Something must be wrong. How can the wicked both die the second death and yet live for ever and ever in agony because they will burn forever?

Revelation 20 is especially interesting. The wicked are said to be tormented day and night for ever and ever, yet twice in the same chapter, the wicked are said to experience the second death. John could not have been so inconsistent as to mix this issue up in the very same chapter!

There is no returning from the second death. Jesus Himself says we should fear God who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell, when the wicked are destroyed!

28. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

If the wicked are destroyed, both soul and body, in the lake of fire as Jesus says, they cannot be tormented for ever and ever.

In addition, if you click on the following link: Hell Fire, does it last forever? You will see, over and over again, that all the rest of the Bible says: The wicked will be completely destroyed. They will perish. They will be burned up until they will be ashes under the soles of your feet. They will be no more. They will cease to exist, etc.

So, why does Revelation say the wicked will be tormented for ever and ever when all the rest of the Bible says the wicked will be completely destroyed and cease to exist? Does Scripture disagrees with itself?

No it does not have to disagree with itself. The answer lies in our understanding of the word "forever". Let's study it together.

In general, the Greek word aion is translated: forever. However its real meaning is "Age". There are actually two meanings for the word "Age"

1. "Age" can mean a human lifetime, or life itself. So it can be a limited time, as long as someone is going to live.
2. "Age" can also mean an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, or an eternity. So it can mean forever and ever.

Basically, if the subject is God or Jesus, since they exist in eternity, the meaning of "Age" would be an unbroken age, or an eternity. On the other hand, if the subject is referring to finite human beings, then the meaning of "Age" would be limited to the life-span of a human lifetime.

In the Greek New Testament, "Age" almost always refers to the subject of Jesus or God. Since He lives forever, the time that is meant is forever or for an eternity. However in the Old Testament, we have many examples where forever only means the life-time of an individual. The Hebrew language can have the same two meanings. Here is an example, in Old Testament Hebrew, where forever only means how long a person will live.

12. If your brother, a Hebrew man, or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you.
13. And when you send him away free from you, you shall not let him go away empty-handed;
14. you shall supply him liberally from your flock, from your threshing floor, and from your winepress. From what the LORD has blessed you with, you shall give to him.
15. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this thing today.
16. And if it happens that he says to you, 'I will not go away from you,' because he loves you and your house, since he prospers with you,
17. then you shall take an awl and thrust it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. Also to your female servant you shall do likewise. Deuteronomy 15:12-17

Obviously, the person can only be a servant for as long as he or she lives. He or she does not live for eternity. So forever means only his or her life-time.

The idea that forever in the Old Testament Bible can be just a limited lifetime of an individual is common. Lets look in the New Testament.

In the New Testament, the word "age" is not used by itself, but rather; It is included in an idiomatic expression or a phrase. These phrases are thought to describe an undefined period of time.

There are a number of similar phrases found in the New Testament. All of these phrases are usually translated as: "forever". Here are two typical phrases:

In Hebrews 5:6 & 6:20 The phrase: eis ton aiona literally means: "unto the age"
and in Hebrews 13:8 the pleural phrase: eis tous aionas literally means: "unto the ages"

These two phrases, "unto the age" and "unto the ages", are both translated as "forever". Yet, they can either mean "forever", or they can mean, "for as long as the person lives". So, these phrases do not have to express the idea that the time is forever, or an eternity. They can also be understood to mean the life-span of an individual as well. It depends on the context of the word. This is exactly what we found to be the case in the Hebrew example above.

Now, lets look at Revelation 14:11 and 20:10. Both of the following phrases are usually translated as: "for ever and ever"

In Rev. 14:11 the phrase: eis aionas aionon literally means: "unto ages of ages"
In Rev. 20:10 the phrase: eis tous aionas ton anionon literally means: "unto the ages of the ages"

"Unto ages of ages" and "unto the ages of the ages" are really compound expressions. The expression itself means multiplied ages. Some feel that these compound phrases could more emphatically declare the idea of eternity, so the suffering of the wicked would last forever and ever. However, this view would pit Revelation 14:11 and 20:10 against all the other texts of the Bible that speak of the wicked being destroyed. Even within Revelation 20 itself, this punishment of the wicked is called the second death (Revelation 20:6, 14). The death in which there is no return. So, this idea, that the wicked will suffer for ever and ever, does not make sense.

