Revelation 20:2

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

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},

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

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

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

Revelation 20:2 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment in biblical prophecy, detailing the capture and restraint of humanity's ancient adversary.

Context

This verse is part of the apocalyptic visions granted to John on the island of Patmos, specifically within the larger narrative of Christ's triumphant return and the events leading to the final judgment. Immediately preceding this verse, an angel descends from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain, setting the stage for this dramatic action against evil.

Key Themes

  • Sovereignty Over Evil: The primary message is God's absolute control, even over the most powerful spiritual forces of evil. Satan's activity is not unchecked; it is subject to divine timing and authority.
  • Identification of the Adversary: The verse explicitly names the entity being bound: "the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan." This comprehensive identification leaves no doubt about the nature of the foe, linking him directly to the deceiver in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1) and the accuser described throughout Scripture (Revelation 12:9).
  • Temporary Restraint: The binding of Satan for "a thousand years" signifies a specific period during which his influence over the nations will be curtailed. This period, often referred to as the millennium, is a key concept in eschatological discussions, emphasizing a time of peace and righteousness before the final rebellion (Revelation 20:7).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Dragon, that old serpent": The Greek word for "dragon" (drakōn) evokes a terrifying, powerful creature. The phrase "that old serpent" (ho ophis ho archaios) directly connects to the deceptive snake in the Garden of Eden, highlighting the ancient and cunning nature of this evil entity.
  • "The Devil, and Satan": These are not merely titles but descriptions of his character and role. "Devil" (Greek: diabolos) means "slanderer" or "accuser," emphasizing his role in opposing God and humanity. "Satan" (Hebrew: satan), meaning "adversary" or "opponent," underscores his constant opposition to God's will and people.
  • "Bound him a thousand years": The Greek phrase edēsen auton chilia etē clearly indicates a literal binding for a literal duration, though interpretations of the millennium itself vary among theological perspectives.

Prophetic Significance & Application

Revelation 20:2 offers profound reassurance and a glimpse into God's ultimate plan. For believers, it highlights that evil has a finite lifespan and its power is ultimately limited by divine decree. The binding of Satan signifies a period where his deception of the nations will cease, allowing for a time of greater spiritual clarity and peace on Earth. While the exact nature and timing of the "thousand years" are subject to different theological interpretations (pre-millennial, amillennial, post-millennial), the core truth remains: God will decisively deal with evil. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's perfect justice and the eventual triumph of good, reminding us that Satan will ultimately be crushed underfoot.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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