Revelation 21 8

Revelation 21:8 kjv

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.

Revelation 21:8 nkjv

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Revelation 21:8 niv

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars?they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

Revelation 21:8 esv

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

Revelation 21:8 nlt

"But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars ? their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

Revelation 21 verses

Revelation 21 8 Meaning

Revelation 21:8 details a comprehensive list of those who will not inherit eternal life in the New Jerusalem but instead will face the final judgment in the "lake that burns with fire and sulfur," which is the "second death." This verse presents a stark contrast to the preceding verse (Rev 21:7) which describes the inheritance of the faithful, emphasizing that a life characterized by unrepentant sin and a rejection of God's truth leads to ultimate condemnation and eternal separation from His presence. It outlines not just isolated acts, but patterns of life defined by cowardice in faith, disbelief, moral corruption, and antagonism towards God and humanity.

Revelation 21 8 Context

Revelation 21 opens with a glorious vision of a "new heaven and a new earth," and the descent of the "New Jerusalem," where God will dwell with His people. The preceding verses (21:3-4) paint a picture of God dwelling with humanity, wiping away every tear, and eradicating death, sorrow, and pain. Verse 7 highlights that "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son." Revelation 21:8 then immediately contrasts this inheritance and blessed fellowship with the destiny of those who are not included. It clarifies that participation in God's eternal kingdom is conditional upon a transformative relationship with God through Christ, evidenced by a life of faith and righteousness, in opposition to a life defined by the listed vices. This verse functions as a sobering warning and a boundary marker, delineating who is inside and who is outside God's final, perfect order. Historically, Revelation was written to early Christians facing persecution and temptation to compromise their faith, serving as an encouragement to perseverance and a stark warning against apostasy and embracing the immoral practices of the pagan world. The sins listed directly oppose the characteristics of those who inherit the promises.

Revelation 21 8 Word analysis

• But (Greek: ἀλλά, alla): A strong adversative conjunction. It marks a sharp contrast with the glorious promises and inheritance offered in the previous verse (Rev 21:7) to those who overcome. This "but" clearly divides the inheritors from the excluded.
• the cowardly (Greek: δειλοὶ, deiloi): Refers to those who shrink back out of fear, particularly in the context of their faith or witness. This isn't merely having fear (which is a natural human emotion), but rather a moral cowardice that prevents one from confessing Christ, enduring persecution, or standing for truth. It suggests a prioritizing of self-preservation or earthly comfort over allegiance to God, thus betraying faith. In Revelation, steadfastness under trial is a primary theme.
• unbelieving (Greek: ἄπιστοι, apistoi): Not simply lacking intellectual assent, but actively rejecting belief in Christ, or proving unfaithful to one's commitment. It implies a deeper spiritual failure – a lack of trust and allegiance to God. This unbelief is the root of many of the subsequent vices. It's the opposite of faith that overcomes the world (1 Jn 5:4).
• abominable (Greek: ἐβδελυγμένοι, ebdelugmenoi - derived from ἐβδελυγμέω, ebdelugmeo, meaning "to make foul" or "to detest"): This refers to those who commit or are characterized by morally detestable, repugnant acts. In biblical terms, "abomination" often refers to practices that are deeply offensive to God, especially those connected with idolatry, ritual impurity, or severe sexual perversion (e.g., Lev 18, Deut 18). It covers a broad range of defiling actions and character.
• murderers (Greek: φονεῖς, phoneis): Those who take human life unjustly. In a broader sense, this also includes hatred towards others, as the New Testament connects hatred with murder in the heart (1 Jn 3:15).
• sexually immoral (Greek: πόρνοι, pornoi - related to πορνεία, porneia): Encompasses all forms of illicit sexual conduct outside the biblical bounds of marriage, including fornication, adultery, prostitution, and perversions. Sexual purity was a crucial distinction for Christians in a morally permissive Roman world.
• sorcerers (Greek: φαρμακοὶ, pharmakoi - plural of φαρμακός, pharmakos): Originally referred to those who prepare or administer drugs, poisons, or charms. In biblical context, it strongly refers to practitioners of magic, witchcraft, occult arts, and deceptive enchantments, often involving the use of drugs (φάρμακον, pharmakon) to induce altered states for divinatory or manipulative purposes. This practice directly challenges God's authority and relies on demonic powers.
• idolaters (Greek: εἰδωλολάτραι, eidōlolatrai): Those who worship idols or attribute divine qualities to created things, systems, or ideas rather than the One True God. This includes both overt worship of pagan deities and spiritual idolatry, such as putting anything else—money, power, self—in the place of God (Col 3:5).
• and all liars (Greek: καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ψευδέσιν, kai pasin tois pseudesin - "and all the false ones" or "all who practice falsehood"): This is an encompassing category for everyone characterized by deceit. Lies are fundamental opposition to God, who is truth. Satan is portrayed as the "father of lies" (Jn 8:44). This includes bearing false witness, dishonesty, and living a life based on untruths. The cumulative phrase "all liars" indicates a broad and conclusive category.
• their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur (Greek: τὸ μέρος αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ λίμνῃ τῇ καιομένῃ πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ, to meros autōn en tē limnē tē kaiomenē pyri kai theiō): This describes the ultimate destination and judgment for those who exemplify the listed sins. The "lake of fire" is a recurring symbolic image in Revelation for eternal punishment and separation from God, where sin meets its final consequence. "Sulfur" (brimstone) adds to the imagery of divine wrath and total destruction (cf. Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen 19:24). "Their portion" indicates their deserved share or fate.
• which is the second death (Greek: ὅ ἐστιν ὁ θάνατος ὁ δεύτερος, ho estin ho thanatos ho deuteros): This clarifies the nature of the lake of fire. The "first death" is physical separation of body and soul. The "second death" is eternal spiritual separation from God, which is the ultimate dissolution of one's relationship with the life-giving Creator. It signifies final, irreversible spiritual demise and suffering, as opposed to annihilation.

Revelation 21 8 Bonus section

The sins listed in Revelation 21:8 are not merely isolated acts but are presented as defining characteristics, highlighting an entrenched nature of rebellion against God. The New Testament teaches that while believers can fall into sin, those who belong to Christ do not practice sin as a defining lifestyle (1 Jn 3:9). This verse emphasizes the antithesis of the sanctified life found in Christ, presenting behaviors that reveal a heart opposed to God's reign and righteousness. The specific mention of "cowardly" at the forefront underscores the critical nature of steadfastness and boldness in confessing Christ, especially in times of trial. Many Jewish and Christian converts faced pressure to deny their faith, highlighting the insidious nature of fear. The inclusion of "sorcerers" and "idolaters" directly challenges the prevalent pagan cults and occult practices of the Roman world, representing allegiance to spirits or forces other than God, often through a quest for power or forbidden knowledge. Ultimately, this verse serves as a sober reminder of the holiness of God's New Creation and the absolute necessity of genuine faith expressed through a transformed life.

Revelation 21 8 Commentary

Revelation 21:8 serves as a dire warning and a necessary contrast to the preceding vision of heavenly glory. It does not speak of individuals who commit a single one of these sins, but rather describes a character defined by these unrepentant choices, ultimately leading to exclusion from God's holy presence. The list begins with spiritual failures (cowardice, unbelief, lying) and moves to outward, morally corrupt practices (abominable, murder, sexual immorality, sorcery, idolatry), highlighting that the ultimate root often lies in a rejection of God and His truth. The emphasis is on those whose lives are characterized by these destructive patterns, demonstrating a lack of genuine faith and repentance. Their destiny, the "lake of fire" or "second death," signifies not annihilation but eternal separation from God's light, peace, and life. This stands in stark contrast to the eternal blessedness and fellowship promised to the overcomers in the New Jerusalem. It underlines the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin that resists His redeeming grace, revealing that salvation by grace leads to a transformed life, and that unrepentant wickedness has severe and eternal consequences.Examples:

• Cowardly: One who publicly denies Christ to avoid persecution, valuing earthly life over eternal faithfulness.
• Unbelieving: Someone who hears the Gospel and witnesses God's power but hardens their heart and continually rejects Him.
• Liars: Those whose very way of life is built on deceit, never speaking truth even to their own harm, choosing darkness over light.