Nicolaitans
/ˌnɪkəˈleɪ.ɪtənz/noun
A sect mentioned in the New Testament, condemned in Revelation for its teachings or behavior.
Did you know?Their name is usually taken as a Greek formation meaning “followers of Nicolaus,” but early Christian writers also linked it to the roots for “victory” and “people,” making the label feel ominously symbolic in a text obsessed with spiritual conquest.
Etymological Timeline
1st Century
Greek
Νικολαΐται (Nikolaïtai)
“A group or sect mentioned in early Christian writings”
1st Century
Greek
Νικόλαος (Nikolaos)
“A personal name meaning “victory of the people””
Late 1st Century
Greek
Νικολαΐται (Nikolaïtai)
“The sect name as used in Revelation”
2nd-4th Century
Latin
Nicolaitae
“Latinized form used by early Christian writers”
Middle English
English
Nicolaitans
“A historical religious sect named in biblical tradition”
Modern English
English
Nicolaitans
“The sect name retained in biblical and historical reference”