Revelation 20:14

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Revelation 20:14 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the final destiny of all things, specifically concerning the ultimate end of death and the grave.

Context

This verse immediately follows the description of the Great White Throne Judgment, where all the dead, both small and great, stand before God to be judged according to their works. Before this judgment, Satan has already been cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). With the judgment complete, the very concepts and realities of "death" and "hell" (or Hades, the realm of the dead) are themselves abolished, signifying the complete victory of God over all that opposes life and communion with Him.

Key Themes

  • The Abolition of Death and Hades: The casting of "death and hell" (Greek: Hades) into the lake of fire symbolizes the ultimate destruction of the power of mortality and the temporary abode of the dead. This is a profound statement about the end of death's reign, a theme echoed in Paul's declaration that death is swallowed up in victory.
  • The Lake of Fire: This is consistently presented in Revelation as the final, eternal destination for the unrighteous, the beast, the false prophet, and Satan. It represents ultimate separation from God and eternal judgment.
  • The Second Death: The phrase "This is the second death" clarifies that being cast into the lake of fire is not merely a cessation of existence but an eternal spiritual death, distinct from the first, physical death. It signifies an irreversible state of condemnation and alienation from the presence of God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates the Greek word Hades as "hell" in this verse. It's important to note that Hades generally refers to the unseen realm or abode of the dead, a temporary holding place for souls before the final judgment and resurrection, rather than the permanent place of eternal punishment (which is often denoted by Gehenna in other New Testament contexts). The casting of Hades into the lake of fire signifies that even the temporary realm of the dead will cease to exist, as there will be no more death or separation in the new creation.

Reflection and Application

For believers, Revelation 20:14 offers immense comfort and assurance. It underscores the absolute triumph of God over sin, evil, and even death itself. The ultimate fate of death and Hades means that in the new heaven and new earth, there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain, because the former things, including death, will have passed away. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and the grave, the second death holds no power.

Conversely, for those who reject God's offer of salvation, this verse serves as a solemn warning. The "second death" is a stark reality, representing eternal separation from God's loving presence and the just consequence of unrepentant sin. It emphasizes the urgency of accepting God's grace and finding life in Christ, thereby escaping the judgment of the lake of fire.

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

  • 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.
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