New Testament

Revelation 20:14

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Then death and hell themselves were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

What Revelation 20:14 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 20:14, the imagery of death and hell being thrown into the lake of fire signifies the ultimate defeat of evil and the finality of judgment. This 'lake of fire' represents eternal separation from God, a place of punishment for those who have rejected Him. The phrase 'second death' indicates that this is not just physical death, but a spiritual death that results in eternal separation from life and God. The passage emphasizes that even death and hell, which symbolize the ultimate consequences of sin, will be eradicated. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the hope of eternal life for believers, contrasting the fate of the wicked. The imagery is meant to instill a sense of urgency about one's spiritual state and the importance of choosing life in Christ over the consequences of sin.

How to apply Revelation 20:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our spiritual choices and the reality of eternal consequences. It serves as a reminder to seek a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, ensuring we choose life and avoid the fate of the second death. Living with this awareness can motivate us to share the message of hope with others.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Andrew bringing his brother Simon to Jesus

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Peter

An old color photograph of Nazareth spread across a hillside in Galilee.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Nazareth

The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Revelation 20:14

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Revelation 20:14

At a Glance — the Book of Revelation

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 95
Genre
Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience
The seven churches of Asia Minor

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 20:14 mean?

Revelation 20:14 describes the final judgment where death and hell are cast into the lake of fire, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and eternal separation from God for those who reject Him.

What is the lake of fire in Revelation 20:14?

The lake of fire in Revelation 20:14 represents a place of eternal punishment and separation from God, where those who have sinned and rejected Him face the consequences of their choices.

What is the second death mentioned in Revelation 20:14?

The second death in Revelation 20:14 refers to spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God, contrasting with physical death and highlighting the seriousness of rejecting God's offer of life.

What themes are present in Revelation 20:14?

Revelation 20:14 encompasses themes of final judgment, eternal separation from God, the defeat of evil, hope for believers, and the serious consequences of sin.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.