Definition: And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Revelation 20:2. It’s a really significant part of understanding what happens after the Bible says “the dead will be glorified.” Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God is going to eliminate the Devil and Satan. Let's unpack that a little further: “He laid hold on the dragon…” : This refers to the Devil – often called Satan. The word "dragon" comes from the Hebrew word "Shekel," which means "a serpent." Think of him as a powerful, misleading figure who tries to lead people astray. “…the old serpent…” : This is a very important part. The “old serpent” is essentially Satan himself – the embodiment of evil and temptation. He’s been fighting against God from the beginning. “which is the Devil…” : Again, this identifies him as Satan. “…and bound him a thousand years.” This is the core of the verse. God declares that Satan will be imprisoned for a thousand years . That's a very long time! So, what does this mean practically? This isn’t just about Satan being locked up in a prison. It means he’ll be completely defeated and powerless. It signifies a period of intense conflict where God’s plan to ultimately rule over all creation is fully realized. Important Context: Revelation is a prophetic book : Revelation tells us what will happen after Jesus Christ returns. This verse speaks of a future judgment : The Bible consistently uses the imagery of "the end times" – a time of great change and conflict. This verse is a key part of that story. In short, this passage describes God’s complete victory over evil and Satan's reign of opposition. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible? Answer a specific question you have about it?