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

REVELATION 20:14KJV
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Revelation 20:14 (KJV)

What does Revelation 20:14 mean?

Revelation 20:14 describes a final judgment where both death and hell are thrown into the lake of fire, which is called the "second death." This verse pictures the end of death and the place of the dead, showing that they will no longer have any power or existence after this point.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision of the end times, speaking to early Christian communities facing persecution and uncertainty. Here, "death" and "hell" are personified as enemies of humanity, and their destruction in the "lake of fire" signals the complete removal of everything that separates people from God. The "second death" is a term used in Revelation to describe a final, irreversible state, distinct from physical death.

The Greek behind Revelation 20:14

  • ᾅδης (hades): This Greek word is often translated as "hell" in English Bibles, but it more specifically means the realm of the dead or the grave, not a place of fiery torment. Its destruction here shows that even the power of the grave is ended.
  • λίμνη (limnē): Translated as "lake," this word emphasizes a vast, consuming body of fire, not just a small pit. The image is meant to convey total and final destruction.
  • θάνατος (thanatos): This is the Greek word for "death." Its casting into the lake of fire means that death itself is defeated and will no longer exist.

Why Revelation 20:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the "second death" is not just physical death, but a final, complete separation from life as God intends it.
  • By showing death and hades being destroyed, Revelation 20:14 emphasizes the total victory over all enemies of life and hope, which is a key theme in the book.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage about final judgment, helping readers see that nothing opposed to God’s purpose will survive in the new creation described in the following chapters.

Where else these words appear

“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 20:10 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.

“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?

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • Hebrews 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

“fire” Greek G4442 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
  • Revelation 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;