A second possible view is that the wicked will burn for a prescribed period of time as determined by the Judgment of God and the righteous saints. So the compound expression would express the idea that punishment would be metered out. It would be measured according to a judgment process.

In the New Testament, we see that the righteous will actually judge the wicked when they are with God.

2. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3. Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:2-3.

4. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Revelation 20:4.

So, for a thousand years, the righteous people who are with God, will judge both the wicked angels and the wicked people who did not choose to follow God. On Judgment Day, the wicked will be facing eternal damnation. They will be burned with fire. This is the day when the wicked face the wrath of God and of His indignation.

The eternal (forever) meaning of these compound phrases: "unto ages of ages" and "unto the ages of the ages" should be understood by the context of the associated text. This means that it should agree with the other texts of Scripture.

The wicked are to face judgment, and they will be tormented for worshipping the beast, for following Satan. We know that the wicked will experience the second death at this time. So they will not burn forever and ever They will be experiencing permanent death and they will cease to exist.

6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:6

14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 20:14

8. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

So, we should not automatically assume that the wicked will be tormented for eternity. Instead, the wicked will only be tormented for a certain period of time, as long as they are alive, as prescribed by the judgement. This should make sense, that the meaning is not forever, since the wicked themselves are not immortal. They have a limited life-span. Click to see: I always believed that the soul was immortal.

If either "unto the age" or "unto the ages" were used in the description of the torment, it would be clear that man would not last very long in the fire, since the natural process of burning would cause a very short period of suffering. However, since the compound phrases: "unto ages of ages" and "unto the ages of the ages" were used in the description of the punishment, because of the multiplied ages definition; It might be that the time will be metered out, for longer periods of time, so that the wicked will get their just reward.

It might be that the righteous will help determine how long each of the wicked are to suffer before they die.

However, it should be clear, from all the rest of Scripture, that the final fate of the wicked is to be completely destroyed.

1. For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the LORD of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1

3. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this, Says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 4:3.

15. For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near. . . . . And they shall be as though they had never been. Obadiah 1:15-16.

So eternal suffering is not an option for consideration, for the understanding of these two texts in Revelation.

Here is another interesting note: "The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever", from Revelation 14:11 obviously comes from Isaiah 34:10. It is the description of the destruction and desolation of Edom. Most of the book Revelation actually is connected with the Old Testament.

10. It shall not be quenched night or day; Its smoke shall ascend forever. From generation to generation it shall lie waste; No one shall pass through it forever and ever. Isaiah 34:10

It is clear that Isaiah was not saying that the smoke would be ascending forever since he also says that the land would then become a waste for generations. He says that it would be a place that only wild animals would inhabit. The animals would take over the land.

11. But the pelican and the porcupine shall possess it, Also the owl and the raven shall dwell in it. And He shall stretch out over it The line of confusion and the stones of emptiness.
12. They shall call its nobles to the kingdom, But none shall be there, and all its princes shall be nothing.
13. And thorns shall come up in its palaces, Nettles and brambles in its fortresses; It shall be a habitation of jackals, A courtyard for ostriches.
14. The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the jackals, And the wild goat shall bleat to its companion; Also the night creature shall rest there, And find for herself a place of rest.
15. There the arrow snake shall make her nest and lay eggs And hatch, and gather them under her shadow; There also shall the hawks be gathered, Every one with her mate. Isaiah 34:11-15

The description of the smoke, is only a temporary action. Once the smoke is gone, then the animals take over. So, this text really speaks of complete destruction, not that the smoke would be forever rising, but that it would become a wasteland. The fire would do its job and then nothing would be left. If the area would be forever burning and smokey, the wild animals would never inhabit the area. Animals run away from smoke and fire.

