And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Read it in contextThe great white throne
Start reading at Revelation 20:11 (Revelation 20:11 to Revelation 20:15).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The judgment scene includes the books and the book of life, ending with death and hell cast into the lake of fire.
20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
20:13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
20:14And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
20:15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? John is the named writer. Early Christian tradition identifies him as John the apostle, although that further identification has been debated. Biblical references: Revelation 1:1; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 22:8. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Revelation 19:1–20:15): John sees heavenly praise, the victorious rider and armies, the defeat of enemies, and judgment of the dead. The churches receive these visions through his testimony. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Seven churches in the Roman province of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The message also calls on everyone with an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Biblical references: Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 2:7. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The great white throne. Read Revelation 20:11 through Revelation 20:15 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The judgment scene includes the books and the book of life, ending with death and hell cast into the lake of fire. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? John describes receiving the revelation and being in the Spirit on the Lord's day. The book does not state a modern calendar date, and the order of visions should not automatically be equated with a settled event timetable. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? John names Patmos and addresses seven churches in Asia. The visions portray earthly and heavenly scenes that must be distinguished from his stated location. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The great white throne (Revelation 20:11 to Revelation 20:15).
Start reading at Revelation 20:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ, the slain Lamb, His testimony, judgment, and reign are central. Read symbols with their supplied explanations and retain the exhortations to hear, keep, repent, and overcome. See Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 22:7. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Remain faithful in worship and conduct under pressure. Do not turn symbolic visions into confident identifications of modern people, nations, or dates without evidence and explicit labeling as interpretation. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Revelation 20
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
John addresses the seven churches in Asia and describes himself as their companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. These outlines follow the order of the visions without treating that literary order as a settled timetable or assigning symbols to modern nations or people.
Connection to the wholeThe vision describes Satan's restraint and a reign with Christ, distinguishing the first resurrection and the remaining dead within its own wording.
Connection to the wholeAfter the release described in the vision, Satan deceives the nations, but the gathered rebellion is ended and the devil is judged.
Connection to the wholeThe judgment scene includes the books and the book of life, ending with death and hell cast into the lake of fire.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Revelation
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
John addresses the seven churches in Asia and describes himself as their companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. These outlines follow the order of the visions without treating that literary order as a settled timetable or assigning symbols to modern nations or people.
Connection to the wholeThe individual messages apply Christ's knowledge and authority to the churches' actual conditions, joining promises with rebukes and commands.
Connection to the wholeThe opening of the seals includes scenes of suffering, judgment, and preservation, leading to the seventh seal and the preparation for trumpets.
Connection to the wholeTrumpet judgments are interwoven with John's renewed commission and the witnesses, culminating in the seventh trumpet's proclamation.
Connection to the wholeThe heavenly preparation and seven vials develop the judgment sequence while retaining warnings and examples of refused repentance.
Connection to the wholeThe explanation and fall of Babylon lead to heavenly praise, the marriage announcement, and the defeat of the beast and its allies.
Connection to the wholeThe holy city and the removal of the curse bring the visions to their close, followed by commands, invitations, warnings, and the promise of Jesus' coming.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.