New Testament
Revelation 20:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 20:5, the text discusses the concept of resurrection, specifically distinguishing between two groups of the dead.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the 1,000 years were over. This is the first resurrection.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
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.
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