Revelation 20:1
1. "And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἄγγελον (angelon), “an angel”
Basic meaning: angel. Strong’s: compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor.
KJV translates it as: angel, messenger
Word root: from (probably derived from G71 (ἄγω);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“And I saw an angel come down from heaven: This “angel” (Greek: angelos, meaning “messenger”) is Jesus Himself, the divine messenger who came down from heaven ( John 3:13; John 6:38 ) with authority and purpose.”
In this verse: ἀβύσσου (abussou), “Abyss”
Basic meaning: abyss. Strong’s: depthless, i.e. (specially) (infernal) "abyss".
KJV translates it as: deep, (bottomless) pit
Word root: from G1 (Α) (as a negative particle) and a variation of G1037 (βυθός);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“The “bottomless pit” (Greek: abussos) is symbolic of the realm of death, darkness, and chaos, the same “pit” from which the beast arises ( Rev 11:7 ).”
Revelation 20:2
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ὄφις (ophis), “serpent”
Basic meaning: snake. Strong’s: a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially Satan.
KJV translates it as: serpent
Word root: probably from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι) (through the idea of sharpness of vision);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads ὄφιν (ophin) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…” Shows Satan losing access to heaven, cast down in connection with Jesus’ victory (the Cross and resurrection).”
In this verse: διάβολος (diabolos), “[the] devil”
Basic meaning: devilish/the Devil. Strong’s: a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854).
KJV translates it as: false accuser, devil, slanderer
Word root: from G1225 (διαβάλλω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…” Shows Satan losing access to heaven, cast down in connection with Jesus’ victory (the Cross and resurrection).”
In this verse: Σατανᾶς (Satanas), “Satan”
Basic meaning: Satan. Strong’s: the accuser, i.e. the devil.
KJV translates it as: Satan
Word root: of Chaldee origin corresponding to H04566 (with the definite affix);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The Church now reigns with Jesus in the Spirit; Satan is restrained, unable to deceive the nations as he did before the Cross.”
Revelation 20:3
And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should set a seal upon him, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ἄβυσσον (abusson), “Abyss”
Basic meaning: abyss. Strong’s: depthless, i.e. (specially) (infernal) "abyss".
KJV translates it as: deep, (bottomless) pit
Word root: from G1 (Α) (as a negative particle) and a variation of G1037 (βυθός);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“Bottomless pit (Gk. abyssos) realm of restraint/imprisonment ( Luke 8:31 ).”
In this verse: ἐσφράγισεν (esphragisen), “sealed [it]”
Basic meaning: to seal. Strong’s: to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest.
KJV translates it as: (set a, set to) seal up, stop
Word root: from G4973 (σφραγίς);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“While Satan is sealed (hidden, restrained), Jesus is revealed (unsealed, unveiled).”
In this verse: λυθῆναι (luthēnai), “to be released”
Basic meaning: to loose. Strong’s: to "loosen" (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off
Word root: a primary verb;
Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: κρίμα (krima), “judgment”
Basic meaning: judgment. Strong’s: a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime")).
KJV translates it as: avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment
Word root: from G2919 (κρίνω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“And judgment was given unto them: They are entrusted with judgment exercised with grace and righteousness because of salvation through faith in Jesus ( Romans 14:10-12 ).”
In this verse: μαρτυρίαν (marturian), “testimony”
Basic meaning: testimony. Strong’s: evidence given (judicially or genitive case).
KJV translates it as: record, report, testimony, witness
Word root: from G3144 (μάρτυς);
In this verse: Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou), “of Jesus”
Basic meaning: Jesus/Joshua. Strong’s: Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites.
KJV translates it as: Jesus
Word root: of Hebrew origin (H03091);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Though they died before Jesus resurrection, they are now declared righteous ( Hebrews 11 ), and through Jesus victory, they are raised to spiritual life and seated on thrones, symbolic of authority in God's kingdom.”
In this verse: Χριστοῦ (Christou), “Christ”
Basic meaning: Christ. Strong’s: anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
KJV translates it as: Christ
Word root: from G5548 (χρίω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus..."”
Revelation 20:5
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἔζησαν (ezēsan), “lived”
Basic meaning: to live. Strong’s: to live (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick
Word root: a primary verb;
Text note: this word follows the modern critical text (NA28); the Textus Receptus behind the KJV reads differently here.
