And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

REVELATION 20:13KJV
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Revelation 20:13 (KJV)

What does Revelation 20:13 mean?

Revelation 20:13 describes a moment when everyone who has died—no matter where their bodies are, whether in the sea, in death, or in "hell" (the realm of the dead)—is brought forth to face judgment, and each person is judged according to what they have done. This verse emphasizes that no one is overlooked and that all are held accountable for their actions.

In the setting of Revelation, John is describing a vision of the final judgment at the end of time. The verse uses vivid imagery to show that death and "hell" (the Greek word here refers to the place of the dead, not a place of punishment) have no power to hold anyone back from being judged. The focus is on the fairness and completeness of the judgment, as every individual is evaluated based on their deeds.

The Greek behind Revelation 20:13

  • ᾅδης (hadēs): Translated as "hell" in the KJV, this Greek word refers to the realm of the dead or the grave, not a place of fiery torment. This helps clarify that the verse is about all the dead being raised, not just those in a place of punishment.
  • ἔργα (erga): This word means "works" or "deeds." The verse stresses that each person is judged "according to their works," highlighting personal responsibility and the idea that actions matter in the final judgment.
  • ἔδωκεν (edōken): Translated as "gave up," this verb shows the active release of the dead from the sea, death, and hadēs, emphasizing that nothing can prevent the resurrection and judgment.

Why Revelation 20:13 matters

  • Revelation 20:13 clears up the idea that some people might be forgotten or left out at the final judgment; it insists that everyone, no matter where or how they died, will be included.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Revelation of God's justice being thorough and fair, as each person is judged individually and specifically "according to their works."
  • By mentioning the sea, death, and hadēs, the verse underscores the completeness of God's authority over all realms, showing that nothing can escape His final reckoning.

Where else these words appear

“hell” Greek G86 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
  • Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

“man” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

“sea” Greek G2281 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 4:15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
  • Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
  • 1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

“judged” Greek G2919 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?