Who is Jezebel in Revelation 2?
Jezebel, or literally “Iezabel” (Isabel), is quite an interesting figure in the Bible. In the Old Testament, she is the wicked wife of Ahab (1 Kgs 18-19) and Israel to sin. The Jezebel in Revelation 2:20, however, is a completely different character.
So, who’s Jezebel?
There are 2 views:
#1: Jezebel as a Woman (in the Church of Thyatira)
In hindsight, this view is likely the most “logical” and “reasonable” given that we see Scripture and Revelation linearly and plainly (literally). Given that Jezebel in the OT was literally a woman, this Jezebel is likely a woman as well. In fact, Revelation 2:20 literally calls her “that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.”
A woman who seduces and teaches sexual immorality (porneia) is realistic, both in the past and present. Jezebel could totally be an individual in the 1st century. It is also reasonable to conclude that Christ’s judgment on her, that she be thrown “onto a sickbed” (2:21), or simply a bed (kline) as literal—that she would be sick and plagued with illness. Jezebel would be unable to seduce and lead His people astray.
However, the latter verses (Rev 2:22-23) present some problems against this view. The first problem deals with God’s judgment. If Jezebel is such an adulterous woman, causing many to stumble, how come her judgment is that she would be “disabled”—while those who commit adultery with her are “thrown into great tribulation” (2:22)? Isn’t that judgment a little worse than being sick on a bed?
The second relates to her children (2:23). If Jezebel was a woman, her children would literally be her offspring, children outside wedlock. Yet, Scripture writes that He would strike them dead. Shouldn’t Jezebel be struck dead instead? Doesn’t Scripture write, “each is to die for his own sin?” (Deut 24:16; Ezek 18:20)
With these considerations, consider the second view below—which I hold to.
#2: Jezebel as a demonic spirit (My View)
I think a closer look and examination of this passage would likely point to Jezebel as a demonic spirit instead of a physical woman. Here are a few reasons why:
First, Revelation has extensive use of figurative language. In fact, many characters and figures are spirits. Here are some examples:
The four living creatures in Revelation 6 are not physical creatures. The white horse (6:2) is not literally a white horse nor it’s rider a human rider. They are spirits, and in this case, the white horse and its rider is likely an antichrist figure.
Angels appear extensively in Revelation. Angels are also spirits—ministering spirits (Heb 1:14).
The woman and the child in Revelation 12 are likely figurative—representing Israel and Christ respectively.
The beasts (Rev 13) are demonic spirits.
So, taking Revelation's figurative language in context, there’s no reason not to assume "that woman Jezebel” as figurative or a spirit. It almost makes more sense to consider “Jezebel” as a spirit.
Second, (**This is a technical point…feel free to skip this) take note of the pronouns. When Paul writes to the churches, he generally (almost always, at least in greetings) uses “you” plurally (“you all”). (e.g.: Rom 1:8; 1 Cor 1:4; 1 Thess 1:2; 2:1) To clarify, in Greek, there’s a clear difference between “you” (singular)—referring to an individual—and “you all” (plural)—referring to a group.
However, in Revelation 2:18-29, Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira singularly. When John writes, “But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel,” the “you” is singular, which is quite uncommon. Though “you” is singular, Jesus is speaking to a church, a group of people. The singular “you” is in fact pluralistic. What this means is that it gives us more liberty in interpretation. Just because Jezebel is mentioned singularly as a woman, it does not mean that she is literally an individual woman.
Third, Revelation 2:24. Notice how Jezebel is described in verse 24, “But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan...” From this passage, it is clear that there are some believers in Thyatira who are not bound by Jezebel. Yet, John does not write “Jezebel”, he writes instead “this teaching” and “the deep things of Satan.” Interestingly, the word “things” is not in the Greek. Literally, this phrase is “the depths of Satan”. Guess what, the depths of Satan is probably demonic and very demonic. Hence, John is associating Jezebel as of Satan—likely a “personal aid demon” that sticks closely with him.
Last, consider the immediate context. In Revelation 2:12-17, Jesus’ message to the church in Pergamum (2:12), the passage mentions “the teaching of Balaam” (2:14) which relates to “food sacrificed to idols” and “sexual immorality” (2:14). This teaching is similar—if not identical—with Jezebel (2:20). If “Balaam” is not literally a person, but a “teaching” that leads to sin, the same should apply to this “Jezebel”. In fact, this key information proves that “Jezebel” is a demonic spirit from the depths of Satan.
Verdict:
Jezebel being a demonic spirit would also answer the “problems” relating to God’s judgment. The judgment that she would be thrown onto a sickbed—temporarily disabled—seems to fit with God’s judgment upon Satan and his demons (cf. Rev 20:3). Furthermore, when Jesus says “I will strike her children dead,” given that “she” is a demon, the killing of her “children” refers to other demonic forces and powers—perhaps pointing to the ultimate victory over Satan and his demons (20:7-10), including the Jezebel spirit (since she’s part of Satan and his forces anyway).
Conclusion:
Why does Jezebel matter to us?
Well, for one, this Jezebel spirit is the “OG” Jezebel. This demonic spirit is powerful and influential, operating in men and women. Think about it, 2 churches among the 7 in Revelation 2-3 were dealing with this Jezebel. It’s likely that your church has people, maybe people serving in ministry, under the influence of this Jezebel spirit.
Possible Traits of a Jezebel:
Flirtatious
Manipulative
Controlling
Charming and outgoing
Eager to serve God but schemes wickedness and sexual immorality
Nonetheless, we need to be aware of this spirit that is leading people to idolatry and porneia (sexual immorality) within our local churches. We need to pray for a spirit of discernment against such demonic influences that are creeping into the church and that the bride of Christ would stand strong in purity against such forces.
Church, do not take this Jezebel lightly.