In this verse: ἀνάστασις (anastasis), “resurrection”
Basic meaning: resurrection. Strong’s: a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth).
KJV translates it as: raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again
Word root: from G450 (ἀνίστημι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The resurrection and reign of the saints start with Jesus concurring sin and death on the cross from the get go, they enter into immediate eternal life.”
Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ἀναστάσει (anastasei), “resurrection”
Basic meaning: resurrection. Strong’s: a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth).
KJV translates it as: raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again
Word root: from G450 (ἀνίστημι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The first resurrection is being born again by believing in Jesus’ finished work.”
In this verse: ἱερεῖς (hi'ereis), “priests”
Basic meaning: priest. Strong’s: a priest (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: (high) priest
Word root: from G2413 (ἱερός);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“As priests “of God and of Christ,” we live out the truth that His reign is present now, His authority is complete, and His glory is already shared with His people ( Revelation 1:5–6; 5:10 ).”
In this verse: Χριστοῦ (Christou), “of Christ”
Basic meaning: Christ. Strong’s: anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.
KJV translates it as: Christ
Word root: from G5548 (χρίω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“It declares that the priesthood belongs to the one God revealed in Christ, for Jesus shares in the divine glory and reign ( John 17:5; Revelation 22:1 ).”
Revelation 20:7
And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison
Greek words · 1
In this verse: λυθήσεται (luthēsetai), “will be released”
Basic meaning: to loose. Strong’s: to "loosen" (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off
Word root: a primary verb;
Revelation 20:8
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: γωνίαις (gōniais), “corners”
Basic meaning: corner. Strong’s: an angle.
KJV translates it as: corner, quarter
Word root: probably akin to G1119 (γόνυ);
In this verse: Γὼγ (Gōg), “Gog”
Basic meaning: Gog. Strong’s: Gog, a symbolic name for some future Antichrist.
KJV translates it as: Gog
Word root: of Hebrew origin (H01463);
In this verse: Μαγώγ (Magōg), “Magog”
Basic meaning: Magog. Strong’s: Magog, a foreign nation, i.e. (figuratively) an Antichristian party.
KJV translates it as: Magog
Word root: of Hebrew origin (H04031);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“Gog and Magog “Gog and Magog” are symbolic names drawn from Ezekiel 38–39 , representing nations and forces that oppose God’s people.”
Revelation 20:9
And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ἁγίων (hagiōn), “saints”
Basic meaning: holy. Strong’s: sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated).
KJV translates it as: (most) holy (one, thing), saint
Word root: from (an awful thing) (compare G53 (ἁγνός), G2282 (θάλπω));
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about The deceived multitude, those under Satan’s influence, moved as one to oppose, persecute, and silence the message of the risen Jesus.”
In this verse: ἠγαπημένην (ēgapēmenēn), “beloved”
Basic meaning: to love. Strong’s: to love (in a social or moral sense).
KJV translates it as: (be-)love(-ed)
Word root: perhaps from (much) (or compare G5689);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“And the beloved city John calls her “beloved” because Jesus had completed the atonement, conquered the grave, and clothed His Bride in glory.”
In this verse: πῦρ (pur), “fire”
Basic meaning: fire. Strong’s: "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning).
KJV translates it as: fiery, fire
Word root: a primary word;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This is Pentecost: the moment when Jesus, having ascended to the Father, returned in Spirit with fire to baptize His people ( Acts 2:1–4 ).”
Revelation 20:10
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. and when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed…"
Greek words · 3
In this verse: διάβολος (diabolos), “devil”
Basic meaning: devilish/the Devil. Strong’s: a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H07854).
KJV translates it as: false accuser, devil, slanderer
Word root: from G1225 (διαβάλλω);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“The devil (Greek diabolos) describes the manifestation of that adversarial spirit when it operates in a vessel, whether human, angelic, or other created being.”
In this verse: λίμνην (limnēn), “lake”
Basic meaning: lake. Strong’s: a pond (large or small).
KJV translates it as: lake
Word root: probably from G3040 (λιμήν) (through the idea of nearness of shore);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Here the Spirit shows the last act in a drama that began in Eden.”
