King James Version

What Does Revelation 20:5 Mean?

Revelation 20:5 in the King James Version says “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 20:5 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7

And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

Read Revelation 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.... 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 20:5 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 · 17 words
οἱ1 of 17
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

λοιποὶ3 of 17

“the rest”

G3062

remaining ones

τῶν4 of 17
G3588

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

νεκρῶν5 of 17

“of the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

οὐκ6 of 17

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἀνἔζησαν7 of 17

“again”

G326

to recover life (literally or figuratively)

ἕως8 of 17

“until”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τελεσθῇ9 of 17

“were finished”

G5055

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

τὰ10 of 17
G3588

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

χίλια11 of 17

“the thousand”

G5507

a thousand

ἔτη12 of 17

“years”

G2094

a year

αὕτη13 of 17

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἡ14 of 17
G3588

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

ἀνάστασις15 of 17

“resurrection”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

ἡ16 of 17
G3588

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

πρώτη17 of 17

“is the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

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 20:5 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 20:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:11Luke 14:14Ezekiel 37:2-14Revelation 11:15Romans 11:15Revelation 11:11

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