The Initial Setting: After the portrayal of Christ’s decisive victory over the beastly powers (Revelation 19:11–21), John sees a new scene: a heavenly messenger acting with divine authority. The atmosphere is judicial and cosmic—God is restraining evil and ordering history toward its appointed end.
The Central Images: John sees:
| Symbol | Meaning / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| The “dragon…serpent…Devil…Satan” (Rev 20:2) | The personal and spiritual enemy of God and God’s people, already introduced in Revelation 12 as the deceiver and accuser. The multiple titles clarify identity and emphasize his deceptive role in history (cf. Gen 3; Rev 12:9–10). |
| The abyss, key, chain, shut and seal (Rev 20:1–3) | Imagery of divine restraint and imprisonment. In Scripture, “the abyss” is associated with the realm where evil spirits are confined or feared (Luke 8:31; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6). The “key” signals God’s authority to open and shut; the “chain” and “seal” picture enforced limitation, not mere persuasion. |
| “A thousand years” (Rev 20:2–7) | A defined period during which Satan’s deceiving activity is curtailed and the faithful reign with Christ. Interpretations differ among historic Christians: some take this as a future earthly reign, others as a symbolic number for a complete God-appointed era. The text’s emphasis is less on chronology than on God’s sovereign control and the certainty of final judgment. |
| Thrones and judgment (Rev 20:4) | Participation of the faithful in Christ’s vindication and righteous judgment. This echoes Daniel’s vision where “thrones were placed” and the saints are vindicated (Dan 7:9–14, 22, 27), and Jesus’ promise that his followers will share in his rule (cf. Rev 2:26–27; 3:21). |
| Souls of the martyrs living and reigning (Rev 20:4) | The honored status and vindication of those who suffered for Christ, especially those who resisted the beast’s worship. The vision assures persecuted believers that death does not negate their faithfulness; God grants them life and participation in Christ’s reign (cf. Rev 6:9–11; 12:11). |
Interpret symbols primarily through Scripture itself, avoiding modern or speculative symbolism.
This vision functions as a revelation of God’s restraint of evil, the vindication of the faithful, and the inevitability of final judgment.
On fulfillment (balanced note): Christians have historically differed on whether the “thousand years” describes a future earthly millennium, the present reign of Christ expressed spiritually, or a symbolic period culminating in Christ’s final victory. Yet across traditions, the chapter consistently teaches God’s sovereignty over Satan, Christ’s triumph, and the surety of final judgment.
In the ancient world—especially under empires that claimed absolute rule—public imprisonment, sealing, and keys were potent symbols of unquestionable authority. Revelation uses this courtroom-and-prison imagery to declare that God, not Rome (and not any spiritual enemy), holds ultimate power to confine and judge. The “seal” evokes official closure that cannot be lawfully broken, emphasizing the certainty and legitimacy of God’s restraint (Rev 20:3; compare the broader biblical theme of God alone possessing ultimate “keys,” cf. Rev 1:18).
“And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,” — Revelation 20:2
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What did the angel coming down from heaven hold?
2. After the thousand years, what happens to Satan before his final judgment?