(The Lord speaking is red text)
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.
(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first resurrection.
The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection.
The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection.
But{G1161} the rest{G3062} of the dead{G3498} lived{G326} not{G3756} again{G326} until{G2193} the thousand{G5507} years{G2094} were finished{G5055}. This{G3778} is the first{G4413} resurrection{G386}.
Revelation 20:5 is a verse from the New Testament's Book of Revelation, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. This book is apocalyptic literature, characterized by vivid symbolism and visions of the end times. The verse is part of a larger passage (Revelation 20:1-6) that describes the binding of Satan for a thousand years and the reign of Christ with the souls of the beheaded saints who had refused to worship the beast or its image.
The specific verse, Revelation 20:5, speaks to the concept of the "first resurrection," a belief held within Christian eschatology that certain individuals will be resurrected to reign with Christ during this millennial period. The text indicates that those who participate in this first resurrection are blessed and holy, and they will not be subject to the second death, which is typically interpreted as eternal separation from God. The verse also contrasts this group with "the rest of the dead," who do not come to life until the thousand years are completed. This distinction implies a dual resurrection: one for the righteous at the beginning of the millennium and another for the wicked afterward.
Historically, this verse has been central to the development of millennialist theology, which includes various interpretations of the nature and timing of Christ's thousand-year reign on earth. Premillennialists believe that Christ will physically return to establish this kingdom, while postmillennialists interpret the thousand years as a symbolic period of Christian dominance preceding Christ's return. Amillennialists view the millennium as a present reality, representing the period between Christ's ascension and his second coming, with the "first resurrection" symbolizing spiritual rebirth.
In summary, Revelation 20:5 is a key verse in the eschatological narrative of the Book of Revelation, emphasizing a selective resurrection of the righteous to rule with Christ and the subsequent general resurrection of all the dead. This verse has fueled extensive theological debate and has significantly shaped Christian end-times beliefs.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)