King James Version

What Does Revelation 20:9 Mean?

Revelation 20:9 in the King James Version says “And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

Revelation 20:9 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.... 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 20:9 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 · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἀνέβησαν2 of 30

they went up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ3 of 30

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

τὸ4 of 30
G3588

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

πλάτος5 of 30

the breadth

G4114

width

τῆς6 of 30
G3588

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

γῆς7 of 30

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ8 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐκύκλωσαν9 of 30

about

G2944

to encircle, i.e., surround

τὴν10 of 30
G3588

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

παρεμβολὴν11 of 30

the camp

G3925

a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e., (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower antonia)

τῶν12 of 30
G3588

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

ἁγίων13 of 30

of the saints

G40

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

καὶ14 of 30

And

G2532

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

τὴν15 of 30
G3588

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

πόλιν16 of 30

city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

τὴν17 of 30
G3588

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

ἠγαπημένην18 of 30

the beloved

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

καὶ19 of 30

And

G2532

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

κατέβη20 of 30

came down

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

πῦρ21 of 30

fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

ἀπὸ22 of 30

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ23 of 30
G3588

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

Θεοῦ24 of 30

God

G2316

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

ἐκ25 of 30

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ26 of 30
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ27 of 30

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ28 of 30

And

G2532

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

κατέφαγεν29 of 30

devoured

G2719

to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)

αὐτούς30 of 30

them

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 20:9 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 20:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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