Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 2:23

"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." — Revelation 2:23 (ASV)

For those who follow Jezebel (“her children”) and refuse to repent, a fatal judgment will be meted out by the Lord Christ: “I will strike her children dead” (perhaps an idiom denoting “pestilence”; cf. 6:8). Whatever the exact nature of the judgment, it is announced beforehand by Christ so that when it occurs, not just Thyatira but “all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds,” since they too will read the same letter and will later hear of the historical outcome. OT references ascribe omniscience to God alone (Psalms 7:9; Proverbs 24:12; Jeremiah 17:10). “Hearts” (GK 2840) represents the moral center of the life, while “minds” (lit., “kidneys”; GK 3752) represents the totality of the feelings, thoughts, and desires traced back to one’s deepest inner life. Nothing in our thoughts or desires is hidden from Christ’s penetrating gaze (Hebrews 4:12–13). Our only safety from judgment is in repentance. The risen Lord does not stop with searching hearts and minds but brings recompense according to deeds: for faithfulness, reward; for unfaithfulness, judgment.