And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

REVELATION 20:10KJV
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Revelation 20:10 (KJV)

What does Revelation 20:10 mean?

Revelation 20:10 describes the final judgment of the devil, stating that he is thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet already are, and that they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. This verse presents a scene of ultimate defeat and unending punishment for these figures who opposed God.

The book of Revelation is written by John, who is sharing a vision meant to encourage and warn early Christians facing persecution. In this vision, the devil—who is described as the deceiver—is finally punished after a long story of rebellion and evil. The verse uses vivid imagery to show that evil will not last forever and that its defeat is total and permanent.

The Greek behind Revelation 20:10

  • διάβολος (diabolos, "devil"): This word means "accuser" or "slanderer," highlighting the devil’s role as one who opposes and deceives.
  • ἐβλήθη (eblēthē, "was cast"): The Greek word here suggests a forceful, deliberate action, emphasizing that the devil is not going willingly but is thrown down by a greater power.
  • λίμνη τοῦ πυρός (limnē tou pyros, "lake of fire"): This phrase is unique to Revelation and paints a picture of a place of final, complete judgment, not just temporary punishment.
  • βασανισθήσονται (basanisthēsontai, "shall be tormented"): The Greek word carries the sense of ongoing, conscious suffering, underlining the idea of a punishment that does not end.

Why Revelation 20:10 matters

  • Revelation 20:10 clarifies that the devil, along with the beast and false prophet, faces a punishment that is both total and unending, countering ideas that evil might eventually escape or be redeemed.
  • The verse connects back to earlier parts of Revelation, where the beast and false prophet were already judged, showing that the devil’s defeat is the final step in God’s victory over evil.
  • This verse helps readers see the seriousness with which the Bible treats evil and deception, and it underscores the hope that evil will not have the last word in the story.

Where else these words appear

“brimstone” Greek G2303 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
  • Revelation 9:18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
  • Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

“lake” Greek G3041 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
  • Luke 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
  • Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

“prophet” Greek G5578 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
  • 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

“tormented” Greek G928 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
  • Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
  • Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.