What Does Revelation 2:21 Mean in the King James?
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The verse separates being given time to turn from being willing to turn.
THE MEANING
The verse names fornication and a refusal to turn after time has been given. Its “space” is an interval of time: an opening for change is real, but the passing of time is not itself a change.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It undoes the belief that more time means repentance has already begun; opportunity and willingness remain distinct.
THE ROOT
μετανοῆσαι
metanoēsai
GROWS FROM
μετανοέω (metanoeō), formed with meta + noéō
To turn or reconsider; noéō means to perceive or think.
“repent” in this verse is metanoēsai. The verb is μετανοῆσαι (metanoēsai, to turn), from μετανοέω (metanoeō, to turn or reconsider). The sentence says she is not willing to do it: time has been granted, but the turn has not happened.
ALSO GROWS
metanoia: Turning; a changed mind.
μετάνοια
This related noun names the turn that the verse says remains refused.
noeō: Perceive, think, or understand.
νοέω
This element of the verb family shows the turn as a change in perception, not simply the passage of time.
THE PATTERN
Time and patience can hold open the possibility of turning, but they do not make the turn for anyone.
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.THE THREAD
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?“Repentance” here is μετάνοια (metanoia, turning), from the same Greek word family as “repent” in Revelation. Revelation distinguishes time given from willingness to turn; Romans names goodness and patience as what lead toward that turn.
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