Revelation 20:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} death {G2288} and {G2532} hell {G86} were cast {G906} into {G1519} the lake {G3041} of fire {G4442}. This {G3778} is {G2076} the second {G1208} death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Death and Sh’ol were hurled into the lake of fire. This is the second death — the lake of fire.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire.

American Standard Version

And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, eventhe lake of fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 20:14 marks the climactic moment in God's final judgment, depicting the ultimate demise of death and Hades as they are cast into the lake of fire. This profound act signifies the complete abolition of all that opposes God's life-giving reign and the finality of eternal judgment, culminating in what the text explicitly defines as "the second death."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very end of the [Great White Throne Judgment](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"), which immediately follows the millennial reign of Christ and the final rebellion of Satan. Chapters 20 and 21 of Revelation describe the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. Prior to this verse, Satan, the beast, and the false prophet have already been cast into the lake of fire ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan Cast into the Lake of Fire")). The judgment of humanity, based on their deeds recorded in the books and the Book of Life, has just concluded ([Revelation 20:12-13](/revelation/20-12-13 "Revelation 20:12-13 - Judgment According to Deeds")). Therefore, the casting of "death and hell" into the lake of fire is the final, decisive act in eradicating all remnants of sin, rebellion, and their consequences, paving the way for the eternal state described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "death and hell" (Hades) being cast into a fiery abyss draws upon both Old Testament concepts of Sheol (the grave or realm of the dead) and New Testament apocalyptic traditions. In ancient Jewish thought, Sheol was the general abode of the dead, a shadowy realm from which there was no return, though later intertestamental literature began to differentiate between compartments for the righteous and the wicked. The concept of a fiery judgment, often associated with Gehenna (the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem, a place of refuse burning), was a powerful metaphor for utter destruction and divine wrath. John's vision in Revelation synthesizes these ideas, presenting a definitive, final judgment that transcends temporary holding places and ushers in an eternal state. The Roman imperial context, with its emphasis on power and conquest, is subverted by God's ultimate victory over even the most universal enemies: death itself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the **Abolition of Death and Hades**, symbolizing God's ultimate triumph over mortality and the temporary realm of the departed. This echoes the prophetic hope found in [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory") and is affirmed in the New Testament by Paul, who declares that [death is swallowed up in victory](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Victory Over Death"). Another crucial theme is the **Lake of Fire**, consistently presented as the final, eternal destination for all that is opposed to God—including Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and the unrighteous ([Revelation 19:20](/revelation/19-20 "Revelation 19:20 - The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire"); [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Destiny of the Unbelieving")). Finally, the explicit definition of this event as **"The Second Death"** clarifies that it is not merely a cessation of existence, but an eternal, irreversible spiritual separation from God, distinct from the first, physical death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** (G2288) Derived from a word meaning "to die," this term refers to death in both its literal, physical sense and its figurative, spiritual sense. In this context, "death" is personified, representing the power and reality of mortality itself, which has held sway over humanity since the Fall. Its casting into the lake of fire signifies the complete and utter vanquishing of its dominion.
* **hell (Greek, _háidēs'_):** (G86) Properly meaning "unseen," this refers to Hades, the realm or state of departed souls. It is the temporary holding place for the dead prior to the final resurrection and judgment, distinct from Gehenna, which often denotes the place of eternal punishment. The casting of Hades into the lake of fire indicates that even this temporary abode of the dead will be abolished, as there will be no more death or separation in the new creation.
* **second (Greek, _deúteros'_):** (G1208) As the ordinal form of "two," this word clearly distinguishes this ultimate "death" from the first, physical death that all humans experience. It emphasizes the finality and distinct nature of the eternal judgment and separation from God, which is the destiny of those not found in the Book of Life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire."**: This clause presents a dramatic and highly symbolic scene. "Death" and "hell" (Hades) are personified as active entities, akin to enemies being defeated and disposed of. Their being "cast" (Greek: _bállō_, G906, implying a forceful, decisive action) into the "lake of fire" signifies their complete and utter destruction, or rather, their permanent incapacitation and removal from existence as forces that separate humanity from God. This act marks the end of their power and influence over creation, establishing God's absolute sovereignty.
* **"This is the second death."**: This declarative statement serves as a crucial theological clarification. The "lake of fire" is explicitly identified as "the second death." This distinguishes it from the physical death that all people experience (the "first death"). The second death is not annihilation in the sense of ceasing to exist, but rather an eternal, irreversible state of spiritual separation from God's presence, characterized by conscious suffering and condemnation for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life. It is the ultimate consequence of unrepentant sin and rejection of God's grace.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Personification** is evident in "death and hell" being treated as active agents capable of being "cast" into a destination. This gives abstract concepts a tangible, defeatable form, emphasizing the totality of God's victory over them. **Symbolism** is central, with the "lake of fire" serving as a potent symbol of eternal judgment, divine wrath, and ultimate separation from God. It is not necessarily a literal lake but a symbolic representation of a state of irreversible condemnation. The phrase "the second death" itself is a form of **Euphemism** or **Dysphemism**, depending on perspective, as it describes an eternal state of spiritual separation in stark, yet concise, terms. The entire scene is imbued with **Apocalyptic Imagery**, typical of the book of Revelation, using vivid, often terrifying, metaphors to convey profound spiritual realities and the finality of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 20:14 stands as a profound theological statement affirming God's absolute sovereignty and the finality of His justice. It underscores that no power, not even death itself, can ultimately withstand the divine will. For believers, this verse offers immense comfort, signaling the complete eradication of the greatest enemies of humanity—sin's ultimate consequence (death) and the temporary realm of the dead (Hades). It reveals God's commitment to a new creation where sorrow, pain, and death are utterly abolished, ensuring an eternal fellowship with Him. Conversely, for those who reject God's gracious offer of salvation through Christ, it serves as a solemn and terrifying warning of irreversible, eternal separation from the source of all life and goodness. The "second death" is the just consequence for those whose rebellion against God remains unaddressed by the atoning work of Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy to Be Destroyed is Death")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death, Sorrow, or Pain")
* [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - He Will Swallow Up Death Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 20:14 compels us to confront the ultimate realities of life, death, and eternity. For the follower of Christ, this verse is a beacon of hope, confirming that the victory Jesus won on the cross over sin and death is absolute and final. It assures us that our physical death is not the end, and that the power of the grave is ultimately overcome. This should inspire us to live with courage and joy, knowing that our eternal future is secure in Christ, free from the sting of death and the fear of judgment. It calls us to embrace the hope of the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence will fully dwell among His people, and all former things, including death, will have passed away. For those who have not yet embraced Christ, this verse serves as a stark and urgent reminder of the gravity of eternal choices. The "second death" is a terrifying reality, emphasizing the critical importance of responding to God's call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the only one who conquered death and offers eternal life. It should motivate us to share the gospel with passion and clarity, knowing the eternal stakes involved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the ultimate defeat of "death and hell" in this verse deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and power?**
* **What comfort and assurance does the concept of the "second death" (and the promise that believers will not experience it) offer you in your daily life?**
* **In what ways should the solemn reality of the "second death" motivate believers to share the good news of salvation with others?**

