Revelation 20:6
What does Revelation 20:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 20:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 20:6 means
Those who share in the first resurrection are called blessed and holy. The second death—later defined as the lake of fire—has no power over them. Instead, they serve as priests of God and of Christ and reign with Him a thousand years. This sums up their dignity and safety. “Blessed” speaks to their joy; “holy” to their consecration. Their priestly role means nearness to God and service in His presence; their royal role means participation in Christ’s rule. Most importantly, they are secure from the final judgment that condemns. Their union with Christ grants them both access and authority, marking them as God’s treasured people whose future is anchored beyond the reach of death.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Blessed 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Happy and holy is he who has a part in this first coming: over these the second death has no authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will be ruling with him a thousand years.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Happy and holy <FI>is<Fi> he who is having part in the first rising again; over these the second death hath not authority, but they shall be priests of God and of the Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection. In these the second death hath no power. But they shall be priests of God and of Christ: and shall reign with him a thousand years.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Blessed and holy he who has part in the first resurrection: over these the second death has no power; but they shall be priests ofGod and of the Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Context
Completing the explanation of the first resurrection, this verse pronounces its blessing and defines its protection from the second death, which the chapter will soon describe. It closes the initial millennial portrait on a high note before the narrative turns in verse 7 to the brief release of Satan. Holding this assurance in mind prepares readers to face the surprising reappearance of conflict without fear, knowing the destiny of Christ’s people is already settled.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 61:6
But ye shall be named the priests of Jehovah; men shall call you the ministers of our God: ye shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
- Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
- Daniel 12:12
Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
- 1 Peter 2:5
ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
- Revelation 5:10
and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon the earth.
- Revelation 1:6
and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
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