But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
REVELATION 21:8KJVWhat does Revelation 21:8 mean?
Revelation 21:8 warns that certain groups of people—such as the cowardly, unbelieving, immoral, murderers, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars—will not share in the blessings of the new creation but instead face judgment, described as a "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone," called the second death. This verse draws a clear line between those who belong to God’s renewed world and those who persist in rejecting Him and His ways.
In this passage, John is recording a vision given to him by God, describing the final destiny of humanity after the old world has passed away. The verse comes just after a description of the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people. Here, the focus shifts to those who are excluded from this new reality, emphasizing the seriousness of rejecting God’s truth and living in ways that oppose His character.
The Greek behind Revelation 21:8
- The word translated "fearful" is δειλοῖς (deilois), which often means "cowardly" or "those who shrink back." This highlights not just fear, but a lack of faith or courage to stand with God, which is set alongside other serious offenses.
- The word for "sorcerers" is φαρμακοῖς (pharmakois), which originally referred to those who used drugs for magical or occult practices. In this context, it points to people who manipulate or deceive through spiritual or supernatural means.
- The phrase "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" uses λίμνη (limnē, "lake") and πῦρ (pyr, "fire") with θείον (theion, "brimstone" or "sulfur"), painting a vivid picture of final, irreversible judgment. This imagery would have been familiar to ancient readers as a symbol of utter destruction.
Why Revelation 21:8 matters
- Revelation 21:8 clarifies that exclusion from God’s new creation is not based on a single act but on a settled pattern of life that rejects God’s truth and character.
- The verse emphasizes the seriousness of both actions and attitudes—such as cowardice and unbelief—placing them alongside more obvious wrongs like murder and idolatry.
- This warning stands in contrast to the hope and comfort offered to those who overcome, highlighting the stark difference between the destinies described in the surrounding verses.