Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} thrones {G2362}, and {G2532} they sat {G2523} upon {G1909} them {G846}, and {G2532} judgment {G2917} was given {G1325} unto them {G846}: and {G2532} I saw the souls {G5590} of them that were beheaded {G3990} for {G1223} the witness {G3141} of Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} for {G1223} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} which {G3748} had {G4352} not {G3756} worshipped {G4352} the beast {G2342}, neither {G3777} his {G846} image {G1504},{G2532} neither {G3756} had received {G2983} his mark {G5480} upon {G1909} their {G846} foreheads {G3359}, or {G2532} in {G1909} their {G846} hands {G5495}; and {G2532} they lived {G2198} and {G2532} reigned {G936} with {G3326} Christ {G5547} a thousand {G5507} years {G2094}.

Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them received authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for testifying about Yeshua and proclaiming the Word of God, also those who had not worshipped the beast or its image and had not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands. They came to life and ruled with the Messiah for a thousand years.

Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Context of Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:4 is a pivotal verse within the apocalyptic visions of the Book of Revelation, specifically concerning the millennial reign of Christ. Following the binding of Satan (Revelation 20:1-3), this verse introduces a period of righteous rule on earth, often referred to as the "millennium" (from the Latin mille, "thousand," and annum, "year"). It describes who participates in this reign and why, setting the stage for the final judgment and the new creation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Millennial Reign: The central theme is the "thousand years" during which Christ and His resurrected saints reign. This period is a time of justice and peace, fulfilling many Old Testament prophecies about God's kingdom on earth.
  • Vindication of Martyrs: The verse specifically highlights those who suffered persecution and martyrdom "for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God." It emphasizes that their faithfulness unto death is profoundly honored, leading to their participation in Christ's direct rule. This provides immense encouragement to believers facing tribulation.
  • Rejection of the Beast's System: It also specifies those who "had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands." This refers to those who resisted the ultimate oppressive world power described in Revelation, choosing loyalty to Christ over worldly compromise and survival. Their steadfastness is rewarded with authority. See Revelation 13:16-17 for more on the mark of the Beast.
  • First Resurrection: While not explicitly called the "first resurrection" in this verse, the phrase "they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" implies a bodily resurrection for this specific group before the general resurrection of the dead (described later in Revelation 20:5-6). This resurrection grants them a unique role in the coming kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "beheaded for the witness of Jesus" comes from the Greek word pelekizō, meaning "to be axed" or "to be beheaded." This vividly portrays the brutal reality of persecution faced by early Christians and points to the ultimate sacrifice made by these faithful ones. The term "witness" here is martyria, from which we derive the word "martyr," underscoring the connection between bearing testimony to Christ and suffering for it.

Practical Application

Revelation 20:4 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today:

  • Hope in Persecution: For those facing opposition or persecution for their faith, this verse is a powerful reminder that their suffering is not in vain. God sees their faithfulness, and ultimate vindication and reward await them.
  • Call to Faithfulness: It challenges all believers to remain steadfast in their allegiance to Christ, even when it demands sacrifice or rejection of worldly systems. The choice to follow Jesus, even unto death, is eternally significant.
  • Assurance of Justice: The vision of thrones and judgment assures us that God's justice will prevail. Those who oppress the righteous will not have the final say; instead, God's faithful servants will be given authority and reign with Him.
  • Future Hope: This verse paints a picture of a tangible future kingdom where Christ actively rules. It offers a glorious hope for the future, inspiring perseverance and endurance in the present age.
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.

  • Daniel 7:27

    And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

  • Daniel 7:18

    But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

  • Matthew 19:28

    And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:2

    Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

  • 1 Corinthians 6:3

    Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

  • 2 Timothy 2:12

    If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:

  • Daniel 7:22

    Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

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