Revelation 19:20

KJV

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the beast {G2342} was taken {G4084}, and {G2532} with {G3326} him {G5127} the false prophet {G5578} that wrought {G4160} miracles {G4592} before {G1799} him {G846}, with {G1722} which {G3739} he deceived {G4105} them that had received {G2983} the mark {G5480} of the beast {G2342}, and {G2532} them that worshipped {G4352} his {G846} image {G1504}. These both {G1417} were cast {G906} alive {G2198} into {G1519} a lake {G3041} of fire {G4442} burning {G2545} with {G1722} brimstone {G2303}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the beast was taken captive, and with it the false prophet who, in its presence, had done the miracles which he had used to deceive those who had received the mark of the beast and those who had worshipped his image. The beast and the false prophet were both thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

Berean Standard Bible

But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

American Standard Version

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:20 marks a pivotal moment in eschatological prophecy, depicting the immediate and decisive judgment of the two primary antagonists of Christ's earthly reign: the Beast and the False Prophet. This verse dramatically portrays their capture and their unprecedented, living consignment into the lake of fire, a place of eternal torment. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the certain triumph of divine justice over all forms of rebellion, deception, and evil, setting the stage for the subsequent millennial reign of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 19:20 immediately follows the majestic and awe-inspiring description of Christ's Second Coming as the conquering King, detailed from [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ's Triumphant Return") onwards. The preceding verses vividly portray Jesus, arrayed in glory, leading the armies of heaven to execute divine judgment upon the earth. The "battle" described is not one of prolonged conflict, but rather a swift and overwhelming display of Christ's power, culminating in the capture of the Beast and the False Prophet. This verse serves as the direct consequence of Christ's arrival, signifying the initial phase of His judicial actions against the forces of evil that have defied Him and oppressed humanity, thus paving the way for the establishment of His millennial kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation, written by John during his exile on Patmos, was addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor facing persecution under the Roman Empire. The imagery of a "beast" would have resonated with the oppressive power of Rome, particularly the imperial cult that demanded worship of the emperor. The concept of a "false prophet" would have been understood in light of deceptive religious figures or those who promoted emperor worship. The "lake of fire" draws upon Old Testament imagery of divine judgment, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with "brimstone and fire" ([Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - Sodom and Gomorrah's Destruction")), symbolizing a complete and devastating end. This context highlights the immediate relevance of John's message to a suffering church, assuring them of God's ultimate vindication and judgment against their oppressors.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God will not tolerate rebellion indefinitely and that His judgment is absolute and final. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Deception and Rebellion**, showing the ultimate fate of those who actively oppose God and mislead humanity. The False Prophet's role in deceiving those who received the mark and worshipped the image of the Beast ([Revelation 13:13-17](/revelation/13-13-17 "Revelation 13:13-17 - The False Prophet's Deception and the Mark of the Beast")) is directly linked to their shared condemnation. Thirdly, it reinforces the **Triumph of Christ**, as His return is not merely for salvation but also for the decisive defeat of His enemies, ushering in His righteous reign. The immediate casting of the Beast and False Prophet into the lake of fire signifies the beginning of the end for all evil, a theme that culminates in the final judgment of Satan himself in [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan's Final Doom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beast (Greek, _thēríon'_):** As defined by G2342, this term denotes a "dangerous animal" or "wild beast." In the context of Revelation, it symbolizes a powerful, oppressive, and predatory political entity or leader, often identified as the Antichrist. The use of _thēríon_ evokes a sense of untamed ferocity and destructive power, perfectly capturing the nature of this end-times ruler who wages war against God's people and blasphemes His name.
* **False Prophet (Greek, _pseudoprophḗtēs'_):** Derived from G5578, this compound word signifies a "spurious prophet" or "religious impostor." This figure operates in conjunction with the Beast, wielding deceptive spiritual authority and performing counterfeit miracles to mislead humanity and compel worship of the Beast. The term underscores his fraudulent claim to divine inspiration, revealing his true nature as an agent of Satan.
* **Lake (Greek, _límnē'_):** From G3041, meaning a "pond (large or small)" or "lake." In this eschatological context, "the lake of fire" is a unique and terrifying designation for the place of ultimate, eternal punishment. Unlike a natural body of water, this "lake" is characterized by "fire burning with brimstone," emphasizing its infernal and inescapable nature as the final destination for the ungodly and the forces of evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the beast was taken,"**: This clause immediately establishes the swift and decisive capture of the Beast, the political and military leader who has wielded immense power and persecuted God's saints. His capture marks the abrupt end of his reign and his defiance against Christ.
* **"and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him,"**: The False Prophet, the religious counterpart to the Beast, is also captured alongside him. This highlights their inseparable alliance in evil and deception. The phrase "wrought miracles before him" (referring to the Beast) emphasizes the False Prophet's role in using supernatural signs and wonders to promote the Beast's authority and deceive the world, as detailed in [Revelation 13:13-14](/revelation/13-13-14 "Revelation 13:13-14 - The False Prophet's Deceptive Miracles").
* **"with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image."**: This segment clarifies the extent and impact of the False Prophet's deception. His counterfeit miracles were the means by which he successfully misled a significant portion of humanity, compelling them to accept the Beast's identifying "mark" and to worship the "image" created in the Beast's honor. This act of allegiance represented a profound spiritual rebellion against God, sealing their fate.
* **"These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."**: This climactic declaration describes the immediate and ultimate judgment of the Beast and the False Prophet. The phrase "cast alive" emphasizes that their judgment is not a mere cessation of existence but a conscious, ongoing experience of torment. The "lake of fire burning with brimstone" is introduced here as the ultimate place of eternal punishment, signifying a divine judgment that is both intensely painful and eternally consuming, drawing on imagery of complete and irreversible destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with "the Beast" representing oppressive worldly power, "the False Prophet" embodying religious deception, and "the lake of fire burning with brimstone" symbolizing ultimate, eternal judgment. The vivid imagery of "burning with brimstone" serves as **Hyperbole** and **Intensification**, emphasizing the extreme and agonizing nature of this divine punishment, drawing on ancient associations of sulfur with divine wrath and destruction (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah). The immediate and decisive action of "These both were cast alive" creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as these figures who wielded immense power are now utterly powerless before the returning Christ. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, bringing to a definitive close the reign of terror described earlier in Revelation, and setting the stage for subsequent events, thereby demonstrating the unwavering certainty of God's eschatological plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:20 stands as a stark declaration of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and rebellion. It powerfully illustrates that no matter how formidable or deceptive the forces arrayed against God and His people may seem, their dominion is temporary, and their end is certain and severe. The immediate consignment of the Beast and the False Prophet into the lake of fire underscores the finality of divine judgment for those who actively oppose God and lead others astray. This event serves as a foundational truth for understanding the nature of eternal consequences and the absolute sovereignty of Christ as the righteous Judge. It reassures believers that their suffering under oppressive systems will be vindicated and that God's kingdom will ultimately prevail without rival.

