Skip to main content
    In Context

    What Is the Lake of Fire — In Biblical Context

    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.

    Quick Answer

    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.

    "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." Revelation 20:10 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    The lake of fire appears in Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 20:14-15, and 21:8. It is described as burning with brimstone. The beast and false prophet are the first to be cast there (Revelation 19:20). After the millennium, Satan himself is thrown in to be 'tormented day and night for ever and ever' (Revelation 20:10). Death and Hades are also cast into the lake of fire, signifying their final defeat (Revelation 20:14). Anyone not found in the Book of Life joins them (Revelation 20:15). This is called the 'second death' (Revelation 21:8) — the permanent, irreversible separation from God.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Revelation 20:10, sits inside Revelation 20. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
    Revelation 20:10 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Revelation 20:14
    "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."

    Explore this question from another angle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library: