Revelation 20:6
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The verse highlights that true holiness is the prerequisite for participating in the first resurrection. This implies that merely surviving persecution or enduring hardship isn't enough; a profound, inner transformation of being "holy" is what grants security from the second death and enables participation in Christ's reign.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes right after describing the binding of Satan and the resurrection of martyrs, who are now reigning with Christ. It highlights the blessed status of those participating in this "first resurrection," assuring them they are beyond the reach of the "second death" and will serve as priests and kings. This sets the stage for the eventual release of Satan and the final judgment of all the dead.
The text speaks of a 'second death' that has no power over those in the 'first resurrection.' What is this 'second death,' and why is it powerless against the faithful?
This verse offers incredible reassurance! It contrasts two ultimate realities: the 'first resurrection' and the 'second death.' The 'second death' is universally understood in Scripture as eternal separation from God, the ultimate consequence of sin.
But for those who 'share in the first resurrection'—a term often linked to Christ's own resurrection and the spiritual new life believers receive—this second death loses its sting. It has 'no power' or 'authority' over them. This isn't just about escaping punishment; it's about a fundamental transformation that makes them immune to eternal ruin. It signifies their complete victory through Christ, whose resurrection is the foundation of their own hope.
Beyond escaping judgment, the verse promises believers will be 'priests of God and of Christ' and 'reign with him.' What does this dual role entail?
This is a profound declaration of identity and purpose for believers! The mention of being 'priests' recalls the Old Testament role of mediating between God and people, offering sacrifices and interceding. For believers, this means a continuous ministry of worship, praise, and intercession, offering their lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
Coupled with this is the promise to 'reign with him.' This isn't about earthly domination in a political sense, but about participating in Christ's ultimate authority and kingdom. It signifies a share in His victory over sin and death, and a role in His eternal reign. It's a picture of co-rulership, where those who have faithfully followed Christ will share in His glorious dominion.
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Understand the original words
makarios · Greek Adjective
A state of spiritual prosperity, favor, and supreme joy resulting from a right relationship with God, often pronounced upon those whom God has chosen and redeemed.
hagios · Greek Adjective
Set apart for God, consecrated, and morally pure; possessing a character or status that corresponds to God’s nature.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The event where believers are raised from the dead in glorified, immortal bodies to live eternally with Christ, beginning at His second coming.
thanatos deuteros · Greek Noun phrase
The final, eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, which is the ultimate consequence of sin and unbelief for those who reject Christ.
hiereus · Greek Noun
A mediator between God and humanity who offers sacrifice, performs worship, and mediates the presence of God to His people. In the New Testament, all believers are granted this status through Christ.
Jesus declares that whoever believes in Him, even if they die physically, will live eternally, echoing the promise of exemption from the 'second death' for those in the 'first resurrection'.
Romans 6:3-4This passage explains that our baptism signifies a spiritual 'resurrection' with Christ, linking the concept of being raised to new life with overcoming the power of sin and death.
Philippians 3:10-11Paul's desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection highlights a deep longing for a resurrected life that surpasses the grip of death and participates in Christ's reign.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57This passage celebrates the ultimate victory over death through Christ's resurrection, emphasizing that 'death is swallowed up in victory' and providing confidence in our future resurrection and reign.
1 Peter 2:9Peter calls believers a 'royal priesthood,' directly connecting to the theme of believers serving as priests for God, as mentioned in Revelation 20:6, underscoring their exalted status.
barnesRevelation 20:6: "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."
Blessed - That is, his condition is to be regarded as a happy or a favored one. This is designed apparently to support and encourage those who, in the time of John, suffered persecution, or who might suffer persecution afterward. And holy - That is, no one will be thus honored who ha…
clarkeRevelation 20:6: "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."
Blessed - Μακαριος· Happy. And holy; he was holy, and therefore he suffered for the testimony of Jesus in the time when nothing but holiness was called to such a trial. The first resurrection - Supposed to be that of the martyrs, mentioned above. The second death - Punishment in the…
The verse highlights that true holiness is the prerequisite for participating in the first resurrection. This implies that merely surviving persecution or enduring hardship isn't enough; a profound, inner transformation of being "holy" is what grants security from the second death and enables participation in Christ's reign.
This verse comes right after describing the binding of Satan and the resurrection of martyrs, who are now reigning with Christ. It highlights the blessed status of those participating in this "first resurrection," assuring them they are beyond the reach of the "second death" and will serve as priests and kings. This sets the stage for the eventual release of Satan and the final judgment of all the dead.
This verse comes right after describing the binding of Satan and the resurrection of martyrs, who are now reigning with Christ. It highlights the blessed status of those participating in this "first resurrection," assuring them they are beyond the reach of the "second death" and will serve as priests and kings. This sets the stage for the eventual release of Satan and the final judgment of all the dead.
"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." — The verse highlights that true holiness is the prerequisite for participating in the first resurrection. This implies that merely surviving persecution or enduring hardship isn't enough; a profound,…
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Last reviewed October 2026
