New Testament
Revelation 20:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the 1,000 years were over. This is the first resurrection.
Compare translations
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
What Revelation 20:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 20:5, the text discusses the concept of resurrection, specifically distinguishing between two groups of the dead. It states that the 'rest of the dead' will not be resurrected until after a period of 1,000 years, which is often interpreted as a time of Christ's reign on earth. This verse emphasizes that there is a specific order to resurrection events, with the first resurrection being a significant event for those who have died in faith. The first resurrection is seen as a reward for believers, while the rest of the dead, who are not part of this group, will remain in a state of death until the end of the 1,000 years. This passage highlights the hope of eternal life for believers and the importance of faith in the resurrection.
How to apply Revelation 20:5 to your life
Understanding the concept of resurrection can encourage believers to live with hope and purpose. It reminds us that our faith has eternal significance and that there is a promise of life beyond death for those who trust in Christ. This can motivate us to share this 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.
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
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 PlansAsk AI about Revelation 20:5
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 20:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 20:5 mean?
Revelation 20:5 explains that there are two groups of the dead: those who are resurrected at the beginning of Christ's 1,000-year reign and the 'rest of the dead' who will not come back to life until after this period. This verse highlights the significance of the first resurrection for believers.
What is the first resurrection in Revelation 20:5?
The first resurrection mentioned in Revelation 20:5 refers to the resurrection of believers who have died in faith, occurring at the start of Christ's 1,000-year reign. It signifies a reward for those who have remained faithful.
What does 'the rest of the dead' mean in Revelation 20:5?
In Revelation 20:5, 'the rest of the dead' refers to those who are not part of the first resurrection and will remain in a state of death until the 1,000 years are completed. This distinction emphasizes the different fates of the dead.
What is the significance of the 1,000 years in Revelation 20:5?
The 1,000 years in Revelation 20:5 represents a period of Christ's reign on earth, during which the first resurrection occurs. It is significant because it marks a time of hope and reward for believers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.