What does Revelation 19:20 mean?

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Revelation 19:20

Explanation

The verse Revelation 19:20 deals with events that are prophesied to occur at the end of times, according to the Christian eschatological narrative found in the Book of Revelation. This particular verse describes the fate of both the beast, often interpreted as the Antichrist or an embodiment of evil political power, and the false prophet, a figure that performs signs and deceives humanity into following the beast. The “mark of the beast” mentioned typically signifies allegiance to this evil power, and those bearing the mark worship the beast’s image. Their ultimate punishment is being cast alive into “a lake of fire burning with brimstone,” typically understood as a representation of eternal damnation.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written by the apostle John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos, likely during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, around 81-96 AD. The early Christian community was experiencing persecution, and the book is framed as an apocalyptic revelation given by Jesus Christ to John. This particular context inspired vivid imagery of the triumph of good over evil and divine justice against oppressors.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations interpret Revelation 19:20 with variances in theological viewpoint. Some see it as a literal future event signaling the end of the world. Premillennial dispensationalists, for example, hold to a future literal fulfillment during the Great Tribulation. Amillennialists, on the other hand, may interpret this passage symbolically, seeing the lake of fire as representing the final destruction of all evil, not just specific individuals.

Practical Applications

Revelation 19:20 offers practical applications by underscoring the importance of discernment and faith in divine justice. It serves as a warning against deception, idolatry, and succumbing to corrupt powers, reminding believers to remain true to their faith and resist compromising their values, even in the face of adversity or societal pressures.

Cross-References

• Revelation 13:16-17: “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
• Revelation 20:10: “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

Language Study

• “Beast” (θηρίον – thērion in Greek): Often used to describe a wild animal; figuratively represents a brutal, bestial man, savage, or ferocious.
• “False prophet” (ψευδοπροφήτης – pseudoprophētēs in Greek): A religious imposter who claims to speak God’s words but, in fact, speaks lies.
• “Lake of fire” (λίμνη τοῦ πυρός – limnē tou pyros in Greek): Though ‘lake’ and ‘fire’ are literal words, the expression is symbolic of eternal judgment.
• “Brimstone” (θεῖον – theion in Greek): Sulfur; associated with divine judgment and purification in ancient and biblical contexts.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient cultures contained many myths concerning the afterlife and divine retribution. The Greek myth of Tartarus, for example, presents a deep abyss where the Titans were imprisoned, which is somewhat analogous to the biblical lake of fire. Similarly, other religious traditions feature ideas of eternal punishment for the wicked or the final triumph of good over evil, like the Norse Ragnarök.

Scientific Perspectives

The imagery of a lake of fire and brimstone evokes volcanic activity, which could be seen in places such as the Dead Sea or the sulfuric waters around volcanic areas that the ancient people might have witnessed. Scientifically, while sulfur burning would create an impressive and terrifying visual, this passage is generally regarded as mythical symbolism rather than a description of a natural phenomenon.

Commentaries

Commentaries offer varying interpretations of Revelation 19:20:

• Traditional dispensationalists often argue for a futuristic, literal lake of fire as a place of eternal torment for the wicked.
• Some commentators might suggest that the imagery is symbolic, representing the absolute and final annihilation of evil forces.
• Others focus on the dependence of John’s imagery on Old Testament prophecies and the language of divine judgment to convey the certainty of God’s victory over sin.
• Another viewpoint might highlight the passage’s function as a reassurance to persecuted Christians that evil will ultimately be vanquished.