What does Revelation 21:8 mean?

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. Revelation 21:8

Explanation

Revelation 21:8 provides a list of those who will face eternal punishment, according to the vision received by the apostle John. The passage describes a group of individuals characterized by their sinful actions and lifestyles. These individuals are contrasted with those who are welcomed into the New Jerusalem in the preceding verses. The “fearful” or cowardly indicates those who are afraid to stand up for their faith, while “unbelieving” refers to those who reject the Gospel. “The abominable” covers a range of detestable acts, “murderers” those who unlawfully take life, “whoremongers” or sexually immoral persons, “sorcerers” those practicing magic or witchcraft, “idolaters,” and “all liars.” These are said to face the “second death”, which is not a physical demise but a spiritual one, being complete and eternal separation from God in the “lake of fire,” a symbol of hell.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was written in the context of early Christian communities facing persecution under Roman rule. The author, traditionally believed to be John the Apostle, wrote in a genre called “apocalyptic literature” which uses symbolic and allegorical language to communicate hope and divine justice to those suffering oppression. This context influenced the stark contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, and the promise of final judgment.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is often interpreted within the framework of eschatology, the study of the end times. Different Christian traditions interpret this passage in various ways. For example:

• Pre-Millennialist View: Takes a literal approach, believing that a future judgment and a physical lake of fire awaits the unrighteous.
• Amillennialist View: More symbolic interpretation, where the “lake of fire” represents the totality of God’s definitive judgment on sin, not necessarily a literal fire.
• Universalist View: May argue that such warnings are meant to prompt moral behavior and that ultimately, God’s love could prevail over judgment.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a moral compass, urging individuals to evaluate their behaviors and beliefs. It reminds readers of the consequences of their actions and the importance of upholding a faith-driven life. It fosters accountability and can be used to encourage spiritual growth and transformation.

Cross-References

• 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:”
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,”

Language Study

Several key words in the original Greek text of Revelation 21:8 carry significant meaning:

• “Fearful” (deilos): Meaning timidity or cowardice, specifically a fear that causes one to be faithless.
• “Unbelieving” (apistos): Implying a lack of faith or trust, generally in God.
• “Abominable” (bdelussōmenos): Those who are detestable or abhorred due to their impurities.
• “Sorcerers” (pharmakos): One who uses drugs or potions, often associated with witchcraft or magic.
• “Whoremongers” (pornos): This term was used for those engaging in sexual immorality, typically fornication or prostitution.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divine judgment for immoral behavior is not unique to Christianity. Similar themes are found in other ancient religions and myths. For example, in Ancient Egyptian beliefs, the dead were judged by weighing their heart against the feather of Maat (truth). In Greek mythology, Tartarus was a deep abyss used as a dungeon of torment for the wicked.

Scientific Perspectives

The imagery of a “lake of fire” is symbolic and does not correspond to any present scientific understanding. The concept of the “second death” as an eternal separation from God is a spiritual concept that lies outside the purview of empirical science, which does not address metaphysical realities.

Commentaries

Various commentators have offered interpretations of this verse:

• Matthew Henry: Emphasizes the seriousness of God’s final judgment and the clear distinction between the saved and the unsaved.
• John Wesley: Notes that the cowardly lead the list as their fear contradicts faith, which is essential in Christianity.
• Craig S. Keener: In his “NIV Application Commentary,” suggests understanding the first-century context is crucial to understanding the full weight of the symbolisms used in Revelation.
• G.K. Beale: In “The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text,” Beale argues for a symbolic interpretation of the images, reflecting broader theological truths rather than specific literal realities.