King James Version

What Does Revelation 20:1 Mean?

Revelation 20:1 in the King James Version says “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.”

Revelation 20:1 · KJV

Context

1

And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3

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.

Read Revelation 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.... This verse from Revelation's vision of millennium, satan bound, final rebellion, great white throne - ultimate justice 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 20:1 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 · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

εἶδον2 of 19

“I saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἄγγελον3 of 19

“an angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

καταβαίνοντα4 of 19

“come down”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ5 of 19

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ6 of 19
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ7 of 19

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ἔχοντα8 of 19

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὴν9 of 19
G3588

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

κλεῖδα10 of 19

“the key”

G2807

a key (as shutting a lock), literally or figuratively

τῆς11 of 19
G3588

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

ἀβύσσου12 of 19

“of the bottomless pit”

G12

depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"

καὶ13 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἅλυσιν14 of 19

“chain”

G254

a fetter or manacle

μεγάλην15 of 19

“a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐπὶ16 of 19

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν17 of 19
G3588

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

χεῖρα18 of 19

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτοῦ19 of 19
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

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 20:1 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 20:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 1:182 Peter 2:4Jude 1:6Revelation 9:1-2Revelation 10:1Revelation 18:1

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Revelation 20 with CommentaryAll Revelation ChaptersComplete Revelation QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes