King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:20 Mean?

Revelation 19:20 in the King James Version says “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them th... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

18

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

19

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

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.

21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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... This verse from Revelation's vision of hallelujah chorus, marriage supper, christ's return - final victory, word of god rides forth employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 19:20 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 44 words
καὶ1 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπιάσθη2 of 44

was taken

G4084

to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))

τὸ3 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίου4 of 44

of the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

καὶ5 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μετὰ6 of 44

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τοὐτοῦ7 of 44

him

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

8 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψευδοπροφήτης9 of 44

the false prophet

G5578

a spurious prophet, i.e., pretended foreteller or religious impostor

10 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποιήσας11 of 44

that wrought

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὰ12 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σημεῖα13 of 44

miracles

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἐνώπιον14 of 44

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ15 of 44

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν16 of 44

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οἷς17 of 44

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπλάνησεν18 of 44

he deceived

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

τοὺς19 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαβόντας20 of 44

them that had received

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸ21 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χάραγμα22 of 44

the mark

G5480

a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)

τοῦ23 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίου24 of 44

of the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

καὶ25 of 44

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς26 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προσκυνοῦντας27 of 44

them that worshipped

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

τῇ28 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἰκόνι29 of 44

image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

αὐτοῦ30 of 44

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ζῶντες31 of 44

alive

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ἐβλήθησαν32 of 44

were cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

οἱ33 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δύο34 of 44

These both

G1417

"two"

εἰς35 of 44

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν36 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λίμνην37 of 44

a lake

G3041

a pond (large or small)

τοῦ38 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πυρὸς39 of 44

of fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

τὴν40 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καιομένην41 of 44

burning

G2545

to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume

ἐν42 of 44

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ43 of 44
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θείῳ44 of 44

brimstone

G2303

sulphur


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 19:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 19:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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