Revelation 20:5

KJV

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first resurrection.

Berean Standard Bible

The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years were complete. This is the first resurrection.

American Standard Version

The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 20:5 serves as a crucial clarifying statement within John's apocalyptic vision, delineating the timing and nature of the "first resurrection" in contrast to the general resurrection of all other deceased individuals. It explicitly states that the "rest of the dead" will not experience resurrection until the completion of the thousand-year period, thereby distinguishing the blessed resurrection of the saints, described in the preceding verse, as chronologically and qualitatively distinct from the later resurrection unto judgment. This verse is foundational for understanding the sequence of eschatological events, particularly the millennial reign of Christ and the ultimate fate of humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Reigning with Christ") which describes those who were martyred for their faith in Jesus and for God's word, and those who refused to worship the Beast or his image. These individuals are explicitly stated to "live and reign with Christ a thousand years." [Revelation 20:5](/revelation/20-5 "Revelation 20:5 - The First Resurrection") then acts as a crucial parenthetical clarification, ensuring that readers understand that the resurrection of these faithful ones is a unique event, distinct from the resurrection of all other deceased individuals. It sets up the subsequent description of the blessedness of those who participate in this "first resurrection" in [Revelation 20:6](/revelation/20-6 "Revelation 20:6 - Blessedness of the First Resurrection"), before the narrative shifts to the final battle and the Great White Throne Judgment in [Revelation 20:7-15](/revelation/20-7-15 "Revelation 20:7-15 - The Final Judgment").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of resurrection was not new to Jewish thought, with various streams of Judaism holding differing views on its nature and timing. The Old Testament hints at a future resurrection ([Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Life and Contempt")), and by the time of Jesus, the Pharisees believed in a bodily resurrection, while the Sadducees denied it. Early Christian communities, deeply rooted in Jewish eschatological expectations, understood resurrection as central to their faith, particularly in light of Christ's own resurrection. John's vision in Revelation 20, however, introduces a specific chronological sequence of resurrections, which would have been a significant development for its original audience, many of whom were facing severe persecution under the Roman Empire. The idea of a "first resurrection" would have offered immense hope and vindication to those suffering for their faith, promising them a special share in Christ's future reign.

* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 20:5](/revelation/20-5 "Revelation 20:5 - The First Resurrection") is central to several key themes within the Book of Revelation and broader biblical eschatology. Foremost is the theme of **Resurrection**, particularly the distinction between a resurrection to life and a resurrection to judgment, echoing themes found in [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - Resurrection of Life and Condemnation"). It firmly establishes the concept of **Two Distinct Resurrections**, separating the righteous from the unrighteous chronologically. This verse also underpins the **Millennial Reign of Christ**, explicitly stating the "thousand years" as a defined period during which the "rest of the dead" remain deceased, thereby reinforcing the idea of a literal earthly reign of Christ with His saints. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, assuring believers that those who suffer for Christ will be specially honored, while the wicked will face their ultimate reckoning after this distinct period.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rest (Greek, _loipoí'_):** This word refers to "remaining ones" or "residue." In the context of Revelation 20:5, it specifically denotes all those who are dead but are not included in the group described in [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Reigning with Christ")—those who live and reign with Christ. It emphasizes a clear distinction and separation between two categories of the deceased.
* **lived (Greek, _anazáō'_):** This term means "to live again" or "to revive." Its use here signifies a literal return to life from a state of death. The negative particle "not" preceding it, combined with "until," clearly indicates that this group's revival is postponed to a later, specified time.
* **resurrection (Greek, _anástasis'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to stand up again," _anástasis_ refers to a rising from death. The addition of "first" (_prōtos_) in this verse is crucial, denoting not only chronological priority but also pre-eminence or importance. It signifies a unique and blessed event for a specific group of people, distinct from any other general resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the rest of the dead lived not again":** This clause introduces a stark contrast ("But") to the previous verse, which described the living and reigning of the martyred saints. "The rest of the dead" refers to all deceased individuals who did not participate in the resurrection mentioned in [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Reigning with Christ"). The phrase "lived not again" unequivocally states that their resurrection is deferred, emphasizing that the resurrection of the saints is an exclusive, initial event.
* **"until the thousand years were finished":** This temporal marker specifies the duration of the delay for "the rest of the dead." It indicates that their resurrection will occur *after* the completion of the millennial reign of Christ. This phrase is pivotal for understanding the chronological sequence of end-time events and the nature of the thousand-year period itself, confirming it as a distinct, finite era.
* **"This [is] the first resurrection":** This declarative statement explicitly identifies the resurrection described in [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Reigning with Christ") as "the first resurrection." The word "first" (_prōtos_) here carries both a chronological and qualitative significance, implying that it is the initial resurrection and also the pre-eminent or most important one, reserved for those who are blessed and holy, as further elaborated in [Revelation 20:6](/revelation/20-6 "Revelation 20:6 - Blessed and Holy Resurrection"). It distinguishes this resurrection of believers from the general resurrection of the unrighteous that will occur later.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Revelation 20:5](/revelation/20-5 "Revelation 20:5 - The First Resurrection") is **Contrast**. The verse sharply contrasts "the rest of the dead" with those who "lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" in the preceding verse. This juxtaposition highlights the exclusivity and blessed nature of the "first resurrection" for believers, setting it apart from the later resurrection of the unrighteous. Additionally, **Temporal Specificity** is crucial, as the phrase "until the thousand years were finished" provides a precise chronological anchor, structuring the eschatological timeline. The declarative statement, "This [is] the first resurrection," functions as a **Definitive Clarification**, ensuring the reader understands the unique nature and timing of this event within the broader narrative of final judgment and new creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 20:5 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian eschatology, particularly regarding the sequence of resurrections and the nature of the millennial reign. It unequivocally establishes a chronological distinction between the resurrection of believers, termed "the first resurrection," and the resurrection of the unrighteous. This separation underscores God's meticulous justice and His divine order in bringing about His redemptive plan. The "first resurrection" is not merely a chronological marker but a theological statement about the blessed and privileged status of those who belong to Christ, particularly those who have suffered for their faith. It highlights the unique reward and vindication awaiting faithful believers, contrasting sharply with the delayed and condemnatory resurrection awaiting the rest of humanity after the millennium.

