Revelation 20:2

KJV

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he laid hold on {G2902} the dragon {G1404}, that old {G744} serpent {G3789}, which {G3739} is {G2076} the Devil {G1228}, and {G2532} Satan {G4567}, and {G2532} bound {G1210} him {G846} a thousand {G5507} years {G2094},

Complete Jewish Bible

He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan [the Adversary], and chained him up for a thousand years.

Berean Standard Bible

He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

American Standard Version

And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 20:2 vividly portrays a powerful angelic being seizing and restraining humanity's ancient adversary, identified comprehensively as "the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan." This pivotal act initiates a thousand-year period during which this malevolent entity is bound, signifying a profound curtailment of his deceptive influence over the nations and underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all spiritual forces of evil in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic apocalyptic visions granted to the Apostle John, immediately following the triumphant return of Christ as the Rider on the white horse and the defeat of the Beast and False Prophet in [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - Christ's Triumphant Return"). [Revelation 20:1](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1 - Angel Descends with Key and Chain") sets the stage, describing a mighty angel descending from heaven, holding the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. The binding of Satan in [Revelation 20:2](/revelation/20-2 "Revelation 20:2 - The Binding of Satan") is the direct consequence of this angelic action, ushering in the millennial reign described in the subsequent verses of [Revelation 20](/revelation/20 "Revelation 20 - The Millennium and Final Judgment") before the final judgment and the new heavens and new earth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's visions were given to a church facing intense persecution under the Roman Empire, often forced to worship the emperor or face severe consequences. In this context, the imagery of God's decisive action against evil, particularly the binding of Satan, would have offered immense comfort and hope. The concept of an "adversary" (Satan) was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, evolving from a divine prosecutor in books like [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan in the Heavenly Court") and [Zechariah](/zechariah/3 "Zechariah 3 - Joshua and the Accuser") to the embodiment of evil in later intertestamental and New Testament writings. The "dragon" and "serpent" imagery would immediately evoke the ancient foe from [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall and the Serpent's Deception"), reinforcing the idea that God's ultimate victory would address the root of all sin and suffering.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 20:2](/revelation/20-2 "Revelation 20:2 - The Binding of Satan") contributes significantly to several major themes within Revelation and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **God's absolute sovereignty over evil**, demonstrating that even the most formidable spiritual adversary operates under divine constraint and timing. Secondly, the verse provides a comprehensive **identification of the adversary**, leaving no doubt that the "dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan" is the same entity responsible for deception from the beginning, as seen in [Genesis 3:1](/genesis/3-1 "Genesis 3:1 - The Serpent's Deception") and further elaborated in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Dragon Cast Out"). Thirdly, the **temporary restraint** of Satan for "a thousand years" introduces the pivotal concept of the millennium, emphasizing a future period where Satan's global deception is curtailed, allowing for a time of peace and righteousness before his final, brief release in [Revelation 20:7](/revelation/20-7 "Revelation 20:7 - Satan's Release").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dragon (Greek, _drákōn'_):** This term (G1404) refers to a fabulous kind of serpent, often associated with fascination or a terrifying, powerful creature. In Revelation, it is consistently used as a symbol for Satan, emphasizing his destructive power and ancient, primeval evil, linking him to the primordial chaos and the ultimate enemy of God.
* **Devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** Derived from G1228, this word means "a traducer," "false accuser," or "slanderer." It highlights Satan's primary characteristic as one who maligns God's character and humanity, constantly bringing charges against believers before God, as seen in [Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan's Accusation of Job") and [Zechariah 3](/zechariah/3 "Zechariah 3 - Satan Accuses Joshua").
* **bound (Greek, _déō'_):** From G1210, this primary verb signifies "to bind" in various applications, literally or figuratively. Here, it denotes a literal and effective restraint, indicating that Satan's power to deceive the nations is physically and supernaturally curtailed, not merely metaphorically limited, during the specified period.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he laid hold on the dragon":** This phrase describes a decisive and forceful action taken by the angel introduced in [Revelation 20:1](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1 - Angel Descends"). "He laid hold on" (Greek: _kratéō_) implies seizing with strength and retaining control, indicating that the angel's power is superior to that of the dragon. This immediately establishes God's ultimate authority over evil.
* **"that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan":** This is a crucial four-fold identification of the adversary, leaving no ambiguity about his identity. "That old serpent" directly links back to the deceiver in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall and the Serpent's Deception"), emphasizing his ancient nature and cunning. "The Devil" (Greek: _diábolos_) highlights his character as a slanderer and accuser. "Satan" (Hebrew: _Satanâs_) means "adversary" or "opponent," underscoring his role as God's primary antagonist. This comprehensive naming ensures the reader understands the full scope of this entity's malevolence and history.
* **"and bound him a thousand years":** This specifies the duration of the adversary's restraint. The angel's action is not merely to seize but to "bind" (Greek: _déō_), rendering him inactive in his primary role of deceiving the nations. The "thousand years" (Greek: _chílioi étos_) denotes a specific, extended period, during which Satan's global influence is effectively neutralized, preparing the way for the millennial reign of Christ and His saints.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 20:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Apposition** is prominently used in the multi-faceted identification of the adversary: "the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan." This layering of names ensures a comprehensive understanding of the enemy, linking him to his ancient origins as the deceiver in Eden and his ongoing role as accuser and adversary. **Symbolism** is central, with "the dragon" representing the embodiment of evil and supernatural power, consistent with its use throughout Revelation. The "thousand years" is also a symbolic, yet specific, duration, representing a complete and divinely appointed period of time. Furthermore, **Personification** is evident in the depiction of Satan as a tangible entity who can be "laid hold on" and "bound" with a chain, making his defeat concrete and comprehensible, despite his spiritual nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 20:2 is a profound declaration of God's ultimate triumph over evil. It assures believers that the cosmic struggle, though intense, has a divinely ordained end. Satan, the seemingly invincible foe, is not beyond God's reach; his power is limited, his time is set, and his ultimate defeat is certain. This verse underscores the truth that God's sovereignty extends even to the darkest spiritual forces, offering immense comfort and hope to those who suffer under the influence of evil. The temporary binding of Satan signifies a future era of unparalleled peace and righteousness, a direct result of Christ's victory.

