What Does the Bible Say About the Second Death?
What Does the Bible Say About the Second Death? The second death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, reserved for those whose names are not in the Book of Life.
Key verse: Revelation 20:14 (KJV)
The second death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, reserved for those whose names are not in the Book of Life.
The second death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, reserved for those whose names are not in the Book of Life.
"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." — Revelation 20:14 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Revelation 20:14 identifies the second death: 'And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.' Revelation 21:8 lists those who face it: 'The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.' The first death is physical — the separation of soul from body. The second death is spiritual and eternal — final separation from God. Revelation 2:11 promises overcomers: 'He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.' Revelation 20:6 says those in the first resurrection are 'blessed and holy... on such the second death hath no power.' The second death is the ultimate consequence of rejecting God's offer of salvation through Christ. It underscores the urgency of the gospel and the gravity of unbelief.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Hell?
What the Bible teaches about hell, eternal punishment, and the fate of the unrighteous.
Key Scripture References
"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."
"But the fearful, and unbelieving... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
"He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What does the Bible say about hell?
Hell is described as a place of eternal separation from God, fire, and punishment for the unrepentant — a solemn biblical reality that underscores the urgency of the gospel.
What Is the Lake of Fire?
The lake of fire is the final place of eternal punishment described in Revelation where Satan, death, and all whose names are not in the Book of Life are cast.
What Is the Rapture?
The rapture refers to the event when Christ returns to catch up believers — both living and dead — to meet Him in the air.
What Is the Second Coming of Christ?
The Second Coming is the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish His kingdom and judge the world.
What Is the Tribulation?
The tribulation is a future seven-year period of unprecedented suffering and divine judgment on the earth before Christ's return.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Revelation. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Revelation on day 358 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About the Second Death?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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