King James Version

What Does Revelation 20:2 Mean?

Revelation 20:2 in the King James Version says “And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 20:2 · 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.

4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Read Revelation 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,... 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 20:2 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 · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἐκράτησεν2 of 18

“he laid hold on”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τὸν3 of 18
G3588

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

δράκοντα4 of 18

“the dragon”

G1404

a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)

τὸν5 of 18
G3588

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

ὄφιν6 of 18

“serpent”

G3789

a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan

τὸν7 of 18
G3588

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

ἀρχαῖον,8 of 18

“that old”

G744

original or primeval

ὅς9 of 18

“which”

G3739

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

ἐστιν10 of 18

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Διάβολος11 of 18

“the Devil”

G1228

a traducer; specially, satan (compare h7854)

καὶ12 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

Σατανᾶς13 of 18

“Satan”

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

καὶ14 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

ἔδησεν15 of 18

“bound”

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν16 of 18

“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

χίλια17 of 18

“a thousand”

G5507

a thousand

ἔτη18 of 18

“years”

G2094

a year

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 20:2 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 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 2:4Revelation 12:9John 12:31Isaiah 27:1Jude 1:6Genesis 3:15

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