Revelation 19:20
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιάσθη
was taken
G4084
ἐπιάσθη
was taken
Strong's:
G4084
Word #:
2 of 44
to squeeze, i.e., seize (gently by the hand (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture))
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
6 of 44
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψευδοπροφήτης
the false prophet
G5578
ψευδοπροφήτης
the false prophet
Strong's:
G5578
Word #:
9 of 44
a spurious prophet, i.e., pretended foreteller or religious impostor
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιήσας
that wrought
G4160
ποιήσας
that wrought
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 44
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σημεῖα
miracles
G4592
σημεῖα
miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
13 of 44
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 44
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἷς
which
G3739
οἷς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 44
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπλάνησεν
he deceived
G4105
ἐπλάνησεν
he deceived
Strong's:
G4105
Word #:
18 of 44
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαβόντας
them that had received
G2983
λαβόντας
them that had received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
20 of 44
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάραγμα
the mark
G5480
χάραγμα
the mark
Strong's:
G5480
Word #:
22 of 44
a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 44
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσκυνοῦντας
them that worshipped
G4352
προσκυνοῦντας
them that worshipped
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
27 of 44
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνι
image
G1504
εἰκόνι
image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
29 of 44
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
30 of 44
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐβλήθησαν
were cast
G906
ἐβλήθησαν
were cast
Strong's:
G906
Word #:
32 of 44
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
33 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
35 of 44
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
36 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
38 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πυρὸς
of fire
G4442
πυρὸς
of fire
Strong's:
G4442
Word #:
39 of 44
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
40 of 44
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καιομένην
burning
G2545
καιομένην
burning
Strong's:
G2545
Word #:
41 of 44
to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume
Cross References
Revelation 20:10And 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.Revelation 21:8But 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 14:10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:Isaiah 30:33For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.Revelation 17:12And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.Genesis 19:24Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;Deuteronomy 29:23And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.Isaiah 34:9And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.Psalms 11:6Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 19:20 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These... This verse from Revelation's vision of hallelujah chorus, marriage supper, christ's return - final victory, word of god rides forth employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.