Revelation 20 6

Revelation 20:6 kjv

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Revelation 20:6 nkjv

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.

Revelation 20:6 niv

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:6 esv

Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:6 nlt

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years.

Revelation 20 verses

Revelation 20 6 Meaning

Revelation 20:6 proclaims a special divine blessing upon those who participate in the "first resurrection," assuring them complete immunity from the power of "the second death." It further reveals their exalted future, granting them the dual honor and privilege of serving as priests unto God and Christ, and exercising dominion by reigning with Him for a thousand years. This verse encapsulates themes of divine favor, eternal security, and the magnificent destiny of the faithful redeemed.

Revelation 20 6 Context

Revelation 20:6 stands within the heart of John’s prophetic vision detailing the "thousand years" of Christ's reign on earth. Following the binding of Satan (Rev 20:1-3) and a description of certain martyrs resurrected to reign with Christ (Rev 20:4-5), this verse broadens the scope to include all who partake in this "first resurrection." This period, often called the Millennium, bridges the church age and the eternal state. For John's original audience, enduring intense persecution under the Roman Empire (potentially Domitian), this passage offered profound hope, assuring them of divine vindication, a share in Christ's triumph, and ultimate security from spiritual judgment. It stood in stark contrast to the claims of divine power by earthly emperors and provided an eternal perspective against temporal suffering.

Revelation 20 6 Word analysis

• Blessed (μακάριος - makarios): Conveys a state of profound inner happiness, divine favor, and deep well-being. It is the joy bestowed by God, distinct from worldly happiness. It signifies those in an enviable position because of God's grace.
• and holy (καὶ ἅγιος - kai hagios): Indicates separation from the profane and dedication to God. It suggests not only moral purity but also being consecrated or set apart for God's special use and purpose.
• is he that hath part in (ὁ ἔχων μέρος ἐν - ho echōn meros en): Implies sharing or participation in. It refers to a personal, active involvement, receiving a share of this momentous event.
• the first resurrection (τῆς ἀναστάσεως τῆς πρώτης - tēs anastaseōs tēs prōtēs): Greek prōtos anastasis. Signifies a resurrection that is first in order or pre-eminent in quality. This term distinguishes it from a general resurrection to judgment. It primarily refers to the resurrection unto life experienced by believers, occurring before the resurrection of the unrighteous for judgment.
• on such (ἐπὶ τούτων - epi toutōn): Literally "over these" or "upon these." It emphasizes the specific beneficiaries of the subsequent assurance and privileges.
• the second death (ὁ δεύτερος θάνατος - ho deuteros thanatos): Defined in Revelation 20:14 as the lake of fire. It is not annihilation but eternal, conscious separation from God and spiritual torment. It is the ultimate spiritual condemnation, a finality beyond physical death.
• hath no power (οὐκ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν - ouk echei exousian): Exousian means authority, right, or jurisdiction. This phrase declares a divine guarantee that the second death possesses no authority, control, or legal claim over those blessed with the first resurrection. They are eternally secure.
• but (ἀλλὰ - alla): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a complete reversal of what might be expected. Instead of doom, there is privilege.
• they shall be (ἔσονται - esontai): Future indicative verb, denoting certainty. Their future roles are guaranteed.
• priests (ἱερεῖς - hiereis): Those designated for sacred service to God, having direct access to Him. This role signifies intimacy, worship, and spiritual ministry, reflecting a profound relationship with the divine.
• of God and of Christ: Emphasizes that their priestly service is directed towards both the Father and the Son, highlighting their joint reign and unified Godhead.
• and shall reign (καὶ βασιλεύσουσιν - kai basileusousin): They will rule, exercise kingly authority. This confirms their co-regency and shared dominion with Christ.
• with him: Stresses personal intimacy and co-operation in Christ’s governance, not an independent rule.
• a thousand years (χίλια ἔτη - chilia eti): Greek chilia eti. Refers to the specific duration of the Millennial Kingdom. The repeated mention of "thousand years" in Revelation 20:2-7 points to a distinct, prolonged, and definable period, though interpretations of its literal or symbolic nature vary among scholars.

Words-group analysis

• Blessed and holy...the first resurrection: This pairing connects divine blessing and consecrated status with participation in a unique and privileged resurrection, marking the individuals as divinely favored and set apart.
• on such the second death hath no power: This powerful phrase provides an absolute guarantee of salvation and eternal security. For those in the first resurrection, eternal condemnation has no dominion; they are permanently outside its reach.
• they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years: These phrases describe the dual glory of the redeemed in the millennial kingdom: intimate spiritual service (priesthood) and authoritative rule (reign). It illustrates their elevated status and active participation in God's governmental and spiritual purposes during this specific era.

Revelation 20 6 Bonus section

• Interpretations of the First Resurrection: While Revelation 20:4 seems to specifically highlight martyred saints reigning, most scholars understand the "first resurrection" of verse 6 to encompass all believers who are raised or raptured to be with Christ, ensuring they escape the judgment reserved for the unrighteous.
• Security of the Believer: The emphatic declaration that "the second death hath no power" over these individuals provides one of the Bible's strongest affirmations of the eternal security of those who belong to Christ. Their destiny is firmly held in God's hands.
• Messianic Fulfillment: This reign points to the partial fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ's earthly kingdom and Israel's restoration, along with the participation of Gentiles. It establishes a tangible period of God's direct rule before the eternal state.

Revelation 20 6 Commentary

Revelation 20:6 encapsulates the glorious destiny of those truly united with Christ. It confirms that partaking in the "first resurrection"—often interpreted as the resurrection unto life that includes all faithful believers, especially prominent for martyrs—secures complete deliverance from "the second death," which is eternal judgment. This security is not passive but leads to an active role: serving as priests to God and Christ, signifying profound spiritual communion and intercession, and reigning with Him, indicating delegated authority and participation in Christ’s righteous rule for a significant "thousand years." The verse offers a robust promise of vindication, purpose, and enduring glory for the redeemed.