Definition: And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Revelation 20:1. It's a really complex verse, but we can understand it in a few layers: What it literally means: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven…” – This refers to an angel, likely one of the most powerful beings described in the Bible as messengers of God. “…having the key of the bottomless pit…” – The “bottomless pit” is a really tricky part. It’s a metaphor for something incredibly dark and evil, a place of utter nothingness or complete separation from God. It's often translated as "the abyss" or "the underworld." “…and a great chain in his hand.” – This represents the ultimate fate of all people who have ever lived. What it really means (a symbolic interpretation): This verse is about the final judgment of humanity. Here's what it suggests: The "Bottomless Pit" Represents Sin: The bottomless pit symbolizes the state of sin and evil that exists within each person. It’s a place where God has banished all that is disordered and harmful. The Key Represents Redemption: The key symbolizes a way out of this darkness – a path to salvation or redemption. It's not a literal key, but it represents the possibility of being freed from sin. The Chain Represents Punishment: The chain symbolizes the consequences of sin and the punishment that will befall those who have disobeyed God. Overall Interpretation - A Hopeful, But Serious, Message: The verse isn’t saying that people will end up in the bottomless pit. Instead, it's a vision of a final judgment where all people will be held accountable for their choices and will face punishment. However, the verse also speaks of eternal hope – that God is ultimately victorious over evil and will restore humanity to a place of grace and eternal life. It’s a message of ultimate justice and eventual restoration. Important Note: This is a complex passage with lots of symbolism, so different interpretations exist. It's often interpreted as a promise of final judgment but also offers hope for the future. --- Resources to Learn More: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english) - You can read the verse in different translations and see how it’s interpreted. The Bible Project: [https://thebibletproject.com/revelation-20-1/](https://thebibletproject.com/revelation-20-1/) - This website has a really good, accessible explanation of the verse and its significance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Revelation 20? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse? Give you some related Bible stories or themes?