King James Version

What Does Revelation 20:10 Mean?

Revelation 20:10 in the King James Version says “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

Revelation 20:10 · KJV

Context

8

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

9

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

11

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

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.

Read Revelation 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.... 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.

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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 20:10 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 · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ2 of 30
G3588

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

διάβολος3 of 30

“the devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

ὁ4 of 30
G3588

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

πλανῶν5 of 30

“that deceived”

G4105

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

αὐτοὺς6 of 30

“them”

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

ἐβλήθη7 of 30

“was cast”

G906

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

εἰς8 of 30

“for”

G1519

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

τὴν9 of 30
G3588

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

λίμνην10 of 30

“the lake”

G3041

a pond (large or small)

τοῦ11 of 30
G3588

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

πυρὸς12 of 30

“of fire”

G4442

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

καὶ13 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

θείου14 of 30

“brimstone”

G2303

sulphur

ὅπου15 of 30

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

τὸ16 of 30
G3588

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

θηρίον17 of 30

“the beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

καὶ18 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ19 of 30
G3588

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

ψευδοπροφήτης20 of 30

“the false prophet”

G5578

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

καὶ21 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

βασανισθήσονται22 of 30

“shall be tormented”

G928

to torture

ἡμέρας23 of 30

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

καὶ24 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

νυκτὸς25 of 30

“night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

εἰς26 of 30

“for”

G1519

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

τοὺς27 of 30
G3588

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

αἰώνων28 of 30

“and ever”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῶν29 of 30
G3588

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

αἰώνων30 of 30

“and ever”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

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 20:10 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 20:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:41Revelation 19:20Matthew 25:46Revelation 20:14-15Revelation 20:2-3Revelation 20:8

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