In this verse: πυρὸς (puros), “of fire”
Basic meaning: fire. Strong’s: "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning).
KJV translates it as: fiery, fire
Word root: a primary word;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Here the Spirit shows the last act in a drama that began in Eden.”
Revelation 20:11
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: θρόνον (thronon), “a throne”
Basic meaning: throne. Strong’s: a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate.
KJV translates it as: seat, throne
Word root: from (to sit);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The great white throne reveals Jesus final authority, judgment and mercy already settled at the cross, now fully unveiled.”
In this verse: λευκὸν (leukon), “white”
Basic meaning: white. Strong’s: white.
KJV translates it as: white
Word root: from ("light");
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The great white throne reveals Jesus final authority, judgment and mercy already settled at the cross, now fully unveiled.”
Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: θρόνου (thronou), “throne”
Basic meaning: throne. Strong’s: a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate.
KJV translates it as: seat, throne
Word root: from (to sit);
Text note: this word follows the modern critical text (NA28); the Textus Receptus behind the KJV reads differently here.
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: All humanity, regardless of rank or status, stands before Jesus authority and before His throne ( 2 Corinthians 5:10 ).”
In this verse: βιβλία (biblia), “books”
Basic meaning: scroll. Strong’s: a roll.
KJV translates it as: bill, book, scroll, writing
Word root: a diminutive of G976 (βίβλος);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Books = records of works (law); the Book of Life = grace in Jesus.”
In this verse: ζωῆς (zōēs), “of life”
Basic meaning: life. Strong’s: life (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: life(-time)
Word root: from G2198 (ζάω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The Book of Life is Jesus’ testimony, judgment is through His finished work on the cross.”
In this verse: ἔργα (erga), “deeds”
Basic meaning: work. Strong’s: toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act.
KJV translates it as: deed, doing, labour, work
Word root: from a primary (but obsolete) (to work);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Those written in the Book of Life are judged by the mercy of Jesus; those judged by the books of works are measured without grace and condemned by their own deeds.”
Revelation 20:13
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: θάνατος (thanatos), “Death”
Basic meaning: death. Strong’s: (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: X deadly, (be…) death
Word root: from G2348 (θνήσκω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“And death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: “Death and hell” (Greek: Hades) refer to the realm of the dead because of Jesus triumph.”
In this verse: ᾅδης (hadēs), “Hades”
Basic meaning: Hades. Strong’s: properly, unseen, i.e. "Hades" or the place (state) of departed souls.
KJV translates it as: grave, hell
Word root: from G1 (Α) (as negative particle) and G1492 (εἴδω);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“And death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: “Death and hell” (Greek: Hades) refer to the realm of the dead because of Jesus triumph.”
Revelation 20:14
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ᾅδης (hadēs), “Hades”
Basic meaning: Hades. Strong’s: properly, unseen, i.e. "Hades" or the place (state) of departed souls.
KJV translates it as: grave, hell
Word root: from G1 (Α) (as negative particle) and G1492 (εἴδω);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“Death and hell were cast… In Revelation 20:14 , “death” and “hell” (Greek Hades, the realm of the dead) are spiritual conditions that exist in those separated from God through sin.”
In this verse: λίμνην (limnēn), “lake”
Basic meaning: lake. Strong’s: a pond (large or small).
KJV translates it as: lake
Word root: probably from G3040 (λιμήν) (through the idea of nearness of shore);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“At the cross after Jesus gave all judgments, these states where cast into an undisclosed or unrevealed place, the “lake of fire.” The lake of fire is not merely a physical location but the ultimate punishment of the spiritual state one has chosen, total and irreversible separation from the life of God.”
Revelation 20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ζωῆς (zōēs), “of life”
Basic meaning: life. Strong’s: life (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: life(-time)
Word root: from G2198 (ζάω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Those not in Jesus are judged by their own works and fall short ( Rom. 6:23 ).The Gospel call is clear: Only in Jesus is life and safety ( John 3:36 ).”
In this verse: λίμνην (limnēn), “lake”
Basic meaning: lake. Strong’s: a pond (large or small).
KJV translates it as: lake
Word root: probably from G3040 (λιμήν) (through the idea of nearness of shore);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Was cast into the lake of fire: This represents final judgment for all who reject the life, truth, and light of Jesus.”