Revelation 20:2 (KJV)

What does Revelation 20:2 mean?

Revelation 20:2 describes a powerful angel seizing and restraining the devil—called the dragon, the old serpent, the Devil, and Satan—for a period of a thousand years. This verse shows a dramatic moment where evil is forcefully held back for a set time.

In the book of Revelation, John is shown visions of future events. Here, he sees an angel acting under God’s authority, taking hold of the devil using several symbolic names that recall earlier parts of the Bible. The “thousand years” introduces a specific period, often called the “millennium,” during which Satan’s influence is stopped.

The Greek behind Revelation 20:2

• δράκων (drakōn, “dragon”): This word highlights the devil’s fierce, destructive nature, echoing earlier imagery in Revelation.
• ὄφις (ophis, “serpent”): This connects Satan to the serpent in Genesis, reminding readers of his role as the deceiver from the beginning.
• διάβολος (diabolos, “Devil”): This term means “slanderer” or “accuser,” emphasizing the devil’s role in accusing and misleading.
• Σατανᾶς (Satanas, “Satan”): This is a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning “adversary,” underlining his opposition to God and humanity.
• ἔδησεν (edēsen, “bound”): The Greek word here means to tie up or restrain, showing that Satan’s ability to act is completely limited for the thousand years.

Why Revelation 20:2 matters

• Revelation 20:2 clarifies that the devil is not just a vague force but is identified with several well-known biblical figures of evil, tying together Old and New Testament ideas.
• The verse emphasizes that God’s power is greater than Satan’s, since an angel can bind him for a set period.
• This moment sets the stage for the events that follow in Revelation, explaining why evil is held back during the “thousand years” and what changes in the world as a result.