Revelation 20 4

Revelation 20:4 kjv

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4 nkjv

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4 niv

I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4 esv

Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4 nlt

Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20 verses

Revelation 20 4 Meaning

Revelation 20:4 presents a profound prophetic vision: John sees thrones upon which a specific group of faithful believers sits, invested with authority to judge and rule. This group is identified as the souls of those martyred for their unwavering allegiance to Jesus and God's Word, particularly those who resisted the demands to worship the oppressive "beast" and its image or receive its identifying mark. Crucially, these faithful individuals are resurrected ("lived") and commence a period of co-reign with Christ on Earth for a literal period of one thousand years, known as the Millennium. This vision signifies divine vindication, reward for steadfastness, and the establishment of Christ's earthly kingdom with His saints before the ultimate eternal state.

Revelation 20 4 Context

Revelation 20:4 appears at a pivotal point in John's vision, following the dramatic defeat of the beast and the false prophet and their armies at Armageddon (Rev 19). Immediately preceding this verse, Satan himself is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years (Rev 20:1-3), preventing him from deceiving the nations during this period. Therefore, verse 4 describes the initiation of a significant new era following Satan's incapacitation.

The broader context of Revelation details God's final victory over all evil, including political, religious, and spiritual forces that oppose Him. This specific vision highlights the vindication and reward for those who remained faithful to God and Christ amidst intense persecution and the temptation to compromise with worldly powers, often symbolized by the Roman Empire and its demands for imperial worship. For the original audience, who faced persecution and pressure to conform, this vision offered immense hope—a future where their suffering would be recognized, justice served, and they would actively participate in Christ's triumphant reign, contrasting sharply with the earthly power that oppressed them. It promises that their loyalty unto death was not in vain, but rather guaranteed them a glorious future alongside their Lord.

Revelation 20 4 Word analysis

• And I saw (Καὶ εἶδον - Kai eidon): This recurring phrase (used dozens of times in Revelation) signals a direct prophetic vision given to John. It emphasizes that what follows is a revealed truth, not a speculative idea, confirming divine origin.
• thrones (θρόνους - thronous): Plural form signifies multiple seats of authority and kingship. In biblical imagery, thrones symbolize supreme power, judgment, and sovereign rule (cf. Dan 7:9; Rev 4:2, 4). Their presence indicates that this vision concerns governmental authority and royal dominion.
• and they sat upon them (ἐκάθησαν ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς - ekathēsan ep' autous): Identifies the occupants of these thrones. The action of sitting denotes permanence, authority, and the assumption of a ruling position. Who "they" are is clarified in the subsequent clauses.
• and judgment was committed unto them (καὶ κρῖμα ἐδόθη αὐτοῖς - kai krima edothē autois): Authority to judge and rule was bestowed upon "them." This is not judgment against them, but judgment by them. It indicates an active participation in God's governmental authority. The Greek term krima can denote either judgment (the act or verdict) or the authority to judge/rule (Dan 7:22; 1 Cor 6:2-3). Here, it refers to the latter—delegated authority to administrate justice and reign.
• and I saw the souls (καὶ τὰς ψυχὰς εἶδον - kai tas psychas eidon): John clarifies that these rulers are identified by their "souls," the spiritual essence of individuals, often seen as representing the whole person (cf. Rev 6:9). However, given that these individuals are explicitly stated to "live" later in the verse and in Rev 20:5, the "souls" here should be understood as representing those who had died and whose lives (souls) were seen as faithful unto death, now resurrected.
• of them that were beheaded (τῶν πεπελεκισμένων - tōn pepelekismenōn): Specifies a method of execution common in Roman times, particularly for martyrs (e.g., John the Baptist, James). This highlights the severe persecution and literal death these individuals endured. It signifies violent, sacrificial death specifically because of their faith.
• for the witness of Jesus (διὰ τὴν μαρτυρίαν Ἰησοῦ - dia tēn martyrian Iēsou): Literally "on account of the testimony of Jesus." This phrase carries dual meaning in Revelation: it can refer to (1) the testimony about Jesus given by believers, or (2) the testimony of Jesus, which empowers prophets (Rev 19:10). Here, it denotes their faithful declaration of and allegiance to Jesus Christ, enduring persecution for this truth.
• and for the word of God (καὶ διὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ - kai dia ton logon tou Theou): Alongside the "witness of Jesus," this further emphasizes their ultimate allegiance to God's revealed truth and commandments. The "Word of God" is foundational for their faith and the standard by which they lived and for which they died.
• and which had not worshipped the beast (καὶ οἵτινες οὐ προσεκύνησαν τὸ θηρίον - kai hoitines ou prosekunēsan to thērion): Crucial identifier by exclusion. The "beast" (from Rev 13) represents an ultimate oppressive world power controlled by Satan, demanding absolute allegiance. Not worshipping implies active resistance to imperial/antichrist cults and total allegiance reserved for God alone. Proskyneō means to bow down, prostrate oneself in adoration, demonstrating supreme homage.
• neither his image (οὔτε τὴν εἰκόνα αὐτοῦ - oute tēn eikona autou): Reinforces the refusal to participate in the beast's idolatry. The "image" was an idol or representation enforcing the beast's demands (Rev 13:14-15), making compliance undeniable and public.
• neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands (οὔτε ἔλαβον τὸ χάραγμα ἐπὶ τὸ μέτωπον αὐτῶν ἢ ἐπὶ τὴν χεῖρα αὐτῶν - oute elabon to charagma epi to metōpon autōn ē epi tēn cheira autōn): Rejection of the beast's identifying "mark" (Rev 13:16-17), which signifies allegiance and is required for economic and social participation. The "forehead" often symbolizes inner conviction and belief, while the "hand" denotes actions and work. Their refusal indicates complete and unwavering dedication to God, regardless of severe consequences (social ostracism, economic hardship, death).
• and they lived (καὶ ἔζησαν - kai ezēsan): This is the critical turning point in the description of these souls: they came to life. This signifies a physical resurrection, explicitly linked to "the first resurrection" in Rev 20:5. This is distinct from their pre-resurrection state as "souls under the altar" (Rev 6:9).
• and reigned with Christ (καὶ ἐβασίλευσαν μετὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ - kai ebasileusan meta tou Christou): They did not just live again; they participated directly in Christ's kingly rule. This confirms their co-regency with Jesus, fulfilling promises to faithful believers (Rom 8:17; 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 5:10). This reigning implies actual authority and governance during the specified period.
• a thousand years (χίλια ἔτη - chilia etē): The precise duration of this reign. This specific numerical designation (repeated six times in Chapter 20) indicates a definite, literal period for Christ's earthly kingdom with His resurrected saints before the final judgment and the new heavens and new earth.

