King James Version

What Does Revelation 20:6 Mean?

Revelation 20:6 in the King James Version says “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 20:6 · KJV


Context

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,

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 20:6 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 · 34 words
μακάριος1 of 34

Blessed

G3107

supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off

καὶ2 of 34

and

G2532

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

ἅγιος3 of 34

holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

4 of 34
G3588

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

ἔχει5 of 34

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

μέρος6 of 34

part

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

ἐν7 of 34

in

G1722

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

τῇ8 of 34
G3588

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

ἀναστάσει9 of 34

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

τῇ10 of 34
G3588

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

πρώτῃ·11 of 34

the first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἐπὶ12 of 34

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τούτων13 of 34

such

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

14 of 34
G3588

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

θάνατος15 of 34

death

G2288

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

16 of 34
G3588

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

δεύτερος17 of 34

the second

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

οὐκ18 of 34

no

G3756

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

ἔχει19 of 34

hath

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐξουσίαν20 of 34

power

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

ἀλλ'21 of 34

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἔσονται22 of 34

they shall be

G2071

will be

ἱερεῖς23 of 34

priests

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ24 of 34
G3588

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

θεοῦ25 of 34

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ26 of 34

and

G2532

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

τοῦ27 of 34
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ28 of 34

of Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ29 of 34

and

G2532

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

βασιλεύσουσιν30 of 34

shall reign

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

μετ'31 of 34

with him

G3326

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

αὐτοῦ32 of 34
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

χίλια33 of 34

a thousand

G5507

a thousand

ἔτη34 of 34

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 20:6 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 20:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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