Revelation 21:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

δειλοῖς

G1169

the fearful

timid, i.e., (by implication) faithless

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπίστοις

G571

unbelieving

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐβδελυγμένοις

G948

the abominable

to be disgusted, i.e., (by implication) detest (especially of idolatry)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φονεῦσιν

G5406

murderers

a murderer (always of criminal (or at least intentional) homicide; which g0443 does not necessarily imply; while g4607 is a special term for a public

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

πόρνοις

G4205

whoremongers

a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

φαρμακεῦσιν

G5332

sorcerers

a druggist ("pharmacist") or poisoner, i.e., (by extension) a magician

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

εἰδωλολάτραις

G1496

idolaters

an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

πᾶσιν

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#17

τῇ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ψευδέσιν

G5571

liars

untrue, i.e., erroneous, deceitful, wicked

#19

τῇ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

μέρος

G3313

part

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

#21

αὐτῶν

G846

shall have their

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

#22

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#23

τῇ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

λίμνῃ

G3041

the lake

a pond (large or small)

#25

τῇ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

καιομένῃ

G2545

burneth

to set on fire, i.e., kindle or (by implication) consume

#27

πυρὶ

G4442

with fire

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

#28

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#29

θείῳ

G2303

brimstone

sulphur

#30

ὅ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#31

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#32

δεύτερος

G1208

the second

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

#33

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

How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?