King James Version

What Does Revelation 20:13 Mean?

Revelation 20:13 in the King James Version says “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they wer...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. hell: or, the grave”

Revelation 20:13 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

13

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. hell: or, the grave

14

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Read Revelation 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.... 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 20:13 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 · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ἔδωκαν2 of 26

“delivered up”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τὰ3 of 26

“which”

G3588

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

θάλασσα4 of 26

“the sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

τὰ5 of 26

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν6 of 26

“were in”

G1722

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

αὐτῶν7 of 26

“it”

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

νεκροὺς8 of 26

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

καὶ9 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

τὰ10 of 26

“which”

G3588

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

θάνατος11 of 26

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καὶ12 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

τὰ13 of 26

“which”

G3588

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

ᾅδης14 of 26

“hell”

G86

properly, unseen, i.e., "hades" or the place (state) of departed souls

ἔδωκαν15 of 26

“delivered up”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τὰ16 of 26

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν17 of 26

“were in”

G1722

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

αὐτῶν18 of 26

“it”

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

νεκροὺς19 of 26

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

καὶ20 of 26

“And”

G2532

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

ἐκρίθησαν21 of 26

“they were judged”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ἕκαστος22 of 26

“every man”

G1538

each or every

κατὰ23 of 26

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὰ24 of 26

“which”

G3588

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

ἔργα25 of 26

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτῶν26 of 26

“it”

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 20:13 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 20:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 5:28-29Revelation 6:8Hosea 13:14Isaiah 26:19Revelation 20:14Revelation 20:12

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