* [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Dragon, That Old Serpent")
* [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Will Crush Satan")
* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The binding of Satan in Revelation 20:2 offers a powerful perspective on spiritual warfare and God's unwavering control. For believers living in a world still marked by evil and deception, this verse is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that while Satan may rage, his power is always subordinate to God's authority. We are not fighting an unchecked enemy, but one whose fate is sealed and whose activities are ultimately limited by divine decree. This truth should empower us to stand firm in our faith, resist temptation, and proclaim the gospel with confidence, knowing that the "prince of this world" is already judged and will be fully incapacitated. It calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His just resolution of all things, even when the present reality seems overwhelming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive identification of Satan in this verse (dragon, old serpent, Devil, Satan) deepen your understanding of the nature of evil?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the fact that Satan's power is not absolute but is subject to divine limitation and timing?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Satan will be bound for a thousand years impact your perspective on the present spiritual battles you face?**
* **How should the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil shape your prayers and evangelistic efforts?**

### FAQ
**Who is "he" who lays hold of the dragon?**

Answer: The "he" refers to the angel described in [Revelation 20:1](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1 - Angel Descends with Key and Chain"), who descends from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. While not named, this angel is clearly invested with immense divine authority and power to execute God's judgment upon Satan. This emphasizes that even the most powerful spiritual adversary is subject to God's appointed agents and ultimate control.

**What is the significance of "a thousand years"?**

Answer: The "thousand years" (Greek: _chílioi étos_) refers to the period during which Satan is bound, often called the Millennium. While interpretations vary (pre-millennialists typically see it as a literal 1000-year reign of Christ on Earth, amillennialists see it as a symbolic representation of the entire church age, and post-millennialists see it as a golden age brought about by the church before Christ's return), the consistent theological point is that it represents a divinely appointed, significant period where Satan's ability to deceive the nations is curtailed. This allows for a time of profound peace and righteousness, whether literal or spiritual, before his brief release in [Revelation 20:7](/revelation/20-7 "Revelation 20:7 - Satan's Release").

**Why is Satan identified with so many titles in this single verse?**

Answer: The multiple titles—"the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan"—serve to comprehensively identify and characterize humanity's ultimate adversary, leaving no doubt as to his nature and history. "Dragon" (Greek: _drákōn_) highlights his fearsome power and destructive nature. "That old serpent" (Greek: _óphis archaîos_) directly links him to the deceiver in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall and the Serpent's Deception"), emphasizing his ancient, cunning, and deceptive origins. "The Devil" (Greek: _diábolos_) means "slanderer" or "accuser," pointing to his role in maligning God and accusing humanity. "Satan" (Hebrew: _Satanâs_) means "adversary" or "opponent," signifying his constant opposition to God's will and people. This cumulative identification reinforces the gravity of his defeat and the completeness of God's victory over all forms of evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 20:2, depicting the binding of Satan, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the finished work of Jesus on the cross and His glorious resurrection. While the full, visible manifestation of Satan's binding awaits future eschatological events, the decisive victory over him was secured by Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "Now is the judgment of this world; now will the [ruler of this world be cast out](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Ruler of This World Cast Out")" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Ruler of This World Cast Out")). Through His death, Christ disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The author of Hebrews states that Christ shared in our humanity "that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the [devil](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Devil")" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Devil")). The binding described in Revelation is the logical and inevitable consequence of Christ's triumph, a future display of the authority He already possesses. It is because Jesus came to "destroy the works of the [devil](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Christ Destroys the Devil's Works")" ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Christ Destroys the Devil's Works")) that Satan can and will be bound, ushering in a time when his deceptive influence is fully curtailed, pointing to Christ's ultimate and unchallenged reign.

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

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;

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

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.

John 12:31

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: