Revelation 19:20

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Revelation 19:20 describes a momentous event in biblical prophecy: the immediate and definitive judgment of the Beast and the False Prophet. This verse, situated within the dramatic narrative of Christ's return, powerfully declares God's ultimate victory over the forces of evil and deception that have plagued humanity.

Context

This verse follows the glorious Second Coming of Jesus Christ as the conquering King, who descends from heaven to wage war against His enemies. Leading His heavenly armies, Christ confronts the combined forces of the Beast and the kings of the earth. Revelation 19:20 specifically details the capture and initial consignment of the two most prominent figures of evil during the tribulation period before the millennial reign begins.

Key Figures and Themes

  • The Beast: Often identified as the Antichrist, this figure represents a powerful political and military leader who exercises global authority, empowered by Satan. His reign is marked by severe oppression and persecution of those who refuse to worship him.
  • The False Prophet: This religious figure works in conjunction with the Beast, performing deceptive signs and wonders (as described in Revelation 13:13-14) to mislead humanity. His primary objective is to compel people to worship the Beast and receive his mark. The Greek term for "false prophet," pseudoprophetes, clearly signifies one who falsely claims divine inspiration.
  • Deception and Allegiance: The verse highlights the False Prophet's success in deceiving "them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image." This refers to the system of global control and spiritual allegiance enforced by the Beast, where individuals were required to publicly demonstrate loyalty, often through an identifying mark (see Revelation 13:16-17). This deception represents a crucial spiritual test for humanity.
  • The Lake of Fire: The most significant aspect of this verse is the immediate judgment: "These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone." This is the first direct mention of the "lake of fire" in Revelation, signifying a place of conscious, eternal torment and the ultimate destiny for the ungodly. It represents not annihilation, but eternal separation from God, a concept further elaborated in Revelation 20:10 and Revelation 21:8, where it is called the "second death." The inclusion of "brimstone" (sulfur) emphasizes the intensity and destructive nature of this divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "beast" is thērion, conveying a sense of a wild, ferocious, and predatory creature, aptly describing the nature of this end-times ruler. The "false prophet" is pseudoprophetēs, clearly indicating one who speaks lies under the guise of divine authority. The phrase "lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Greek: limnē tou pyros tēs kaiomenēs en theịō) vividly portrays an inescapable and eternally consuming judgment, underscoring the severity of God's justice against ultimate evil.

Practical Application

Revelation 19:20 offers several profound insights for believers today:

  • Assurance of Divine Justice: This verse provides immense comfort and assurance that God is sovereign and will ultimately defeat all evil. Though wickedness and deception may seem to triumph for a time, divine justice will unequivocally prevail.
  • Warning Against Deception: It serves as a stark warning about the dangers of spiritual deception and the allure of false leaders who perform signs and wonders. Believers are called to discern truth from error and remain steadfast in their allegiance to Christ, not succumbing to worldly pressures or clever deceptions (see 1 John 4:1).
  • The Reality of Eternal Consequences: It underscores the serious reality of eternal judgment for those who reject God and align themselves with His enemies. This should motivate believers to live righteously and share the hope of salvation with others, understanding the eternal stakes involved.

This powerful verse reaffirms that God's perfect plan culminates in the triumph of good over evil, where those who actively oppose Him and deceive humanity receive their just and eternal recompense.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 20:10 (13 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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

  • Daniel 7:7 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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