 2:22
Although this error seems to be understandable, there are a
few things to be noted. First, let's take a look at the context
of this verse:
" And 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: I know thy works, and thy love
and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last
works are more than the first. 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. And I gave her time that she should repent;
and she willeth not to repent of her fornication. Behold,
I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery
with her into great tribulation, except they repent of
her works. And 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." - Rev 2:18-23
In the Aramaic of Revelation, the word translated as "bed"
is "ܐܣܪܐ" ('éérsa),
which can mean bed, but can also mean "rubbish heap,"
or "coffin."
This would also complete the parallel between the two halves
of verse 22 (Jezebel in a coffin (dead), her consorts under
tribulation), and in verse 23 (her children dead).
With this in mind, the verse would read:
"Behold, I cast her into
a coffin, and them that commit adultery with her into
great tribulation, except they repent of her works."
- Rev 2:22
