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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 20:11–15.
The utter destruction of the devil's kingdom very properly leads to an account of the day of judgment, which will determine every man's everlasting state; and we may be assured there will be a judgment when we see the prince of this world is judged, Joh 16:11. This will be a great day, the great day, when all shall appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. The Lord help us firmly to believe this doctrine of the judgment to come. It is a doctrine that made Felix tremble. Here we have a description of it, where observe, 1. We behold the throne, and tribunal of judgment, great and white, very glorious and perfectly just and righteous. The throne of iniquity, that establishes wickedness by a law, has no fellowship with this righteous throne and tribunal. 2. The appearance of the Judge, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ, who then puts on such majesty and terror that the earth and the heaven flee from his face, and there is no place found for them; there is a dissolution of the whole frame of nature, Pe2 3:10. 3. The persons to be judged (Rev 20:12): The dead, small and great; that is, young and old, low and high, poor and rich. None are so mean but they have some talents to account for, and none so great as to avoid the jurisdiction of this court; not only those that are found alive at the coming of Christ, but all who have died before; the grave shall surrender the bodies of men, hell shall surrender the souls of the wicked, the sea shall surrender the many who seemed to have been lost in it. 4. The rule of judgment settled: The books were opened. What books? The books of God's omniscience, who is greater than our consciences, and knows all things (there is a book of remembrance with him both for good and bad); and the book of the sinner's conscience, which, though formerly secret, will now be opened. And another book shall be opened - the book of the scriptures, the statute-book of heaven, the rule of life. This book is opened as containing the law, the touchstone by which the hearts and lives of men are to be tried. This book determines matter of right; the other books give evidence of matters of fact. Some, by the other book, called the book of life, understand the book of God's eternal counsels; but that does not seem to belong to the affair of judgment: in eternal election God does not act judicially, but with absolute sovereign freedom. 5. The cause to be tried; and that is, the works of men, what they have done and whether it be good or evil. By their works men shall be justified or condemned; for though God knows their state and their principles, and looks chiefly at these, yet, being to approve himself to angels and men as a righteous God, he will try their principles by their practices, and so will be justified when he speaks and clear when he judges. 6. The issue of the trial and judgment; and this will be according to the evidence of fact, and rule of judgment. All those who have made a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell, shall then be condemned with their infernal confederates, cast with them into the lake of fire, as not being entitled to eternal life, according to the rules of life laid down in the scripture; but those whose names are written in that book (that is, those that are justified and acquitted by the gospel) shall then be justified and acquitted by the Judge, and shall enter into eternal life, having nothing more to fear from death, or hell, or wicked men; for these are all destroyed together. Let it be our great concern to see on what terms we stand with our Bibles, whether they justify us or condemn us now; for the Judge of all will proceed by that rule. Christ shall judge the secrets of all men according to the gospel. Happy are those who have so ordered and stated their cause according to the gospel as to know beforehand that they shall be justified in the great day of the Lord!
Historical interpretation
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It is right for us to be afraid of the second death, that which is full of weeping and gnashing of teeth and of groanings and miseries, that which is situated in outer darkness. But blessed shall be the faithful and the righteous in that resurrection, in which they expect to be awakened and to receive the good promises made them. But as for the wicked who are not faithful, in the resurrection woe to them, because of that which is laid up for them! It would be better for them, according to the faith that they possess, were they not to rise. For the servant for whom his Lord is preparing stripes and bonds, while he is sleeping desires not to awake, for he knows that when the dawn shall have come and he shall awake, his Lord will scourge and bind him. But the good servant, to whom his Lord has promised gifts, looks expectantly for the time when dawn shall come and he shall receive presents from his Lord.
In this verse, “hell and death” stand for the devil (together with the entirety of his followers) inasmuch as he is the author of death and of the torments of hell.
