King James Version

What Does Revelation 20:3 Mean?

Revelation 20:3 in the King James Version says “And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no mo... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 20:3 · 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.

5

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 loose... 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 20:3 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 · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἔβαλεν2 of 32

cast

G906

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

αὐτὸν3 of 32

he

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

εἰς4 of 32

into

G1519

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

τὴν5 of 32
G3588

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

ἄβυσσον6 of 32

the bottomless pit

G12

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

καὶ7 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἔκλεισεν8 of 32

shut

G2808

to close (literally or figuratively)

αὐτὸν9 of 32

he

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

καὶ10 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἐσφράγισεν11 of 32

set a seal

G4972

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

ἐπάνω12 of 32

upon

G1883

up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)

αὐτὸν13 of 32

he

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

ἵνα14 of 32
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ15 of 32
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πλανήσῃ16 of 32

he should deceive

G4105

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

τὰ17 of 32
G3588

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

ἔθνη18 of 32

the nations

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἔτι19 of 32

more

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

ἄχρι20 of 32

till

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

τελεσθῇ21 of 32

should be fulfilled

G5055

to end, i.e., complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)

τὰ22 of 32
G3588

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

χίλια23 of 32

the thousand

G5507

a thousand

ἔτη24 of 32

years

G2094

a year

καὶ25 of 32

And

G2532

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

μετὰ26 of 32

after

G3326

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

ταῦτα27 of 32

that

G5023

these things

δεῖ28 of 32

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

αὐτὸν29 of 32

he

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

λυθῆναι30 of 32

be loosed

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

μικρὸν31 of 32

a little

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

χρόνον32 of 32

season

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a


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 20:3 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 20:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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