New Testament

Revelation 20:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

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.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

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

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Consequences of Sin

Related Bible verses

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

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.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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