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Revelation 20:2

Revelation 20:1 net — The Thousand Year Reign Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge…

NET Bible

"The Thousand Year Reign Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain."

— Revelation 20:1, NET Bible

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Revelation 20:1 in Other Translations

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Revelation 20 — Context

1

The Thousand Year Reign Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain.

2

He seized the dragon– the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan– and tied him up for a thousand years.

3

The angel then threw him into the abyss and locked and sealed it so that he could not deceive the nations until the one thousand years were finished.(After these things he must be released for a brief period of time.)

4

Then I saw thrones and seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. These had not worshiped the beast or his image and had refused to receive his mark on their forehead or hand. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:1 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Revelation 20:1 say?
Revelation 20:1 in the NET Bible reads: “The Thousand Year Reign Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain.”
Where is Revelation 20:1 in the Bible?
Revelation 20:1 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation, chapter 20, verse 1.
Who wrote Revelation?
Revelation is traditionally attributed to John (traditionally John the Apostle, exiled on Patmos). It was written c. AD 95.
What is the book of Revelation about?
Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ — risen, reigning, returning. Through vivid, symbolic visions it shows the church's suffering, Christ's victory, the judgment of evil, and the new heavens and new earth where God dwells with his people forever. The Bible's grand finale.
What are the major themes of Revelation?
Revelation explores themes including Christ Victorious, Judgment, Worship, Endurance, New Creation. These themes shape the meaning and context of Revelation 20:1.
What translation should I read Revelation 20:1 in?
Revelation 20:1 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Revelation 20:1?
Revelation 20:1 reads (NET): “The Thousand Year Reign Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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