The destruction of Edom matches the destruction of the wicked at the end. They will also vanish away once the fire does its job of destroying the wicked.

20. But the wicked shall perish; And the enemies of the LORD, Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away. Psalm 37: 20.

So in this case the word "forever", only means for as long as Edom burned. And in Revelation, "forever" only means for as long as the wicked burn. The fire will not be quenched until everything is burned up.

Because all of the Bible teaches that the wicked will one day cease to exist and they will be as though they had never been; We know that the wicked will not suffer forever and ever. But rather, they will suffer until they die in the flames. So they will be tormented and they will have no rest day nor night until they die. The smoke of their torment will ascend up until their bodies are consumed. This is the death of judgement, the second death from which there is no return, when they are cast into the lake of fire and brimstone.

Since the meaning of the word "age" can either be "forever" or it can be "for just a lifetime", Revelation 14:11 and 20:10 can now agree with the rest of the Bible in our understanding. The fire will not be put out nor will it be quenched until the wicked will be totally consumed.

Since the compound phrases: "unto ages of ages" and "unto the ages of the ages" were used in the description of the punishment, because of the multiplied ages definition; It probably means that the time will be metered out, for longer periods of time, so that the wicked will get their just reward as dictated by the judgement. Some might burn longer, while others might burn a shorter period of time.

So, once they are consumed by the flames like an oven, they will be stubble because they were burned up. And they will be ashes under the soles of your feet. This will be the end of the wicked! After they are burned up, there will not be a fire to sit before, nor even a coal to warm yourself. This is the complete end of the wicked.

14. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before! Isaiah 47:14.

And the wicked will be no more. It will be as if they never existed!

15. For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you; Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.
16. For as you drank on my holy mountain, So shall all the nations drink continually; Yes, they shall drink, and swallow, And they shall be as though they had never been. Obadiah 1:15-16.

There is no hell that burns forever! They will be burned up!

I do not see any evidence that judgement is a spiritual judgement. It will be very physical.

1. For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up, Says the LORD of hosts, That will leave them neither root nor branch.
2. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
3. You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this, Says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 4:1-3.

14. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before! Isaiah 47:14.

You are right in saying that God's final judgement is NOT a punishment that will change the wicked. There is nothing for the wicked to learn. However, the Bible speaks of the final judgement as being a righteous act of eternal destruction that comes on the wicked. God will repay the wicked with tribulation.

5. which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;
6. since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,
7. and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
8. in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10. when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10.

When Jesus was here on earth, He said that if anyone led a little child to sin, it would be better for them if they were drowned in the sea.

5. "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
6. "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 16:5-6.

This also suggests to me that there is something fearful to face that is worst than death for the wicked.

The Bible does not say thousands of years or even a single year. The Bible acually does not indicate how long it will take. I don't think it will take that long.

4. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4

2. Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3. Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:2-3.

I was listening to a man in a meeting describing how a cat was playing with its food. A rat was in its grasp. In a desperate attempt to get away, the rat jumped and landed in the camp fire. As he mentioned the rat jumping into the fire, the audience made stray noises indicating their horror of hearing about a rat suffering.

I agree with you. I cannot imagine God's wrath lasting for years and years. For God and for all the righteous, I believe they will be relieved and happy when it is all over. The suffering will be at an end. What ever is to be done to the wicked, all will think it just. But to say it will take years, that is going too far.

No one, neither God nor the wicked will have pleasure in the destruction and suffering of the wicked. Except that everyone will know that it is necessary.

11. Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'

When God says: "Why should you die?" it is clear to me that He is speaking of eternal death and destruction. Not the sleep the righteous will experience.

I have no way of knowing how it really will be. I know that God is a God of love and He will cleanse the Universe of all sin and evil. He will do what is needed to ensure that sin will never raise its ugly head again.

But we are so use to hearing of the wicked people suffering for an eternity that we can make the assumption that it would continue for years and years or some long period of time. But we need to put all the text of the Bible together to try to understand what will happen.

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Copyright © 2005 - 2008 by Michael Brown all rights reserved
Officially posted May 17, 2005
last revised March 9, 2008