New Testament

Revelation 20:15

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 20:15, the verse describes a final judgment where individuals are assessed based on whether their names are recorded in the 'book of life.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

KJVKing James Version

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 20:15, the verse describes a final judgment where individuals are assessed based on whether their names are recorded in the 'book of life.' This book symbolizes those who have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. If a person's name is not found in this book, they face dire consequences, being cast into the 'lake of fire,' which represents eternal separation from God and punishment. This imagery serves as a stark warning about the importance of faith and the reality of judgment. The 'lake of fire' is often interpreted as a metaphor for hell, emphasizing the seriousness of one's spiritual state. The passage underscores the belief that salvation is available through Christ, and it encourages readers to ensure their names are written in the book of life by accepting Him. This verse ultimately calls for self-reflection on one's faith and relationship with God, highlighting the eternal implications of our choices in this life.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 20:15 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our spiritual lives and ensure we have a genuine relationship with Jesus. It serves as a reminder to share the message of salvation with others, emphasizing the importance of faith in securing a place in the book of life.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What is the book of life in Revelation 20:15?

The book of life in Revelation 20:15 represents a record of those who have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. If a person's name is not in this book, it indicates they do not have salvation and face judgment.

What does the lake of fire represent in Revelation 20:15?

The lake of fire in Revelation 20:15 symbolizes eternal punishment and separation from God. It serves as a warning about the consequences of not having one's name written in the book of life.

Why is faith important according to Revelation 20:15?

Faith is crucial according to Revelation 20:15 because it determines whether a person's name is in the book of life. This verse emphasizes that belief in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation and avoiding judgment.

What does Revelation 20:15 mean?

Revelation 20:15 centers on judgment. In Revelation 20:15, the verse describes a final judgment where individuals are assessed based on whether their names are recorded in the 'book of life.' This book symbolizes those who have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

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.

Premium

Unlock the full Revelation summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Revelation — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 22 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Revelation summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

← Verse 14 Verse 16 →