Revelation 20:1

KJV

¶ And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} an angel {G32} come down {G2597} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, having {G2192} the key {G2807} of the bottomless pit {G12} and {G2532} a great {G3173} chain {G254} in {G1909} his {G846} hand {G5495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next I saw an angel coming down from heaven, who had the key to the Abyss and a great chain in his hand.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the Abyss, holding in his hand a great chain.

American Standard Version

And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 20:1 introduces a pivotal moment in eschatological prophecy, depicting a powerful angelic figure descending from the heavenly realm. This angel is divinely commissioned with the authority and means—symbolized by the key to the abyss and a massive chain—to apprehend and restrain Satan, the ancient serpent. This act of binding is a necessary prelude to the establishment of the millennial reign of Christ, signifying God's absolute sovereignty over all spiritual powers and the ultimate defeat of evil's primary instigator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic events of [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the Rider on the White Horse"), where the Rider on the white horse (Christ) decisively defeats the beast and the false prophet, casting them into the lake of fire. With these human and demonic agents of rebellion removed from the earthly sphere, the narrative logically shifts to the ultimate source of spiritual evil: Satan himself. [Revelation 20:1](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1 - Satan Bound") thus initiates the process of binding Satan, setting the stage for the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, as detailed in the subsequent verses of [Revelation 20](/revelation/20 "Revelation 20 - The Millennium and Final Judgment"). This sequence underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the methodical unfolding of His redemptive plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of an angel descending with a key and chain would have resonated with ancient audiences familiar with concepts of divine messengers and the imprisonment of supernatural beings. In Jewish apocalyptic literature, there were often references to angels who held authority over various realms, including prisons for fallen spiritual entities. The "bottomless pit" (Greek: _ábyssos_) had Old Testament parallels (e.g., [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The Spirit Hovering Over the Waters") in the Septuagint, referring to the primeval deep) and was understood in intertestamental Judaism as a place of temporary restraint for demons or rebellious angels, distinct from Gehenna or the lake of fire. The "key" symbolized ultimate authority, often associated with kings or those granted divine power, while "chains" were a common means of securing prisoners, conveying an undeniable, physical restraint. This imagery would have been understood as a clear demonstration of absolute power and control over even the most formidable spiritual adversary.

* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 20:1](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1 - Satan Bound") contributes significantly to several major themes within Revelation and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Control over Evil**. The angel's possession of the key and chain powerfully illustrates that even Satan, the "god of this world" ([2 Corinthians 4:4](/2_corinthians/4-4 "2 Corinthians 4:4 - Satan, the God of This World")), is utterly subject to God's will and can be bound at His command. This act signifies the **Decisive Defeat of Satan**, albeit a temporary one before his final release and ultimate judgment ([Revelation 20:7-10](/revelation/20-7-10 "Revelation 20:7-10 - Satan's Release and Final Doom")). It also introduces the theme of the **Millennial Kingdom**, as Satan's binding is a prerequisite for a period of peace and righteousness on earth, free from his deception and instigation of rebellion, fulfilling the longing for a time when God's reign is fully manifest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Greek, _ángelos_):** From G32, meaning "a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor." In this context, _ángelos_ refers to a divine messenger, an agent of God's will, exercising immense power and authority. The specific identity of this angel is not revealed, but their action underscores the delegated divine power at work.
* **Bottomless pit (Greek, _ábyssos_):** From G12, meaning "depthless, i.e. (specially) (infernal) 'abyss'." This term denotes a deep, immeasurable chasm, often associated in the New Testament with a temporary prison for demonic spirits or the place of restraint for Satan himself. It signifies a place of profound confinement and separation from the world.
* **Chain (Greek, _hálysis_):** From G254, meaning "a fetter or manacle." This word emphasizes the physical, undeniable nature of the restraint. Coupled with "great" (G3173, _mégas_), it underscores the substantial and effective nature of the binding placed upon Satan, ensuring his inability to escape or operate during his confinement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw an angel come down from heaven":** John, the visionary, observes a powerful celestial being descending from the divine realm. The act of "coming down from heaven" emphasizes the divine origin and authority of this angel's mission, indicating that the action is directly orchestrated by God. The angel is not merely a participant but an executor of divine decree.
* **"having the key of the bottomless pit":** This phrase signifies the angel's delegated authority over the abyss, the prison for demonic entities. The "key" is a potent symbol of power to open and close, to permit or deny access, and to control. It indicates that the angel has been granted the specific power to lock Satan away in this infernal dungeon.
* **"and a great chain in his hand":** The "great chain" represents the physical means by which Satan will be bound, emphasizing the absolute and inescapable nature of his restraint. Its presence "in his hand" further highlights the angel's readiness and capacity to execute this binding. The imagery conveys the overwhelming force and certainty of Satan's impending imprisonment.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 20:1 is rich with **Symbolism** and vivid **Imagery**. The "angel" itself symbolizes divine intervention and the execution of God's will, representing a force beyond human capability. The "key of the bottomless pit" is a powerful symbol of **Authority** and control, specifically over the spiritual realm of evil and confinement. It signifies that God, through His agent, has absolute power to imprison even the most formidable spiritual adversary. The "great chain" is a direct symbol of **Restraint** and **Confinement**, emphasizing the physical and undeniable nature of Satan's impending imprisonment. The visual imagery of an angel descending from heaven with these instruments creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene, underscoring the cosmic significance of the event. The verse also employs **Anticipation**, setting the stage for the subsequent events of the Millennium by establishing the necessary prerequisite of Satan's binding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 20:1 profoundly underscores God's ultimate and unchallengeable sovereignty over all creation, including the forces of evil. It provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, revealing that Satan's power, though currently active in the world, is entirely circumscribed by divine decree and will ultimately be brought to a decisive end. This temporary binding of Satan is a crucial step in God's redemptive plan, paving the way for a period of unparalleled peace and righteousness under Christ's direct reign, demonstrating that divine justice will prevail and all rebellion will be subdued. The vision assures us that God's purposes cannot be thwarted and that His kingdom will indeed come.

* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium") - Foreshadows the ultimate crushing of the serpent's head, which finds its fulfillment in Christ's victory and the subsequent binding of Satan.
* [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "God Will Crush Satan Under Your Feet") - Promises that "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet," aligning with the ultimate defeat and restraint depicted here.
* [Matthew 16:19](/matthew/16-19 "Keys of the Kingdom") - Jesus speaks of giving Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven," symbolizing authority, which parallels the angel's possession of the key to the abyss, signifying delegated divine authority.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 20:1 offers profound comfort and a powerful reminder of God's absolute control in a world often seemingly overwhelmed by evil. For believers, this verse instills hope, assuring us that the spiritual battle we face is not endless, nor is Satan's power ultimate. Though he "walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant")), his demise is certain and his future confinement is guaranteed by divine decree. This truth should embolden us to resist his schemes, knowing that our struggle is against a defeated foe whose time is limited. It encourages perseverance in faith, prayer, and righteous living, as we anticipate the glorious reign of Christ and the complete eradication of evil. The temporary binding of Satan is a testament to God's meticulous plan, moving history toward its divinely appointed climax, where justice and peace will reign supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the angel, the key, and the chain strengthen your understanding of God's sovereignty over evil?**
* **What comfort or assurance do you draw from knowing that Satan's power is limited and his ultimate defeat is certain?**
* **How should the anticipation of Satan's binding and Christ's reign impact your spiritual warfare and daily walk?**

### FAQ

**Who is this angel, and why is he the one to bind Satan?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly name the angel, which is common in apocalyptic literature where the focus is often on the action and its divine source rather than the specific identity of the messenger. The angel serves as an agent of God's will, demonstrating that God can use any of His created beings, even an unnamed angel, to execute His most significant judgments. The emphasis is on the divine authority delegated to this angel, underscoring that the binding of Satan is a direct act of God's power and sovereignty. This angel is equipped with the "key of the bottomless pit" and a "great chain," signifying the absolute authority and means granted to him for this specific, monumental task.

**What is the "bottomless pit," and how is it different from the lake of fire?**

Answer: The "bottomless pit" (Greek: _ábyssos_) is depicted as a deep, immeasurable chasm, often understood as a temporary prison for demonic spirits or a place of restraint for Satan. In the New Testament, it is distinct from "Gehenna" or the "lake of fire." The lake of fire, first mentioned in [Revelation 19:20](/revelation/19-20 "Revelation 19:20 - The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire"), is the ultimate, eternal destination of the beast, the false prophet, and eventually Satan himself ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan Cast into the Lake of Fire")). The bottomless pit is a place of *temporary* confinement, from which Satan will be released for a short time before his final judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 20:1, while focusing on an angel's action, ultimately points to the supreme authority and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is Christ's victory on the cross and His subsequent resurrection that fundamentally disarmed the powers of darkness. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers") declares that Christ "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Similarly, [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death") states that through His death, Jesus "might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil." Therefore, the angel's binding of Satan in [Revelation 20:1](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1 - Satan Bound") is not an independent act, but the culmination and execution of the authority Christ Himself already possesses. Christ holds "the keys of Death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")), signifying His ultimate dominion over all realms of existence, including the abyss. The binding of Satan is a direct manifestation of Christ's sovereign power and the inevitable triumph of His kingdom, establishing the conditions for His millennial reign and ultimately, the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

2 Peter 2:4

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast [them] down to hell, and delivered [them] into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Jude 1:6

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Revelation 9:1

¶ And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

Revelation 9:2

And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

Revelation 10:1

¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Revelation 18:1

¶ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.