Revelation 20:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 20:4 presents a profound vision of divine justice and the vindication of God's faithful servants, particularly those martyred for their allegiance to Christ. It describes a scene where thrones are occupied by those to whom judgment is given, specifically identifying the souls of those who were beheaded for their unwavering testimony to Jesus and the Word of God, and those who steadfastly refused to worship the Beast or receive its mark. These victorious saints are then depicted as living and reigning with Christ for a period of a thousand years, signifying a glorious era of Christ's kingdom on earth and the ultimate reward for their perseverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 20:4 is situated at a crucial juncture in John's apocalyptic vision, immediately following the binding of Satan for a thousand years in [Revelation 20:1-3](/revelation/20-1-3 "Revelation 20:1-3 - The Binding of Satan"). This verse initiates the description of the millennial reign, a period of Christ's rule on earth with His resurrected saints, which precedes the final release of Satan, the ultimate battle, the Great White Throne Judgment, and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. It serves as a direct consequence and counterpoint to the preceding chapters that detail the rise of the Beast, the persecution of saints, and the outpouring of God's wrath, highlighting God's ultimate triumph and the vindication of His suffering people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of Revelation, primarily first-century Christians in Asia Minor, faced intense persecution under the Roman Empire, which demanded emperor worship and conformity to its pagan cults. The "Beast" (likely symbolizing the oppressive Roman imperial power, particularly its anti-Christian aspects) and its "mark" would have resonated deeply with their lived experience of economic and social coercion to participate in idolatrous practices. The imagery of being "beheaded" (a common Roman method of execution) and suffering "for the witness of Jesus" directly addresses the brutal realities faced by believers. This context underscores the verse's powerful message of hope, assurance of divine justice, and the ultimate reward for those who remained faithful amidst severe tribulation, offering encouragement to persevere.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several major theological and narrative themes within Revelation and broader biblical eschatology. It vividly portrays the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, demonstrating that God's faithful will ultimately be rewarded and their persecutors judged. It highlights the **Sovereignty of Christ** and His coming kingdom, where He will reign directly with His saints, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a righteous ruler (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). The verse also underscores the **Cost of Discipleship and the Value of Martyrdom**, emphasizing that those who suffer and even die for their faith are not forgotten but are elevated to a position of honor and authority. Furthermore, it introduces the concept of the **Millennial Reign**, a thousand-year period of peace and righteousness on earth, and implicitly, the **First Resurrection**, where these faithful saints are raised to participate in this reign, distinct from the general resurrection of the wicked described later in [Revelation 20:5](/revelation/20-5 "Revelation 20:5 - The Second Resurrection").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb (G1492) means "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." John's repeated use of "I saw" throughout Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 1:12](/revelation/1-12 "Revelation 1:12 - John Sees the Son of Man")) emphasizes that he is recounting a direct, divinely granted vision, not a human interpretation or speculation. This ensures the authoritative nature of the revelation.
* **beheaded (Greek, _pelekízō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "an axe," this verb (G3990) literally means "to chop off (the head), i.e. truncate." It vividly and graphically describes the specific, brutal method of execution faced by many early Christian martyrs under Roman rule. This precise term underscores the immense suffering and ultimate sacrifice of these individuals, making their subsequent vindication and reign all the more poignant.
* **reigned (Greek, _basileúō'_):** This verb (G936) means "to rule (literally or figuratively)" and is derived from the word for "king." Its use here signifies a literal, active participation in Christ's royal authority and governance during the thousand-year period. It is not merely a passive state of blessedness but an active role in the administration of God's kingdom, contrasting sharply with their previous suffering and subjugation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them:"** John's vision begins with the appearance of thrones, symbolic of authority and rule. The identity of "they" who sat upon them is immediately clarified as those who receive "judgment," implying not only the right to judge but also the authority to rule. This sets the stage for the just administration of God's kingdom.
* **"and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God,"** This clause identifies a specific group among those who reign: martyrs who suffered violent death ("beheaded") because of their unwavering "witness of Jesus" (their testimony to Christ's identity and saving work) and their faithfulness to "the word of God" (the divine revelation and truth). Their suffering is explicitly linked to their fidelity to Christ and His message.
* **"and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands;"** This further defines the reigning saints by what they *refused* to do. They resisted the ultimate idolatry and allegiance to the anti-Christian world system, symbolized by "the beast" and its "image." Their refusal to receive the "mark" (a symbol of economic and social allegiance to the Beast, as seen in [Revelation 13:16-17](/revelation/13-16-17 "Revelation 13:16-17 - The Mark of the Beast")) on their "foreheads" (symbolizing intellectual and volitional commitment) or "hands" (symbolizing active participation and labor) highlights their total and uncompromising devotion to God.
* **"and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."** This climactic phrase describes the glorious outcome for these faithful ones. "They lived" implies a resurrection or restoration to life, specifically a bodily resurrection for this group, often referred to as the "first resurrection" in contrast to the general resurrection later in the chapter. Their living is immediately followed by their active participation in ruling "with Christ" for a literal "thousand years," establishing a period of righteous co-regency and divine vindication.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 20:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "thrones" representing divine authority and righteous rule, and "the beast," "his image," and "his mark" symbolizing oppressive, anti-God powers and their coercive systems. The "foreheads" and "hands" are symbolic of one's inner convictions and outward actions, respectively. **Vivid Imagery** is evident in the stark description of those "beheaded," which graphically portrays the brutal reality of martyrdom and evokes a strong emotional response, underscoring the immense sacrifice made by these saints. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, juxtaposing the suffering and death endured by the faithful with their ultimate vindication and glorious reign, and contrasting their steadfast refusal to worship the Beast with the world's widespread capitulation. This contrast highlights the moral and spiritual victory of the martyrs and the justice of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 20:4 is a cornerstone for understanding the intermediate phase of God's kingdom on earth, emphasizing divine justice and the ultimate vindication of the faithful. It powerfully asserts that suffering for Christ is not in vain but leads to glorious participation in His reign. The theological implications extend to the nature of God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His covenant people, and the certainty of His eschatological plan. It underscores that God's kingdom will indeed come in power and that those who endure to the end will share in Christ's victory and authority, demonstrating that true power belongs not to earthly oppressors but to God and His redeemed.