* [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Life and Contempt")
* [John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - Resurrection of Life and Condemnation")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20-26](/1_corinthians/15-20-26 "1 Corinthians 15:20-26 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 20:5 offers profound hope and a clear perspective on the future for believers. The "first resurrection" is a promise of a bodily return to life, not for judgment, but for reigning with Christ. This truth should inspire unwavering faithfulness, especially in the face of persecution or tribulation, knowing that our ultimate destiny is not merely survival but participation in Christ's glorious reign. It reminds us that God's justice is perfect and meticulously executed; while the wicked may seem to prosper now, their resurrection will be for judgment, not for life and reign. For us, this verse cultivates a deep sense of gratitude for God's grace, which includes us in this blessed hope, and it compels us to live lives worthy of this calling, persevering in our testimony and commitment to Christ, confident in the future vindication and reward that awaits those who are truly His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "first resurrection" impact your understanding of God's justice and His faithfulness to His people?**
* **In what ways does the promise of reigning with Christ for a thousand years motivate your perseverance and commitment to Him today?**
* **Considering the distinction between the "first resurrection" and the resurrection of "the rest of the dead," what does this teach you about the eternal consequences of one's relationship with Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "thousand years" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "thousand years," often referred to as the millennium, signifies a literal period of one thousand years during which Christ will reign on earth with His resurrected saints. [Revelation 20:5](/revelation/20-5 "Revelation 20:5 - The First Resurrection") explicitly states that "the rest of the dead" (i.e., the unrighteous) will not be resurrected until *after* this period is finished, thereby establishing a clear chronological framework for end-time events. This period is distinct from the eternal state and serves as a time of Christ's visible, righteous rule on earth, following His second coming and preceding the final judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 20:5, while describing a future eschatological event, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The "first resurrection" is not merely a chronological event but a participation in the resurrection life of Christ, who is the "firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")). His resurrection from the dead inaugurated a new creation and secured the promise of resurrection for all who believe in Him. Those who participate in this "first resurrection" do so because they are "in Christ" ([Romans 6:5](/romans/6-5 "Romans 6:5 - United with Christ in Resurrection")), having been spiritually resurrected with Him through faith ([Ephesians 2:5-6](/ephesians/2-5-6 "Ephesians 2:5-6 - Raised with Christ")). Their physical resurrection is the culmination of their union with Him, allowing them to share not only in His life but also in His reign, fulfilling the promise that "if we endure, we will also reign with Him" ([2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - Enduring to Reign")). Thus, the "first resurrection" is a direct outflow of Christ's victory over death and a testament to His sovereign Lordship over all creation and history.

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

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.