Revelation 20:14-15
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This verse dramatically reveals that even fundamental aspects of our present existence, like Death and Hades (the realm of the dead), are ultimately destroyed and thrown into the lake of fire. This isn't just a punishment for individuals; it signifies the complete abolition of mortality and the underworld as powers, showing that they are no match for God's final victory.
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes at the climax of the final judgment, after Satan has been defeated and all humanity, both believers and non-believers, have stood before God's throne. Following the destruction of the wicked, even the ultimate enemies of God's people – Death and Hades (the realm of the dead) – are themselves thrown into the lake of fire, signifying their complete and final abolition as forces that afflict humanity. This dramatic scene leads directly to the description of the lake of fire as the "second death," a permanent state of separation from God.
Imagine the biggest enemies you've ever faced, then imagine them not just defeated, but thrown into a fire, utterly destroyed. That's the picture here.
In Revelation 20:14, the seemingly unstoppable forces of 'Death' and 'Hades' (the realm of the dead) are personified and cast into the lake of fire. This isn't just about physical death ending; it's the complete annihilation of death and the grave as powers that hold sway over humanity.
We hear about 'the second death,' but what makes it different from the first? It's not just about dying; it's about how and where you end up.
The verse clarifies that the lake of fire the second death. This isn't merely physical death, which is the separation of body and soul. The second death is far more profound and eternal.
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Understand the original words
limnē tou pyros · Greek Noun Phrase
The symbol of ultimate, eternal separation from God’s presence, representing the final punishment for sin and rebellion against the Creator. It is described as the place of the 'second death.'
deuteros thanatos · Greek Noun Phrase
The final and irreversible state of spiritual separation from God, which occurs after physical death for those who remain in their sin and outside of God's saving grace.
This passage echoes Revelation's theme by stating 'The last enemy to be destroyed is death,' directly linking to the ultimate abolition of death and Hades depicted here.
Revelation 21:4This verse provides a hopeful contrast, declaring 'He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,' highlighting the finality of the 'second death' for the unrepentant and the end of all suffering for the redeemed.
Luke 16:22-23The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates a state of conscious suffering in 'Hades' after death, providing a glimpse into the reality that the 'second death' is not annihilation but a perpetual state of separation and torment.
Hebrews 2:14This verse speaks of Jesus destroying 'him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,' showing how Christ's victory leads to the ultimate demise of death and Hades as powers over humanity, as described in Revelation.
ellicottRevelation 20:14: "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."
(14, 15) And death and hell were cast . . . —Better, And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. The latter part of the verse contains, according to the best MS. authority, the additional words “the lake of fire.” We then read, not “This is the second death”—as though the reference were to what went before—but, This is the second death, the lake of fire. The last verse then follows, And if…
clarkeRevelation 20:14: "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."
And death and hell were cast into the lake - Death himself is now abolished, and the place for separate spirits no longer needful. All dead bodies and separated souls being rejoined, and no more separation of bodies and souls by death to take place, consequently the existence of these things is no farther necessary. This is the second death - The first death consisted in the separation of the soul…
This verse dramatically reveals that even fundamental aspects of our present existence, like Death and Hades (the realm of the dead), are ultimately destroyed and thrown into the lake of fire. This isn't just a punishment for individuals; it signifies the complete abolition of mortality and the underworld as powers, showing that they are no match for God's final victory.
This verse comes at the climax of the final judgment, after Satan has been defeated and all humanity, both believers and non-believers, have stood before God's throne. Following the destruction of the wicked, even the ultimate enemies of God's people – Death and Hades (the realm of the dead) – are themselves thrown into the lake of fire, signifying their complete and final abolition as forces that afflict humanity. This dramatic scene leads directly to the description of the lake of fire as the "second death," a permanent state of separation from God.
This verse comes at the climax of the final judgment, after Satan has been defeated and all humanity, both believers and non-believers, have stood before God's throne. Following the destruction of the wicked, even the ultimate enemies of God's people – Death and Hades (the realm of the dead) – are themselves thrown into the lake of fire, signifying their complete and final abolition as forces that afflict humanity. This dramatic scene leads directly to the description of the lake of fire as the "second death," a permanent state of separation from God.
"Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." — This verse dramatically reveals that even fundamental aspects of our present existence, like Death and Hades (the realm of the dead), are ultimately destroyed and thrown into the lake of fire. This i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
