And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

REVELATION 20:7KJV
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Revelation 20:7 (KJV)

What does Revelation 20:7 mean?

Revelation 20:7 states that after a period of one thousand years, Satan will be released from the place where he has been confined. This verse marks a turning point in the vision, signaling the end of a long era of restraint for Satan.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision given to him about future events. Here, he is telling his audience that after a symbolic or literal thousand-year period, which has been a time of peace or order, Satan will no longer be held captive. This sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter, where Satan’s release leads to further conflict before the final resolution.

The Greek behind Revelation 20:7

  • χίλια (chilia, "thousand"): This word refers to the length of time Satan is imprisoned. The use of "thousand" is often understood as a complete or significant period, not just a literal number.
  • λυθήσεται (lythēsetai, "shall be loosed"): The Greek word here means to be released or set free from bonds. This emphasizes that Satan’s confinement is temporary and under control, not permanent.
  • φυλακῆς (phylakēs, "prison"): This word means a place of guarding or confinement. It highlights that Satan has been actively restrained, not just absent or inactive.

Why Revelation 20:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Satan's power is not unlimited; he is held and released only by divine permission, which reassures readers that evil is under control.
  • Revelation 20:7 connects the earlier promise of a thousand-year reign with what comes next, showing that the story is not finished with the millennium.
  • The verse sets up the dramatic final events of Revelation, helping readers understand the sequence and the seriousness of Satan’s release.

Where else these words appear

“thousand” Greek G5507 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
  • Revelation 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
  • Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

“expired” Greek G5055 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 18:31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
  • 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

“Satan” Greek G4567 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

“loosed” Greek G3089 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 19:31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
  • Acts 24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.