What does Revelation 20:3 mean?

And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. Revelation 20:3

Explanation

Revelation 20:3 describes a prophetic vision in which a powerful angel subdues Satan, casting him into a bottomless pit, which is often identified as the Abyss, a deep, dark void or prison. The angel then locks and seals the pit to prevent Satan from influencing or deceiving the nations until a thousand years pass, known as the Millennium. After the Millennium, Satan is to be temporarily released. This passage is rich with symbolic language that is open to interpretation, but on a literal level, it outlines a period of Satan’s binding followed by a brief return before the final judgment.

Historical Context

Revelation is the last book of the New Testament, commonly dated to the late 1st century AD, and attributed to John the Apostle. The book contains apocalyptic literature, a genre popular among Jews and early Christians, which uses symbolic imagery to convey visions of the end times and the ultimate victory of good over evil. The Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD greatly influenced the context, possibly giving rise to this vision of hope and divine justice.

Theological Insights

The thousand-year reign, or “Millennium,” has been interpreted differently among Christian denominations. Premillennialists believe that Christ will return before this period and reign on earth. Postmillennialists think that Christ’s return will follow a golden age ushered in by the Church. Amillennialists interpret the Millennium symbolically, suggesting that it represents the current church age. The binding of Satan is seen as partial, limiting his ability to prevent the spread of the Gospel rather than an absolute elimination of his influence.

Practical Applications

Regardless of theological perspective, this verse serves as a message of hope for believers, assuring that evil will not have the final say. It encourages Christians to remain faithful and steadfast in their convictions, knowing that spiritual warfare is part of their journey and that ultimate victory is assured. It also motivates believers to actively partake in spreading the Gospel, as the restraining of Satan’s influence allows for the expansion of God’s Kingdom.

Cross-References

• Revelation 20:1-2: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand…”
• Revelation 20:7: “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,”
• 2 Peter 3:8: “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Language Study

• “Bottomless pit” (Greek: ἄβυσσος, “abyssos”) can mean a deep, immeasurable space; a subterranean abyss or pit.
• “Shut him up” (Greek: ἔκλεισεν, “ekleisen”) conveys not just closing but securely locking.
• “Set a seal upon” (Greek: ἐσφράγισεν, “esphragisen”) signifies to seal securely, ensuring that what is sealed cannot be tampered with until permitted.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The imagery of a netherworld or abyss where evil beings are imprisoned is not unique to Christianity. In various mythologies, such as Greek, Norse, and Mesopotamian, there are tales of gods or beings consigned to deep pits or realms as punishment. These common motifs suggest a shared conception of a cosmic struggle between order and chaos.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not substantiate the existence of a physical “bottomless pit” or an abyss as described in Revelation. However, scientific cosmology does involve concepts of black holes and singularities, regions from which nothing, not even light, can escape. While these bear a superficial resemblance to the “abyss,” they are not connected to the theological or moral dimensions of Revelation 20:3.

Commentaries

Several Bible commentators provide diverse insights on Revelation 20:3. Matthew Henry views the binding of Satan as a restriction on his power to tempt and deceive the saints. Others, like John Gill, interpret it eschatologically, indicating a future event where Satan’s influence will be significantly limited. Some see the verse as metaphorical of Christ’s victory over evil. The different interpretations are often influenced by each commentator’s eschatological beliefs, whether premillennialism, postmillennialism, or amillennialism.