New Testament

Revelation 21:8

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 21:8, a list of individuals who will face judgment is presented.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

But cowards, the unbelieving, the vile, murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars — their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. That is the second death.

KJVKing James Version

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 21:8, a list of individuals who will face judgment is presented. This includes those who are cowardly, unbelieving, immoral, and deceitful. The verse emphasizes that these behaviors lead to a dire consequence: being cast into a lake of fire, symbolizing eternal separation from God. The 'second death' refers to this ultimate judgment, contrasting with the first death, which is physical. The passage serves as a warning about the seriousness of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God. It highlights that a life lived in rebellion against God, characterized by fear, disbelief, and immoral actions, leads to spiritual death. This verse calls believers to examine their lives and remain steadfast in their faith, avoiding the pitfalls of sin that can lead to such a fate.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 21:8 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and beliefs. It reminds us to live with courage and integrity, avoiding behaviors that lead to spiritual death. By staying true to our faith and values, we can ensure our place in God's eternal kingdom.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 21:8 mean?

Revelation 21:8 lists various types of people who will face judgment, emphasizing that behaviors like cowardice, unbelief, and immorality lead to severe consequences. It warns that these individuals will be cast into a lake of fire, symbolizing eternal separation from God, known as the 'second death.'

What is the meaning of 'the second death' in Revelation 21:8?

In Revelation 21:8, 'the second death' refers to the ultimate judgment and eternal separation from God that follows physical death for those who live in rebellion against Him. It contrasts with the first death, which is physical, highlighting the seriousness of spiritual consequences.

Who are the 'cowards' mentioned in Revelation 21:8?

The 'cowards' in Revelation 21:8 refer to those who lack faith and courage in their beliefs, choosing to abandon their convictions out of fear. This term emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's faith despite challenges.

What behaviors are condemned in Revelation 21:8?

Revelation 21:8 condemns behaviors such as cowardice, unbelief, immorality, murder, sorcery, idolatry, and lying. These actions are seen as serious offenses that lead to spiritual death and separation from God.

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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