What does Revelation 20:10 mean?

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. Revelation 20:10

Explanation

Revelation 20:10 conveys the final destiny of Satan, the principal antagonist of God, as depicted in Christian eschatology. The verse describes Satan being thrown into a lake of fire and brimstone (sulfur), joining both the beast—which is often interpreted as representative of an evil political system or leader—and the false prophet—an entity that deceives people into worshipping the beast. The scene is set at the culmination of the series of judgments and events described in the Book of Revelation, following the Millennium, the 1000-year reign of Christ. The nature of the punishment is eternal; Satan and his cohorts will be tormented “day and night” without end. This image serves to present the ultimate triumph of good over evil, as well as God’s final judgment and the eradication of sin from the created order.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was written by John of Patmos, generally believed to be the same person as John the Apostle, though this has been debated among scholars. Written during a time of persecution of Christians, likely around AD 95, the text has a rich apocalyptic tradition that was present in Judaism and early Christianity. It uses symbolic language, visions, and dramatic imagery to communicate the message of God’s sovereignty and the eventual victory of good over evil. The historical context includes the oppression of early Christians under Roman rule, thus the figures of the beast and the false prophet also represent oppressive powers and those who lead others into falsehood and idolatry.

Theological Insights

This verse is a key element in Christian eschatology, which refers to the study of the end times. Demoninationally, there are various interpretations of the lake of fire:

• Traditional View: This is the eternal destination of evil, often referred to as Hell, where Satan, his demons, and unrepentant sinners will experience eternal punishment.
• Annihilationism: Some Christians hold the view that instead of eternal conscious torment, the lake of fire signifies complete destruction and cessation of existence.
• Metaphorical Interpretation: Others interpret these images symbolically, suggesting that the lake of fire represents the purifying, refining judgment of God rather than a place of literal fire and brimstone.

The theological message conveys divine justice and reinforces the idea of God’s ultimate victory over evil.

Practical Applications

For believers, Revelation 20:10 can reinforce the importance of faithfulness to God, standing firm against evil and deception. It also offers hope to those suffering or facing persecution, promising that evil will be ultimately defeated and judged. The verse can be seen as a call to reject false teachings, uphold truth, and maintain integrity in one’s actions, knowing that there is a final accountability for all.

Cross-References

• Revelation 19:20 – “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 20:14 – “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
• Matthew 25:41 – “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
• 2 Thessalonians 1:9 – “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

Language Study

Key phrases from Revelation 20:10 in Greek include:

• “lake of fire and brimstone” (λίμνη τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ θείου): The “lake” signifies a vast expanse, while “fire” (πυρὸς) signifies judgment or destruction, and “brimstone” (θείου) implies divine wrath.
• “tormented” (βασανισθήσονται): To be afflicted, tested or put to the test. In this context, it speaks of ongoing, unceasing torment.
• “day and night” (ἡμέρας καὶ νύκτας): A phrase denoting perpetuity, without rest or pause.
• “for ever and ever” (εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων): Literally to the “ages of the ages,” implying an unending duration.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This concept of a final place of punishment for evil beings can be compared to other ancient religious and mythological ideas:

• In Greek mythology, Tartarus is a deep abyss where the Titans were imprisoned and is a place of torment.
• Ancient Mesopotamian religions also had concepts of a netherworld where the dead were judged.
• Zoroastrianism speaks of an end time judgment with the renovation of the world and the banishment of evil.

These cultural beliefs, while different in detail and scope, similarly reflect an understanding of a moral universe with eventual divine justice.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not typically intersect with theological and supernatural concepts such as the lake of fire. Scientific perspectives are based on empirical evidence, and the description of eternal torment and a spiritual place of punishment falls outside the purview of scientific inquiry. However, the imagery of fire and brimstone can be associated with the known destructive nature of volcanic phenomena, which were observed in the ancient world and could have influenced the use of this metaphor.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Revelation 20:10 offer diverse perspectives:

• Traditionalist Commentaries: They emphasize the reality of Hell and warn against the dangers of sin and the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ.
• Scholarly Commentaries: These may focus on the symbolic nature of the apocalyptic language and how it functioned as a coded message of hope for persecuted Christians.
• Critical Commentaries: Some critical scholars might question the historical and theological coherence of the verses and might interpret them within a broader literary and mythological context.
• Annihilationist Commentaries: These explain the text in terms of the ultimate destruction of evil, denying an ongoing suffering but affirming a decisive end to sin and wickedness.
• Universalist Commentaries: Some may interpret the verse as reflecting a refining, corrective punishment rather than eternal torment, with the ultimate goal of restoration.