Νικολαΐτης

Νικολαΐτης — Nikolaḯtēs

Νικολαΐτης, Νικολαιτου, ὁ, a follower of Nicolaus, a Nicolaitan: plural, Rev 2:6; Rev 2:15 — a name which, it can scarcely be doubted, refers symbolically to the same persons who in Rev 2:14 are charged with holding τήν διδαχήν Βαλαάμ, i. e. after the example of Balaam, casting a stumblingblock before the church of God (Num 24:1-3) by upholding the liberty of eating things sacrificed unto idols as well as of committing fornication; for the Greek name Νικόλαος coincides with the Hebrew בִּלְעָם according to the interpretation of the latter which regards it as signifying destruction of the people. See in Βαλαάμ; (cf. BB. DD., under the words Nicolaitans, Nicolas; also commentaries on Revelation, at the passages cited).