Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

But {G1161} the fearful {G1169}, and {G2532} unbelieving {G571}, and {G2532} the abominable {G948}, and {G2532} murderers {G5406}, and {G2532} whoremongers {G4205}, and {G2532} sorcerers {G5332}, and {G2532} idolaters {G1496}, and {G2532} all {G3956} liars {G5571}, shall have their {G846} part {G3313} in {G1722} the lake {G3041} which {G3588} burneth {G2545} with fire {G4442} and {G2532} brimstone {G2303}: which is {G3603} the second {G1208} death {G2288}.

But as for the cowardly, the untrustworthy, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those involved with the occult and with drugs, idol-worshippers, and all liars — their destiny is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, the second death.”

But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”

But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.

Revelation 21:8 stands in stark contrast to the glorious vision of the new heaven and new earth presented in the preceding verses. After describing the dwelling of God with humanity and the wiping away of tears (Revelation 21:4), this verse outlines those who will be excluded from this blessed eternal state, detailing their ultimate destiny.

Context

This verse concludes a passage that began with the promise of a transformed creation, a new Jerusalem descending from heaven (Revelation 21:2). It serves as a solemn warning, clarifying that not all will inherit the blessings of God's eternal kingdom. It underscores divine justice, emphasizing that while God's grace is abundant, there are ultimate consequences for persistent rebellion and rejection of His ways, especially unbelief.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse clearly articulates the final judgment for those who reject God and persist in unrepentant sin. It's a declaration of God's holiness and justice.
  • Consequences of Sin: A specific list of sins and character traits is provided, highlighting behaviors and attitudes fundamentally opposed to God's nature and kingdom. These include moral corruption, spiritual rebellion, and a lack of faith.
  • The "Second Death": This phrase, also mentioned in Revelation 20:14, signifies eternal separation from God, a spiritual demise that is final and irreversible, distinct from physical death. It describes the ultimate consequence for those whose names are not found in the Book of Life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Greek: limnē tou pyros tēs kaiomenēs en theion) is a powerful and vivid image used elsewhere in Revelation (Revelation 19:20, 20:10) to depict eternal punishment. It evokes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24), symbolizing complete and utter destruction and separation from God's presence. The term "sorcerers" comes from the Greek pharmakeus, which can refer to those who practice magic, witchcraft, or even the use of drugs in such practices, highlighting the dangers of seeking power or truth outside of God.

Practical Application

Revelation 21:8 serves as a serious reminder of the importance of faith and repentance. It is not merely a list of sins, but a description of a heart condition that ultimately rejects God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. The "fearful" are often interpreted as those who, out of fear of persecution or societal pressure, refuse to confess Christ. The "unbelieving" are those who reject God's truth. This verse calls believers to:

  • Examine their faith: Is their trust truly in God, leading to a changed life?
  • Live righteously: To shun the practices listed and strive for holiness.
  • Understand God's holiness: To recognize that God is just and will hold all accountable.
  • Embrace God's grace: To appreciate the magnitude of the salvation offered through Christ, which delivers from the "second death" (John 3:16).

Ultimately, this verse underscores the critical choice humanity faces: to accept God's gracious invitation to eternal life or to persist in rebellion, leading to eternal separation.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:10

    Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

  • Revelation 2:11

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

  • Revelation 22:15

    For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

  • Ephesians 5:5

    For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

  • Ephesians 5:6

    Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

  • Revelation 20:14

    And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
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