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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 20:2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/20-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/66_Rev_20_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 20:2 - Satan Bound" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nasb_/revelation/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; <a href="/nasb/revelation/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; <a href="/nasb77/revelation/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, <a href="/lsb/revelation/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; <a href="/amp/revelation/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And he overpowered and laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent [of primeval times], who is the devil and Satan, and bound him [securely] for a thousand years (a millennium); <a href="/csb/revelation/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for 1,000 years. <a href="/asv/revelation/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, <a href="/cev/revelation/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He chained the dragon for 1,000 years. It is that old snake, who is also known as the devil and Satan. <a href="/erv/revelation/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, <a href="/gwt/revelation/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He overpowered the serpent, that ancient snake, named Devil and Satan. The angel chained up the serpent for 1,000 years. <a href="/gnt/revelation/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent--that is, the Devil, or Satan--and chained him up for a thousand years. <a href="/isv/revelation/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> He captured the dragon, that ancient serpent, also known as the devil and Satan, and tied him up for a thousand years. <a href="/net/revelation/20.htm">NET Bible</a> He seized the dragon--the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan--and tied him up for a thousand years. <a href="/nheb/revelation/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He seized the serpent, the ancient snake, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, <a href="/wbt/revelation/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. <a href="/wey/revelation/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He laid hold of the Dragon--the ancient serpent--who is the Devil and the Adversary, and bound him for a thousand years, and hurled him into the bottomless pit.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/revelation/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, he who deceives the whole world, and bound him for a thousand years. <a href="/web/revelation/20.htm">World English Bible</a> He seized the dragon, the old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound him for a thousand years, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he laid hold on the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is [the] Devil and Satan, and bound him one thousand years, <a href="/blb/revelation/20.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And he seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. <a href="/ylt/revelation/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, who is Devil and Adversary, and did bind him a thousand years, <a href="/slt/revelation/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he laid hold on the dragon the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he apprehended the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and he bound him for a thousand years. <a href="/nabre/revelation/20.htm">New American Bible</a> He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, which is the Devil or Satan, and tied it up for a thousand years <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he seized the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Tempter and Satan, who deceived the whole world, and bound him a thousand years, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/20.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he seized The Dragon and The Ancient Serpent, which is The Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/20.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And he laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, <a href="/godbey/revelation/20.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And he laid hold on the dragon, who is the old serpent, who is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, <a href="/haweis/revelation/20.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> and he seized on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, <a href="/mace/revelation/20.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and satan, and bound him for a thousand years, <a href="/wey/revelation/20.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He laid hold of the Dragon--the ancient serpent--who is the Devil and the Adversary, and bound him for a thousand years, and hurled him into the bottomless pit. <a href="/worrell/revelation/20.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And he seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, <a href="/worsley/revelation/20.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And he seized the dragon, that old serpent, who is the devil and satan, and bound him a thousand years, <a href="/parallel/revelation/20-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=4194" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/20.htm">Satan Bound</a> 1Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the Abyss, holding in his hand a great chain. 2<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2902.htm" title="2902: ekratēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain.">He seized</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1404.htm" title="1404: drakonta (N-AMS) -- A dragon or huge serpent; met: Satan. Probably from an alternate form of derkomai; a fabulous kind of serpent.">dragon,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/744.htm" title="744: archaios (Adj-NMS) -- Original, primitive, ancient. From arche; original or primeval.">ancient</a> <a href="/greek/3789.htm" title="3789: ophis (N-NMS) -- Probably from optanomai; a snake, figuratively, an artful malicious person, especially Satan.">serpent</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">who</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/1228.htm" title="1228: Diabolos (Adj-NMS) -- From diaballo; a traducer; specially, Satan.">the devil</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: HO (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4567.htm" title="4567: Satanas (N-NMS) -- An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil.">Satan,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1210.htm" title="1210: edēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.">bound</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/5507.htm" title="5507: chilia (Adj-ANP) -- A thousand. Plural of uncertain affinity; a thousand.">for a thousand</a> <a href="/greek/2094.htm" title="2094: etē (N-ANP) -- A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.">years.</a> 3And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-15</a> Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” / The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, / but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” ... <a href="/isaiah/27-1.htm">Isaiah 27:1</a> In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. <a href="/ezekiel/28-12.htm">Ezekiel 28:12-17</a> “Son of man, take up a lament for the king of Tyre and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. / You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. / You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for I had ordained you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones. ... <a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">2 Peter 2:4</a> For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; <a href="/jude/1-6.htm">Jude 1:6</a> And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day. <a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31</a> Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out. <a href="/john/16-11.htm">John 16:11</a> and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned. <a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a> The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil. <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Matthew 12:29</a> Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. <a href="/luke/10-18.htm">Luke 10:18</a> So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. <a href="/romans/16-20.htm">Romans 16:20</a> The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a> I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">2 Corinthians 11:14</a> And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Ephesians 2:2</a> in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,he laid.<a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Genesis 3:15</a> And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.<a href="/isaiah/27-1.htm">Isaiah 27:1</a> In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.<a href="/isaiah/49-24.htm">Isaiah 49:24,25</a> Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? … the dragon.<a href="/revelation/9-11.htm">Revelation 9:11</a> And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.<a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9,13,15,17</a> And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him… <a href="/revelation/13-2.htm">Revelation 13:2,4</a> And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Ancient</a> <a href="/acts/21-11.htm">Bind</a> <a href="/revelation/20-1.htm">Bottomless</a> <a href="/revelation/9-14.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/jude/1-6.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/revelation/13-14.htm">Deceives</a> <a href="/revelation/12-12.htm">Devil</a> <a href="/revelation/16-13.htm">Dragon</a> <a href="/revelation/19-19.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/revelation/19-2.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/revelation/19-10.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/revelation/18-21.htm">Hurled</a> <a href="/revelation/16-14.htm">Inhabited</a> <a href="/revelation/18-19.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/revelation/20-1.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Satan</a> <a href="/revelation/19-20.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/revelation/12-15.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/revelation/12-15.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/revelation/14-20.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/revelation/19-2.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/20-7.htm">Adversary</a> <a href="/genesis/49-26.htm">Ancient</a> <a href="/exodus/28-28.htm">Bind</a> <a href="/revelation/20-3.htm">Bottomless</a> <a href="/genesis/22-9.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/genesis/39-20.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Deceives</a> <a href="/revelation/20-10.htm">Devil</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Dragon</a> <a href="/revelation/20-8.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/revelation/20-10.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/19-16.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/exodus/15-1.htm">Hurled</a> <a href="/genesis/36-20.htm">Inhabited</a> <a href="/genesis/9-23.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/revelation/20-3.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/revelation/20-7.htm">Satan</a> <a href="/genesis/14-11.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/revelation/20-3.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/revelation/20-9.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 20</div>1. <a href="/revelation/20-1.htm">Satan bound for a thousand years.</a> 6. <a href="/revelation/20-6.htm">The first resurrection;</a> 7. <a href="/revelation/20-7.htm">Satan let loose again.</a> 8. <a href="/revelation/20-8.htm">Gog and Magog.</a> 10. <a href="/revelation/20-10.htm">The demons cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.</a> 11. <a href="/revelation/20-11.htm">The last and general resurrection.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>He seized the dragon The imagery of the dragon is a powerful symbol throughout the Book of Revelation, representing chaos and opposition to God. The dragon is a recurring figure, first introduced in <a href="/revelation/12-3.htm">Revelation 12:3</a>, where it is described as having seven heads and ten horns, symbolizing its power and influence. The act of seizing the dragon signifies a decisive victory over evil forces, reflecting the ultimate authority of God over all creation. This moment is a fulfillment of the promise of divine justice and the subjugation of evil.that ancient serpent This phrase connects the dragon to the serpent in the Garden of Eden (<a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3:1</a>), establishing a continuity of evil from the beginning of human history. The serpent's deception led to the fall of humanity, and its identification here underscores the ongoing battle between good and evil. The use of "ancient" highlights the long-standing nature of this adversary, emphasizing the enduring struggle against sin and temptation.who is the devil and Satan The terms "devil" and "Satan" are used interchangeably in the New Testament to describe the adversary of God and humanity. "Devil" comes from the Greek "diabolos," meaning "slanderer" or "accuser," while "Satan" is derived from the Hebrew "satan," meaning "adversary." This dual identification reinforces the comprehensive nature of this being's opposition to God's purposes. Throughout scripture, Satan is depicted as the accuser of believers (<a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6-12</a>, <a href="/zechariah/3.htm">Zechariah 3:1-2</a>) and the tempter (<a href="/matthew/4.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a>).and bound him for a thousand years The binding of Satan for a thousand years is a key element of the millennial reign of Christ, a period of peace and righteousness on earth. This concept is rooted in Jewish apocalyptic literature, which often features a messianic age of peace. The "thousand years" is interpreted by some as a literal period and by others as symbolic of a complete and perfect era. This binding signifies the temporary cessation of Satan's influence, allowing for the fulfillment of God's kingdom promises. The millennium is a time when Christ's authority is fully realized, and it anticipates the final defeat of evil and the establishment of a new heaven and earth (<a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21:1-4</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_dragon.htm">The Dragon</a> Symbolic of chaos and evil, the dragon represents Satan's power and influence over the world. In the context of Revelation, the dragon is a formidable adversary of God and His people. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_ancient_serpent.htm">The Ancient Serpent</a> This title connects Satan to the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), emphasizing his role as the deceiver and tempter from the beginning of human history. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_devil.htm">The Devil</a> A title that means "accuser" or "slanderer," highlighting Satan's role in accusing believers before God and spreading lies. 4. <a href="/topical/s/satan.htm">Satan</a> The adversary or opponent, Satan is the chief antagonist in the spiritual realm, opposing God's purposes and people. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_thousand_years.htm">The Thousand Years</a> Often referred to as the Millennium, this period is a time of peace and righteousness when Satan is bound, and Christ reigns. Interpretations vary, but it is generally seen as a significant era in eschatological events.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Warfare</a> Believers must recognize the reality of Satan's influence and the spiritual battle that exists. Understanding his tactics helps us to stand firm in faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_victory.htm">The Assurance of Victory</a> <a href="/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2</a> assures us of Satan's ultimate defeat. This gives believers hope and confidence in God's sovereign plan and power. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a> As the ancient serpent and deceiver, Satan's primary weapon is deception. Christians must cultivate discernment through Scripture and the Holy Spirit to recognize and resist his lies. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_christ's_reign.htm">The Role of Christ's Reign</a> The binding of Satan for a thousand years signifies a period of Christ's reign. This encourages believers to live in anticipation of His kingdom and to align their lives with His righteous rule. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_perseverance.htm">The Call to Perseverance</a> Knowing that Satan's time is limited should motivate believers to persevere in faith and witness, trusting in God's ultimate victory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 20</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_millennial_kingdom.htm">What is the Millennial Kingdom dispensation?</a> <a href="/q/why_release_satan_after_1000_years.htm">Why is Satan released after the 1000 years?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus_come_to_serve_or_be_served.htm">Is Satan bound for 1,000 years in Revelation?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_satan's_identity.htm">What is Satan's identity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) And he laid hold on the dragon . . .--Or, And he laid hold of the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. The four words are thus used to describe the archenemy; they are the same as those used for the same purpose in <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm" title="And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.">Revelation 12:9</a>. Over the world he has exercised in every quarter his power as prince of this world, and he has been found fierce as the dragon, subtle as the serpent, the slanderer of God and His people, and the adversary of all righteousness. He is bound as Christ declared (<a href="/matthew/12-29.htm" title="Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.">Matthew 12:29</a>; comp. <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm" title=" And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.">Colossians 2:15</a>). A thousand years was the length at which Rabbis fixed the duration of Messiah's kingdom. The period is not to be understood literally (see next verse).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 2, 3. - And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan. These titles are an exact repetition of <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9</a> (which see). And bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit. The abyss, as we have seen (on ver. 1), is the present abode of Satan; the act of binding, therefore, is now over. This fact opposes the interpretation which makes "the thousand years" yet in the future. When, then, did this binding take place? Only one answer can be given. It was when Christ bruised the serpent's head by his act of redemption. Thus, "Christ was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil" (<a href="/1_john/3-8.htm">1 John 3:8</a>); "Now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (<a href="/john/12-31.htm">John 12:31</a>); "The prince of this world hath been judged" (<a href="/john/16-11.htm">John 16:11</a>). Satan is the strong man bound (<a href="/matthew/12-26.htm">Matthew 12:26, 29</a>). Next, what is meant by "for a thousand years"? The best interpretation seems to be that this phrase expresses a quality, and does not express a period of time. That such a method of employing numbers is usual in the Apocalypse we have frequently seen (see on Revelation 1:4, "seven;" <a href="/revelation/13-1.htm">Revelation 13:1</a>, "ten," etc.). Here, therefore, as in <a href="/revelation/7-4.htm">Revelation 7:4</a>, "one thousand" signifies "completeness." Satan is bound "for a thousand years;" that is, Satan is completely bound. In Ezekiel (from which the following part of the vision is certainly derived) a similar use is made of the terms "seven years" (<a href="/ezekiel/39-9.htm">Ezekiel 39:9</a>) and "seven months" (<a href="/ezekiel/39-12.htm">Ezekiel 39:12</a>). But, again, in what sense can Satan be said to have been "completely" bound by our Lord's work of redemption? The answer is - In relation to the godly. The purpose of this sentence is that which is one great purpose of the whole book, viz. to encourage the struggling Christian. Thus this sentence assures Christians that, for them, Satan has been completely bound, and they need not despair nor fear his might (cf. "loosed," infra). The chapter thus describes, not a millennium of the saints, but the overthrow of Satan. Before the picture of the war and the overthrow, the saints are invited to behold the complete security of those who have not worshipped the beast nor his image; just as the vision of Christ victorious introduced the seal visions. And shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled; and shut [it] and sealed [it] over him, etc. It is possible that there is here a reference to the death and burial of Christ (<a href="/matthew/27-66.htm">Matthew 27:66</a>). Satan "met in reality that fate which he was able, in a shadowy and temporary form, to inflict on Jesus - he was bound and shut up in the abyss, and the abyss was sealed over him" (Milligan. Cf. also the word "abyss," supra). Satan was thus bound "that he might deceive the nations no more," etc.; that is, Satan, in his character of the deceiver (cf. <a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9</a>) of the world, is thus limited in his power by the binding which has been described. The nations; in the sense of the world, not the ungodly world. And after that he must be loosed a little season. Omit "and." "A little time" (μικρὸν χροόνον) is the exact phrase used in <a href="/revelation/6-11.htm">Revelation 6:11</a>, where it certainly means the period of this world's existence. Such also is its meaning here. "He must be loosed" signifies that Satan is, in regard to the ungodly, allowed to work his will during this period. The thousand years' binding, and the loosing for a little time, describe two events which occur contemporaneously. While the godly need have no fear, because even in this world Satan's power as regards them is completely limited by Christ's act of redemption, yet in another sense, as regards the ungodly, Satan is loosed and obtains power over them. The chief difficulty in this interpretation lies in the words, "after this." But it must be remembered that the "thousand years" do not express a period of time, but the quality of completeness. Therefore the loosing of Satan must not be supposed to take place in a period subsequent to the period of the binding. The seer wishes to describe the devil in a twofold character, subordinating the second to the first. He thus says, "By Christ's redeeming work Satan is bound and fettered in regard to you faithful Christians; but there is also a second subordinate fact to remember, that at the same time he is powerful in his natural sphere, among his own adherents." The binding of Satan in one direction being immediately followed by a display of power in another, and the former fact being expressed by the chronological symbolism of being bound for a thousand years, it is part of this chronological symbolism to express the second fact as taking place after the first, though a subordination of the secondary to the primary effect is really what is intended to be conveyed (see Milligan, quoted above). <a href="/commentaries/revelation/20-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He seized ἐκράτησεν (ekratēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2902.htm">Strong's 2902: </a> From kratos; to use strength, i.e. Seize or retain. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. dragon, δράκοντα (drakonta) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1404.htm">Strong's 1404: </a> A dragon or huge serpent; met: Satan. Probably from an alternate form of derkomai; a fabulous kind of serpent. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ancient ἀρχαῖος (archaios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_744.htm">Strong's 744: </a> Original, primitive, ancient. From arche; original or primeval. serpent ὄφις (ophis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> Probably from optanomai; a snake, figuratively, an artful malicious person, especially Satan. who ὅς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] devil Διάβολος (Diabolos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1228.htm">Strong's 1228: </a> From diaballo; a traducer; specially, Satan. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Satan, Σατανᾶς (Satanas) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4567.htm">Strong's 4567: </a> An adversary, Satan. Of Chaldee origin corresponding to ma'bad; the accuser, i.e. The devil. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. bound ἔδησεν (edēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1210.htm">Strong's 1210: </a> To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind. him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. for a thousand χίλια (chilia) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5507.htm">Strong's 5507: </a> A thousand. Plural of uncertain affinity; a thousand. years. ἔτη (etē) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2094.htm">Strong's 2094: </a> A year. Apparently a primary word; a year. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/20-2.htm">Revelation 20:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/20-2.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 20:2 He seized the dragon the old serpent (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/20-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 20:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 20:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/20-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 20:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 20:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>