Definition: And 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 20:13. It’s a pretty complex verse, but here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes what happens after the final battle in the book of Revelation. It’s about the aftermath of God’s victory over evil and death. Let's unpack it word by word: “Revelation 20:13” : This tells us we’re talking about a specific part of the Book of Revelation, which is a prophecy about the end times. “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it…” : The "sea" represents the world, and the “dead” are people who have died. The “giving up” suggests they’re letting go of their earthly existence. “…and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:” This is a key part – Death and Hell (the realm of suffering) are handing over the bodies of those who died to God. It's like giving them back to him. “and they were judged every man according to their works:” This is where it gets interesting. God isn’t just giving them judgment; He’s evaluating them based on what they did in life – their actions, their choices, and their deeds. It’s a "judgment by their works." What does this mean? This verse suggests that after the final battle, God will look at each person and determine how they lived. It’s not about punishment alone; it's about seeing what kind of life they lived . Important Context (a little background): The "Final Judgment": In Revelation, there are many visions of a final judgment where God will judge all people. Eternal Justice: This verse is often interpreted as a promise that after the final battle, there will be eternal justice – a fair and righteous reckoning for everyone's actions. It’s not about punishment for those who died, but about their fate in eternity. In simpler terms: Imagine a massive, swirling sea. After God defeats evil, he takes the bodies of all people who have died into this sea. God then looks at each person and decides whether they lived a good life – a life filled with righteousness and compassion – or not. He judges them based on how they acted in their lives. It’s a message of hope and finality: The verse offers a sense of ultimate justice and a promise of eternal peace for those who have done well. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other stories or themes in the Bible? Give you a different perspective on its meaning?