Millennium
χίλια ἔτη (chilia etē)
A thousand-year reign of Christ on earth described in Revelation.
Chilia etē literally means 'a thousand years' and refers to the prophesied reign of Christ described in Revelation 20, a central concept in Christian eschatology.
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them... and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." — Revelation 20:4 (KJV)
Key Verses
Revelation 20:4
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them... and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”Read in context
Revelation 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.”Read in context
2 Peter 3:8
“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”Read in context
Etymology and Origin
The term 'millennium' comes from the Latin mille (thousand) and annus (year). In Greek, Revelation uses chilia etē — literally 'a thousand years.' This period is mentioned six times in Revelation 20, making it a prominent feature of John's apocalyptic vision.
Theological Significance
Three major views have developed around the millennium: premillennialism (Christ returns before a literal thousand-year reign), amillennialism (the thousand years is symbolic of the church age), and postmillennialism (the gospel gradually transforms the world before Christ returns). Each view shapes how believers understand prophecy, the church, and the future.
Practical Application
Regardless of one's millennial view, the promise of Christ's ultimate reign inspires hope and perseverance. It assures believers that evil will not triumph permanently and that God's justice will be fully established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the millennium literal or symbolic?
This is debated among Christians. Premillennialists generally take it as a literal thousand years, while amillennialists and postmillennialists interpret it symbolically as a long period of Christ's spiritual reign.
Where is the millennium mentioned in the Bible?
The specific 'thousand years' language appears in Revelation 20:1-7. Related concepts of a future kingdom appear throughout the Old Testament prophets.
What does "Millennium" mean in the Bible?
A thousand-year reign of Christ on earth described in Revelation. The underlying Greek word is χίλια ἔτη (chilia etē) ("KHIL-ee-ah EH-tay"). Chilia etē literally means 'a thousand years' and refers to the prophesied reign of Christ described in Revelation 20, a central concept in Christian eschatology.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Millennium"?
Revelation 20:4 — "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them... and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (KJV). It also appears in Revelation 20:6, 2 Peter 3:8.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Millennium (χίλια ἔτη (chilia etē))
A thousand-year reign of Christ on earth described in Revelation.
Satan Bound a Thousand Years (Revelation 20)
Revelation 20 — an angel binds Satan in the bottomless pit a thousand years, the
Revelation (גָּלָה (Galah) / ἀποκάλυψις (Apokalypsis))
God's unveiling of hidden truth to humanity
Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)
Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.
Biblical Meaning of Dogs in a Dream (KJV)
Loyalty when tame, but also false teachers and unclean influence.
Revelation 1:8 Commentary
In-depth study • God's Eternality
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