Revelation 20:2

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Il saisit le dragon, le serpent ancien, qui est le diable et Satan, et il le lia pour mille ans.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a scene where someone (assumed to be Jesus) captures the devil, who is also called Satan and the old serpent, and binds him for one thousand years. This action shows God's power over evil.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a mean bully at school who always causes trouble. One day, a superhero comes and ties up that bully so he can't cause any more problems for a really long time. That's kind of what this verse is talking about, but with the devil instead of a bully.

Historical Background

The book of Revelation was written by John around AD 95 to early Christian communities facing persecution in Asia Minor. The cultural setting includes Roman oppression and Jewish apocalyptic expectations, where symbolic language was used to convey messages of hope and warning.

Living It Out Today

This verse can remind us that even when we face challenges or evil actions, God ultimately has control over all things. In a modern scenario, if someone is dealing with persistent bullying at work, they might draw strength from the assurance that justice will prevail in God's time.

Topics

• evil
• judgment
• salvation
• hope
• redemption
• apocalypse

Related Verses

• Genesis 3:1
• Job 1:6-12
• Matthew 4:1-11
• John 8:44
• 1 Peter 5:8

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is 'he' who laid hold on the dragon according to Revelation 20:2?

'He' most likely refers to Jesus Christ, who has authority over all things and can bind Satan for a specific time period.

What does it mean that Satan was bound for one thousand years?

This is often interpreted as a symbolic way of saying that Satan will not be able to deceive people during this period, providing a season of peace and righteousness under Christ's reign.

How can Revelation 20:2 help in understanding the battle between good and evil?

This verse emphasizes God’s ultimate control over all circumstances and assures believers that even though evil exists, it will not prevail indefinitely.

What are some key cross-references to understand Satan's role better?

Verses like Genesis 3:1, Job 1:6-12, Matthew 4:1-11, John 8:44, and 1 Peter 5:8 provide insights into how Satan operates and his relationship with God.