20:4 20:4

Revelation 20:5

20:6 20:6

Bible Versions

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.
But {G1161} the rest {G3062} of the dead {G3498} lived {G326} not {G3756} again {G326} until {G2193} the thousand {G5507} years {G2094} were finished {G5055}. This {G3778} is the first {G4413} resurrection {G386}.
(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first resurrection.
The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection.
The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection.

Revelation 20:5 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Revelation, offering crucial insight into the timeline of end-time events, particularly regarding the resurrections of the dead and the duration of Christ's millennial reign. It serves as a clarifying statement after the description of the saints reigning with Christ.

Context

This verse immediately follows Revelation 20:4, which describes those who were beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and who did not worship the beast or his image. These faithful ones are said to "live and reign with Christ a thousand years." Verse 5 then clarifies the fate of everyone else, stating that "the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished." This distinction is key to understanding the nature of the "first resurrection" and the subsequent general resurrection.

Key Themes

  • The First Resurrection: The verse explicitly identifies the resurrection mentioned in verse 4 as "the first resurrection." This is a resurrection to life and reigning with Christ, distinct from a later general resurrection of all the dead. It is a resurrection primarily of believers, especially those who suffered for their faith.
  • The Millennial Period: The phrase "until the thousand years were finished" firmly establishes a literal period of one thousand years, often referred to as the millennium, during which Christ reigns on earth with His saints. This period acts as a temporal divider between two major resurrection events.
  • Two Distinct Resurrections: Revelation 20 presents a clear chronological separation between the resurrection of the righteous (the first resurrection) and the resurrection of the unrighteous (the "rest of the dead"). This concept is echoed in other parts of scripture, such as John 5:29, which speaks of a resurrection of life and a resurrection of damnation.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek phrase for "first resurrection" is `ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡ πρώτη` (hē anastasis hē prōtē). The word `πρώτη` (prōtē) means "first" in sequence, but can also imply "foremost" or "pre-eminent." This emphasizes not just its chronological order but also its unique significance and blessed nature for those who participate in it. It's a resurrection to a special position of honor and rule with Christ.

Significance and Application

Revelation 20:5 provides critical detail for Christian eschatology, helping to clarify the order of end-time events. For believers, it offers immense hope and assurance:

  • It reinforces the promise of a future bodily resurrection for those who are faithful to Christ, particularly highlighting a special reward for those who endure persecution and remain true to Him.
  • It underscores God's perfect justice, showing that the unrighteous will not escape judgment but will face resurrection for condemnation after the millennial reign.
  • Understanding the "first resurrection" encourages perseverance and faithfulness, knowing that there is a distinct and glorious future awaiting those who belong to Christ. It is a blessed hope for all who await the Lord's return and the resurrection of the dead in Christ.
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.

  • Philippians 3:11

    If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

  • Luke 14:14

    And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

  • Ezekiel 37:2

    And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, [there were] very many in the open valley; and, lo, [they were] very dry.

  • Ezekiel 37:14

    And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it], saith the LORD.

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Romans 11:15

    For if the casting away of them [be] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead?

  • Revelation 11:11

    And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
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