And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

REVELATION 20:15KJV
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Revelation 20:15 (KJV)

What does Revelation 20:15 mean?

Revelation 20:15 says that anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. This verse describes a final judgment where being recorded in the book of life is the deciding factor for escaping this punishment.

In the setting of Revelation 20, John is describing a vision of the last judgment, where all the dead are judged before God. The "book of life" is pictured as a record of those who belong to God, and the "lake of fire" is a symbol of ultimate separation from God. The verse emphasizes the seriousness and finality of this judgment scene.

The Greek behind Revelation 20:15

  • βιβλίον (biblion, "book"): This word refers to a scroll or record, and here it is used for the "book of life," which represents a divine register of those who have life with God.
  • ζωή (zōē, "life"): This word means more than just physical life; it points to spiritual, eternal life in relationship with God, making the "book of life" a record of those who share in this life.
  • λίμνη (limnē, "lake") and πῦρ (pyr, "fire"): Together, these words form the phrase "lake of fire," a vivid image used in Revelation for final judgment and destruction, not just ordinary fire but a symbol of complete and irreversible separation from God.

Why Revelation 20:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the decisive issue at the final judgment is whether a person's name is in the book of life, not their deeds or status.
  • The imagery connects to earlier parts of Revelation, where the book of life is mentioned as a source of hope and assurance for believers.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of the judgment described in Revelation, showing that the consequences are ultimate and permanent.

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.

“book” Greek G976 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
  • Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

“whosoever” Greek G1536 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
  • Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

“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;