Words-group analysis:

• "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was committed unto them": This phrase introduces the concept of delegated authority and rule. It sets the stage for a period of Christ's kingdom where His saints will participate in His kingly and judicial functions. It aligns with Old Testament prophecies of saints inheriting the kingdom (Dan 7:22, 27).
• "and I saw the souls...and they lived and reigned with Christ": This is the core resurrection and vindication of the persecuted. It strongly suggests a specific group being resurrected before others ("the rest of the dead did not live again," Rev 20:5) to rule alongside Christ, fulfilling promises of overcoming suffering with glorious reward.
• "for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God": These two phrases define the essence of their unwavering faith. They endured hardship and death not for a political cause, but for their direct allegiance to Christ and the divine truth, establishing the reason for their martyrdom and subsequent exaltation.
• "and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands": This threefold negative identification starkly contrasts these faithful ones with the majority of humanity who succumbed to the beast's system (Rev 13). It highlights their absolute fidelity to God alone, rejecting false worship, state-mandated idolatry, and economic/social conformity tied to the beast's allegiance. Their resistance to these temptations is central to their merit for participating in Christ's reign.

Revelation 20 4 Bonus section

The specific identification of "the souls of them that were beheaded" (martyrs) in Rev 20:4 raises important interpretative discussions. While this verse highlights the supreme reward for martyrs, Revelation 20:6 extends the blessedness of the "first resurrection" to a broader group: "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years." Many interpreters therefore conclude that the rulers on the thrones include all faithful believers who die "in Christ" and are resurrected at the Lord's coming, with martyrs being specifically highlighted for their unique sacrifice and steadfastness in the face of the beast's persecution, rather than being the only ones resurrected to reign.

The concept of the "first resurrection" being distinct from "the rest of the dead" (Rev 20:5) who "did not live again until the thousand years were finished" is a foundational tenet of historic premillennialism. This interpretation posits a bodily resurrection of believers (the "first resurrection") at Christ's return, occurring before His thousand-year reign on earth. The "second death" mentioned in Rev 20:6 refers to eternal separation from God (Rev 20:14; 21:8), a destiny from which those participating in the first resurrection are immune, reinforcing their eternal security and blessing.

Revelation 20 4 Commentary

Revelation 20:4 unfolds a vital scene in John’s prophetic timeline, directly following the binding of Satan. It portrays the immediate consequences and blessings for those who remained fiercely loyal to Jesus Christ in the face of intense global persecution orchestrated by the beast system.

The vision of "thrones" upon which "they sat" immediately conveys authority and rule. This delegation of judgment signifies not only vindication for past suffering but also active participation in God’s redemptive plan. The identity of these enthroned rulers is precise: "the souls of them that were beheaded" (a specific form of execution associated with Roman imperial power, suggesting widespread martyrdom) who suffered "for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God." This underscores their martyrdom was not arbitrary but directly linked to their unwavering verbal and lifestyle testimony to Christ and adherence to God's revealed truth.

Crucially, these individuals are distinguished by their rejection of the "beast," its "image," and its "mark." This highlights the stark choice presented during the great tribulation period: absolute allegiance to Christ or compromise with the anti-God world system. Their refusal meant enduring severe social, economic, and existential pressure, ultimately leading to death for many.

The powerful statement "and they lived" signifies a resurrection from the dead, known in the subsequent verse (Rev 20:5) as "the first resurrection." This literal resurrection allows them to fulfill the promise "and reigned with Christ a thousand years." This "Millennium" is a distinct historical period, a physical reign of Christ on earth with His resurrected saints, where divine justice is administered and Satan is confined.

This verse offers immense comfort and assurance to persecuted believers throughout history: their suffering for Christ is never in vain. Instead, it leads to resurrection, vindication, and direct participation in Christ's future earthly kingdom, a period of triumphant righteousness and peace under His direct rule. It demonstrates God's perfect justice, honoring those who paid the ultimate price for their faith while establishing a visible manifestation of His kingdom before the eternal state. It affirms that true victory comes not through earthly compromise, but through unwavering loyalty to Christ, even unto death.