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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Sep 288 min read

What Does the Bible Mean by the "Lake of Fire"?

Updated: Sep 29

The term "lake of fire" appears exclusively in the book of Revelation, where it is clearly used as a symbol representing the second death, which is an irreversible death from which there is no resurrection. As we examine the Scriptures, it becomes apparent that the lake of fire signifies eternal destruction, not a place of conscious torment as commonly believed in various religious traditions. This article will thoroughly explore the biblical references to the lake of fire, revealing its symbolic nature and its connection to divine judgment and final punishment.



The Lake of Fire Defined: Revelation's Symbol of the Second Death


The Bible itself defines the meaning of the lake of fire in Revelation 20:14: "This means the second death, the lake of fire." Similarly, Revelation 21:8 states, "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." From these verses, it is clear that the lake of fire symbolizes the second death, a death that is permanent and final.


The second death is distinguished from the first death, which all humans experience as a result of Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12). The first death is temporary, as the Bible promises a future resurrection of the dead (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15). However, the second death, represented by the lake of fire, signifies eternal destruction with no hope of resurrection. Revelation 20:15 confirms this by stating, "If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."



Symbolic Nature of the Lake of Fire


The symbolic nature of the lake of fire becomes evident when we consider the context in which it is mentioned. In Revelation 19:20, the wild beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10 says that the Devil himself will be cast into this lake, where he will be "tormented day and night forever and ever." However, the idea that spirit creatures like the Devil and his demons can be tormented by literal fire is inconsistent with what the Bible teaches about their nature. Spirit beings, being non-physical, cannot be harmed by physical elements like fire.


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Furthermore, Revelation 20:14 states that "death and Hades" are thrown into the lake of fire. Death and Hades are abstract concepts, not physical entities, and thus cannot be burned by literal fire. The Bible often uses fire as a symbol of destruction, as seen in many passages that describe God’s judgment (Deuteronomy 9:3; Psalm 97:3; Isaiah 66:15-16). Therefore, the lake of fire represents the final and complete destruction of anything thrown into it.



The Connection Between the Lake of Fire and Eternal Destruction


The idea of eternal destruction, rather than eternal torment, is consistently supported throughout the Scriptures. Ecclesiastes 9:5 tells us, "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing." If the dead are unconscious, then they cannot experience any form of torment. Similarly, Psalm 146:4 says, "When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish." The Bible makes it clear that in death, there is no awareness, pain, or suffering.


When Revelation 20:10 mentions that the Devil, the wild beast, and the false prophet are "tormented day and night forever and ever," it does not imply conscious torment for all eternity. The Greek word for torment used here, basanizo, can also refer to restraint or confinement, as seen in Matthew 18:34, where the same root word is translated as "jailers" (RS). Therefore, the torment described in Revelation 20:10 refers to the eternal confinement or restraint in the second death, where there is no escape or resurrection. The Devil and his followers are effectively "jailed" in death forever.



The Second Death: A Death With No Resurrection


The second death, as represented by the lake of fire, is a final, irreversible judgment. Revelation 20:14 states that both "death and Hades" are cast into the lake of fire. This indicates that even death itself will be destroyed. First Corinthians 15:26 confirms this when it says, "The last enemy to be destroyed is death." The casting of death and Hades into the lake of fire signifies the end of death and the grave for those who have inherited eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).


This final judgment also applies to those who reject God’s sovereignty. Revelation 20:15 says, "If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." This verse emphasizes that only those who are not found in the book of life, meaning unrepentant sinners and opposers of God, will face the second death. Unlike the first death, from which there is the hope of resurrection, the second death is eternal. Those who experience the second death are destroyed completely and will never be resurrected (Matthew 10:28).



Fire as a Symbol of Destruction, Not Torment


Throughout the Bible, fire is frequently used as a symbol of destruction, not of conscious torment. In the Old Testament, fire often accompanies God’s judgment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25). Jude 7 confirms that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as an example of "eternal fire," which resulted in their complete annihilation.


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In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, the word basanos (torment) is used in the context of punishment by death, not ongoing torment. For example, in Ezekiel 32:24, basanos refers to the fate of those who die and are buried in the grave, indicating that their punishment is death, not torment. Similarly, Revelation 18:9-10 uses the word basanismos (torment) to describe the fiery destruction of Babylon the Great. The angel later explains in Revelation 18:21, "Thus with violence the great city Babylon will be thrown down and will never be found again." The torment of Babylon is equated with its complete and permanent destruction.



Babylon the Great and Everlasting Destruction


The fate of Babylon the Great in the book of Revelation provides further insight into the meaning of the lake of fire. Revelation 18:9-10 describes the destruction of Babylon as fiery torment, and the "kings of the earth" weep as they witness her downfall. However, this torment is not ongoing conscious suffering, but rather represents the complete destruction of Babylon. Revelation 18:21 confirms that Babylon will be thrown down and "will never be found again."


This imagery parallels the fate of those thrown into the lake of fire. Just as Babylon’s destruction is permanent and irreversible, so too is the second death for those who are cast into the lake of fire. Their destruction is final, and they will never again rise from the dead.



The Lake of Fire and the Wild Beast


In Revelation 19:20, we read that the wild beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire. These entities symbolize the political and religious systems of the world that oppose God’s Kingdom. Their destruction in the lake of fire signifies the end of their influence and existence. Just as Babylon the Great is destroyed forever, so too are the wild beast and the false prophet consigned to eternal destruction in the lake of fire.


It is significant that these symbolic entities are not portrayed as experiencing conscious torment, but rather as undergoing destruction. The lake of fire is the final destination for all opposers of God, both human and spiritual. It represents the complete and eternal removal of all evil and rebellion against God’s sovereignty.



The Devil’s Final End in the Lake of Fire


Revelation 20:10 describes the Devil’s ultimate fate: "The Devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." While this verse uses the word "tormented," it is essential to interpret it in the context of biblical language and symbolism. The word basanizo, as discussed earlier, can mean "to restrain" or "to confine."


The lake of fire represents the Devil’s final and eternal destruction. Revelation 21:8 refers to the lake of fire as the "second death," meaning that those consigned to it are destroyed forever. The Devil, who has been a source of deception and rebellion against God, will be completely and permanently removed from existence. This aligns with Hebrews 2:14, which says that Jesus’ death will "destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil."



The Lake of Fire and Hades


Revelation 20:13-14 speaks of the sea, death, and Hades giving up their dead, after which death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire. The term "Hades" refers to the common grave of mankind, and the fact that death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire symbolizes the end of death and the grave. There will be no more death for those who are granted eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 21:4).


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The casting of Hades into the lake of fire signifies that death will no longer have any power over those who belong to God. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 25:8, which says, "He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord Jehovah will wipe away tears from all faces."



The Lake of Fire as the Final Judgment


The lake of fire serves as the final judgment for all unrepentant sinners, rebellious angels, and Satan himself. Revelation 20:15 says that those whose names are not found in the book of life are thrown into the lake of fire. This indicates that those who have rejected God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ will face eternal destruction. There is no resurrection or second chance for those who experience the second death.


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In conclusion, the lake of fire is not a place of eternal conscious torment, but rather a symbol of eternal destruction. The Bible consistently teaches that the wicked will be destroyed, not tormented forever. The lake of fire represents the second death, from which there is no resurrection. This is the ultimate fate of the Devil, the wild beast, the false prophet, and all who oppose God’s sovereignty.


The lake of fire symbolizes the complete and final removal of evil, ensuring that God’s Kingdom will reign in righteousness and peace for all eternity (Revelation 21:1-4).


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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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