There is also a total death for a person, a death of body and soul, namely, when a soul, abandoned by God, abandons the body. In this case, the soul has no life from God and the body no life from the soul. The consequence of such total death is the second death, so called on the authority of divine Revelation. This is the death that our Savior meant when he said, “Be afraid of him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”Since this second death does not occur until soul and body are reunited, never to be separated again, you might wonder how the body is said to die by a death in which it is not deserted by the soul but rather is given a life by the soul to feel the torment it endures. For in a person’s last and everlasting punishment the soul is rightly said to be dead when its life from God is gone, but, since the body’s life depends on the soul, how can the body be said to be dead? If the body were dead, it could not feel the bodily torments that are to be felt after the resurrection. It is because life of every kind is good, and pain is evil, that we decline to say that that body lives, in which the soul is the cause, not of life, but of pain? The soul, then, lives by God when it lives well, for it cannot live well unless God is the cause of its good works. The body, however, takes its life from the soul when the soul is alive in the body, whether the soul is receiving any life from God or not.… It is true that when a person is finally damned, he does not lose sensation; nevertheless, because his feelings are not gentle enough to give pleasure nor soothing enough to be restful but are purifying to the point of pain, they can more properly be called death rather than life. The reason why this death of damnation is called a second death is that it comes after that first death, which is a divorce of two natures meant to be in union, whether God and the soul or the soul and the body. It can be said of the first death, the death of the body, that it is good for saints and bad for sinners, but of the second that is certainly good for no one and nonexistent for the saints.
This is to show that since death has been overtaken no one will die again. Moreover, since the nether region has been condemned, hell will find no one further whom it might receive.
Death and hades are thrown into the lake of fire. This shows either that “the last enemy to be destroyed is death” or that the evil powers who are the friends of the death caused by sin and who have their abode in hades and escort their followers there will be condemned to this fire. For just as the inhabitants are encompassed in the term city, so also those worthy of death and hades are included in the terms death and hades. However, that fire has no destructive power over those who have been born of God and are exceptionally good. It is written, “God did not make death.” For this reason, this passage signifies that death and corruption shall be no more but that incorruptibility and immortality will reign. And it should not amaze if all who are not written in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire. For just as with the Father there are many mansions for those being saved, so also there are distinctions among the places and manners of punishment. Some punishments will be more harsh, some more endurable, which those not worthy to be in the Book of Life will suffer.
QUESTION: And death and hell were cast into the pool of fire, and whosoever was not found written in the book of life. ANSWER: That is, whosoever was not judged by God as being alive. Whence it seems to me that the right interpretation for the books opened above is rather that of those who interpret them as being every single person's conscience and works being disclosed, and interpret the book of life as being God's foreknowledge, which cannot be mistaken concerning those who will be given eternal life, since they are written in that book, that is, foreknown.
And Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire, this is the second death.
And Death and Hades, he says, were cast into the lake of fire; that is, the death and the immortal and incorporeal life of souls in the manner of death was taken away, once having been the resurrection and each soul receiving its own body; which, explaining more figuratively and hinting at their destruction, he said that Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.
This is also what the prophet Hosea does, saying: "Where is your justice, O Death? Where is your sting, Hades?" (Hos. 13:14)
He says the lake of fire, this is the second death; for it has also been said above that the first death is the earthly death, the separation of soul and body, and the second is the spiritual death, punishment and retribution, which has sin as its mother.
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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, 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). The judgment of humanity, based on their deeds recorded in the books and the Book of Life, has just concluded (Revelation 20:12-13). 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.
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 and is affirmed in the New Testament by Paul, who declares that death is swallowed up in victory. 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 21:8). 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
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
What is the "lake of fire" mentioned in Revelation 20:14?
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, and it is described as the destiny for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life in Revelation 20:15, and for the unholy in Revelation 21:8.
How is "the second death" different from the first, physical death?
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). "The second death," as defined in Revelation 20:14, 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 21:8).
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; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies." Furthermore, He holds "the keys of death and of Hades," signifying His supreme authority over these realms. His triumph over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) 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). 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).