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 21:8KJV
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Revelation 21:8 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“abominable” Greek G948 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

“fearful” Greek G1169 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
  • Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

“liars” Greek G5571 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
  • Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

“murderers” Greek G5406 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 22:7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
  • Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
  • 1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.