What does Revelation 20:13 mean?

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Revelation 20:13

Explanation

Revelation 20:13 is a passage that speaks about the final judgment, a theme that permeates through the last book of the New Testament, Revelation. In this particular verse, we are presented with an image where the sea, along with Death and Hades (often translated as “hell”), release the dead that are within them to be judged according to their deeds. Taken literally, it indicates that every realm where the dead reside will surrender them for judgment – the sea being a literal and figurative place of the dead, and Death and Hades representing the realms of the afterlife in Judaic-Christian thought. On a deeper level, this verse signifies the comprehensive nature of God’s final judgment. It emphasizes the belief that no person will escape this judgment, and everyone will be held accountable for their actions.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation is traditionally understood to have been written by John the Apostle, while he was exiled on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea, around 95 AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian. This was a period of significant persecution for early Christians. The apocalyptic imagery throughout Revelation often reflects the struggles and hopes of early Christians, offering a vision of ultimate justice and the triumph of God over evil. The passage about the sea giving up the dead reflects the eschatological anticipation of a final judgment and the end of the current age where martyrs and believers would receive their vindication.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret this verse in diverse ways. Some Evangelical viewpoints see this as a literal future event where all the dead will rise and face divine judgment, focusing on individual accountability before God. Catholic theology often incorporates this idea into their broader understanding of the final judgment, but also links it with the concept of purgatory, where souls are purified before they can enter heaven. Liberation and Process theologians might understand this passage metaphorically, emphasizing God’s desire for justice and systemic transformation.

Practical Applications

The idea that everyone will be judged according to their works can inspire believers to strive for a life of integrity and benevolence, knowing that their actions carry eternal significance. This verse serves as a reminder of accountability and offers motivation for self-reflection, encouraging individuals to consider the moral and ethical implications of their daily choices and to live in a manner that is consistent with their faith and values.

Cross-References

• Revelation 20:12 – “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:52 – “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
• John 5:28-29 – “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

Language Study

Key words in this verse include:

• “Sea” (Greek: θάλασσα, thalassa): Often symbolically representing chaos and the abode of the dead.
• “Death” (Greek: θάνατος, thanatos): Personified as a power holding sway over the dead.
• “Hell” (Greek: ᾍδης, Hades): The realm of the dead, not necessarily a place of torment but the abode of all deceased individuals.
• “Judged” (Greek: ἔκριναν, ekrinan): To be evaluated or decided upon, especially in a judicial sense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, the sea often symbolized mystery and danger, as well as a place of death. For example, in Greek mythology, the dead were ferried to the underworld across the rivers Styx and Acheron. Many ancient religions had concepts of judgment in the afterlife, where actions in life determined one’s fate in death. The idea of a resurrection or final accounting is somewhat unique to Abrahamic religions, setting apart their eschatological views.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not provide a basis for the concept of the afterlife or divine judgment as depicted in this verse. However, this scripture touches on universal human questions about mortality, justice, and the existence of an ultimate moral order, which are explored in various ways through philosophy, psychology, and cultural studies. In these disciplines, discussions often revolve around the social and psychological implications of belief in life after death and ultimate accountability.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry Commentary: Interprets this passage as the general resurrection and the judgment following it, indicating that the sea and the grave will yield up their dead, and none shall escape the judgment of God.
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Suggests that the imagery of the sea giving up the dead signifies that no matter how individuals may die or where their bodies may be deposited, all shall be produced at the final judgment.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: Notes that the universality of the resurrection and judgment is indicated here, emphasizing that all, without distinction, are to be judged by their works.
• The New International Greek Testament Commentary: Highlights the symbolic meaning of “sea,” “death,” and “Hades,” suggesting that the image is designed more to convey the idea of total surrender of the dead for judgment rather than the specifics of how this will occur.