### FAQ
**What is the "lake of fire" mentioned in Revelation 20:14?**

Answer: The "lake of fire" is a symbolic representation of the final, eternal place of judgment and punishment for the unrighteous, Satan, the beast, and the false prophet. It signifies complete and irreversible separation from God's holy presence and is often equated with "the second death." It is not merely annihilation but an eternal state of conscious condemnation and suffering. The beast and the false prophet are cast into it in [Revelation 19:20](/revelation/19-20 "Revelation 19:20 - The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire"), and it is described as the destiny for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life in [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - Those Not in the Book of Life Cast into the Lake of Fire"), and for the unholy in [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Destiny of the Unbelieving and Unrighteous").

**How is "the second death" different from the first, physical death?**

Answer: The "first death" refers to the physical cessation of life, the separation of the soul from the body, which is a consequence of sin that all humanity experiences ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man")). "The second death," as defined in [Revelation 20:14](/revelation/20-14 "Revelation 20:14 - The Second Death"), is an eternal spiritual death—an irreversible, conscious separation from God's presence and the source of all life. While the first death is a temporary state for the soul before resurrection and judgment, the second death is the final, eternal destiny for those who have rejected God's salvation through Christ. Believers are promised that the second death will have no power over them ([Revelation 2:11](/revelation/2-11 "Revelation 2:11 - He Who Overcomes Will Not Be Hurt by the Second Death"); [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Destiny of the Unbelieving")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 20:14, though describing a scene of ultimate judgment, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the victorious work of Jesus. It is because Christ Himself conquered death and Hades through His crucifixion and resurrection that these ultimate enemies can be cast into the lake of fire. Jesus declared, "[I am the resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"); he who believes in Me will live even if he dies." Furthermore, He holds "[the keys of death and of Hades](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")," signifying His supreme authority over these realms. His triumph over the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")) ensures that for those who are in Him, the "second death" holds no power. Christ's work on the cross not only paid the penalty for sin but also disarmed the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroyed the Power of Death")). Therefore, the scene in Revelation 20:14 is the ultimate manifestation of Christ's completed victory, where all that opposes God's life and reign is eternally vanquished, ushering in the new creation where God's people will dwell with Him forever, free from the curse of death ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")).

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

1 Corinthians 15:26

The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.

Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

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.

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.

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.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

1 Corinthians 15:53

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality.