What is the second death in Revelation?
DirectA clear verse states this directly, and no higher-or-equal-authority text overturns it.
The second death is the lake of fire, Revelation defines its own term explicitly, twice, and connects it to final judgment after the resurrection of the dead.
Revelation 20:14 states it plainly: "Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire." Revelation 21:8 repeats the equation from the mouth of the one on the throne. No text at any tier contradicts this definition.
Key texts:
Revelation 20:14Tier 3 · Apostle
“Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”
Revelation 21:8Tier 3 · Apostle
“But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second…”
Revelation 20:6Tier 3 · Apostle
“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over these, the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with him one thousand years.”
…and 10 more verses weighed in the full analysis.
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Original-language words behind this answer:
SAM answers from primary-source texts only, weighing each verse by its authority tier. Every quotation is verified word-for-word. How the method works →