* [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan's Eternal Torment")
* [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - The Eternal Fire Prepared for the Devil and His Angels")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Destruction of the Lawless One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:20 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, serving as both a warning and an encouragement. It calls us to a vigilant discernment, recognizing that deception is a powerful tool of evil, and that false leaders will continue to emerge, seeking to mislead and demand allegiance away from Christ. Our spiritual security lies in unwavering loyalty to Jesus and adherence to His truth, rather than being swayed by impressive signs or worldly power. Furthermore, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding us that God is ultimately in control. No matter how overwhelming the forces of evil may appear in our world, their end is predetermined and their defeat is absolute. This truth empowers us to persevere in faith, to stand firm against unrighteousness, and to share the hope of Christ's ultimate victory, knowing that divine justice will prevail and that a glorious future awaits those who remain faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift and decisive judgment of the Beast and False Prophet in this verse impact your understanding of God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might spiritual deception manifest in our world today, and how can believers cultivate discernment to avoid being misled?**
* **What comfort and motivation does the ultimate defeat of evil, as depicted here, offer to you in your daily walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the "lake of fire" mentioned in Revelation 19:20?**

Answer: The "lake of fire" is depicted as the ultimate and eternal place of conscious punishment for the ungodly, the devil, and his agents. It is first introduced here as the immediate destination for the Beast and the False Prophet. This imagery, characterized by "fire burning with brimstone," signifies a place of intense, inescapable, and everlasting torment, distinct from annihilation. It is later described as the "second death" in [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Second Death"), emphasizing its finality and the complete separation from God's presence and blessing.

**Who are "the Beast" and "the False Prophet"?**

Answer: "The Beast" is a symbolic figure in Revelation, often identified as the Antichrist, representing a powerful, oppressive political and military leader who receives his authority from Satan ([Revelation 13:1-8](/revelation/13-1-8 "Revelation 13:1-8 - The Beast from the Sea")). He demands worship and persecutes those who refuse. "The False Prophet" is his religious counterpart, a figure who performs deceptive miracles and signs to compel humanity to worship the Beast and receive his mark ([Revelation 13:11-17](/revelation/13-11-17 "Revelation 13:11-17 - The Beast from the Earth (False Prophet)")). Together, they form a satanic trinity, mimicking God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in their attempt to deceive and control the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:20, though depicting a scene of judgment, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the Lord Jesus Christ as the ultimate victor and righteous Judge. The Beast and the False Prophet, who for a time wielded immense power and deceived multitudes, are utterly powerless before the returning King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). This verse underscores that Christ's triumph is not merely spiritual but also involves the decisive overthrow of all earthly and demonic opposition. His coming to cast these figures into the lake of fire fulfills prophecies of a conquering Messiah who will establish His righteous kingdom and bring an end to all evil ([Psalm 2:9](/psalms/2-9 "Psalm 2:9 - Christ's Rule with a Rod of Iron")). For believers, this judgment is a glorious assurance that Christ has already secured victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and that His future return will bring about the full and final eradication of all that opposes His perfect reign. The lake of fire, a place of eternal separation, highlights the profound grace extended to those who, through faith in Christ, are delivered from such a destiny ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 20:10

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.

Revelation 21:8

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.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Daniel 7:7

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Revelation 20:14

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.