* [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Kingdom Given to the Saints")
* [Matthew 19:28](/matthew/19-28 "Matthew 19:28 - Apostles to Sit on Thrones")
* [2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - If We Endure, We Will Also Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 20:4 offers profound comfort and a challenging call to faithfulness for believers in every generation. It assures us that God sees and remembers every act of devotion, especially those that involve suffering or sacrifice for His name. For those facing any form of persecution, social pressure, or spiritual compromise, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that their steadfastness is not in vain. It paints a vivid picture of ultimate vindication, where the tables are turned, and those who were oppressed for their faith are elevated to positions of authority, reigning with Christ. This should inspire courage to stand firm against worldly pressures, to prioritize allegiance to Christ above all else, and to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our present sufferings are incomparable to the future glory that awaits us. It calls us to live lives of uncompromising witness, confident that our faithfulness, even unto death, will be richly rewarded in God's perfect timing and plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of reigning with Christ for a thousand years impact your perspective on current struggles or temptations to compromise your faith?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own contexts, be tempted to "worship the beast" or receive its "mark" by conforming to worldly systems that contradict God's Word?**
* **What does the specific mention of those "beheaded for the witness of Jesus" teach us about the value God places on courageous testimony, even in the face of death?**
* **How can the assurance of God's ultimate justice and the vindication of His saints strengthen your resolve to live a life of integrity and faithfulness today?**

### FAQ

**Who are "they" who sit on the thrones and reign with Christ?**

Answer: The verse explicitly identifies "they" as "the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God," and those "which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands." This primarily refers to martyrs and those who faithfully resisted the anti-Christian world system, enduring severe persecution without compromise. While some interpretations broaden this to include all faithful believers who participate in the "first resurrection" (implied by "they lived"), the immediate context strongly emphasizes those who suffered for their unwavering allegiance to Christ and God's Word in the face of the Beast's tyranny.

**What is the significance of "a thousand years" in this verse?**

Answer: The "thousand years" (Greek, `chílioi étos` - G5507 G2094) refers to a literal period during which Christ and His resurrected saints will reign on earth. This period is commonly known as the Millennium. While some interpret it symbolically as a long, indefinite period, the consistent numerical precision in Revelation, particularly in this chapter, suggests a literal duration. This specific timeframe marks a distinct era between the binding of Satan and his final release, during which Christ's kingdom will be fully established on earth in a way not yet seen, fulfilling many Old Testament prophecies about a future golden age of peace and righteousness (e.g., [Isaiah 11:6-9](/isaiah/11-6-9 "Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Peace of the Messiah's Kingdom")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 20:4 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and through whom all authority and judgment are exercised. It is because Christ Himself conquered death and rose again, becoming the "firstborn from the dead" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Firstborn from the Dead")), that His faithful followers can also "live and reign with Him." The "witness of Jesus" for which these saints were martyred is the very testimony of Christ's victory over sin and death, a victory secured by His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. Their refusal to worship the Beast or receive its mark is a direct reflection of their singular allegiance to Christ, who alone is worthy of worship ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Lamb is Worthy")). Thus, the saints' reign is not an independent achievement but a participation in Christ's own established kingdom, a sharing in His royal authority that He promised to His disciples ([Luke 22:29-30](/luke/22-29-30 "Luke 22:29-30 - Jesus Promises a Kingdom and Thrones")). The millennial reign, therefore, is the tangible manifestation of Christ's universal dominion, where His redeemed people, having suffered with Him, are now glorified and reign alongside Him, demonstrating the full extent of His redemptive power and judicial authority.

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

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.