Revelation 20:14

Authorized King James Version

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
θάνατος
G2288
death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
#4
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ᾅδης
G86
hell
properly, unseen, i.e., "hades" or the place (state) of departed souls
#7
ἐβλήθησαν
G906
were cast
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#8
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#9
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
λίμνην
G3041
the lake
a pond (large or small)
#11
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
πυρός
G4442
of fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#13
οὗτος
G3778
This
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#14
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#15
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
δεύτερός
G1208
the second
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
#17
θάνατος
G2288
death
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection