King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:8 Mean?

Revelation 21:8 in the King James Version says “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 21:8 · KJV


Context

6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. all things: or, these things

8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

9

And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

10

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimst... This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people 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 21:8 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 · 33 words
δειλοῖς1 of 33

the fearful

G1169

timid, i.e., (by implication) faithless

δὲ2 of 33

But

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 33

and

G2532

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

ἀπίστοις4 of 33

unbelieving

G571

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

καὶ5 of 33

and

G2532

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

ἐβδελυγμένοις6 of 33

the abominable

G948

to be disgusted, i.e., (by implication) detest (especially of idolatry)

καὶ7 of 33

and

G2532

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

φονεῦσιν8 of 33

murderers

G5406

a murderer (always of criminal (or at least intentional) homicide; which g0443 does not necessarily imply; while g4607 is a special term for a public

καὶ9 of 33

and

G2532

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

πόρνοις10 of 33

whoremongers

G4205

a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)

καὶ11 of 33

and

G2532

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

φαρμακεῦσιν12 of 33

sorcerers

G5332

a druggist ("pharmacist") or poisoner, i.e., (by extension) a magician

καὶ13 of 33

and

G2532

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

εἰδωλολάτραις14 of 33

idolaters

G1496

an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)

καὶ15 of 33

and

G2532

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

πᾶσιν16 of 33

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ17 of 33

which

G3588

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

ψευδέσιν18 of 33

liars

G5571

untrue, i.e., erroneous, deceitful, wicked

τῇ19 of 33

which

G3588

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

μέρος20 of 33

part

G3313

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

αὐτῶν21 of 33

shall have their

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

ἐν22 of 33

in

G1722

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

τῇ23 of 33

which

G3588

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

λίμνῃ24 of 33

the lake

G3041

a pond (large or small)

τῇ25 of 33

which

G3588

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

καιομένῃ26 of 33

burneth

G2545

to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume

πυρὶ27 of 33

with fire

G4442

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

καὶ28 of 33

and

G2532

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

θείῳ29 of 33

brimstone

G2303

sulphur

30 of 33

which

G3739

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

ἐστιν31 of 33

is

G2076

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

δεύτερος32 of 33

the second

G1208

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

θάνατος33 of 33

death

G2288

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


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 21:8 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 21:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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