Chapter
Verse

Revelation 21:8

ESV But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
NIV But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.'
NASB But for the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral persons, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.'
CSB But the cowards, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars--their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
NLT But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars — their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.'
KJV 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.

What does Revelation 21:8 mean?

The New Jerusalem is the eternal home of believers, but unbelievers must spend eternity in the lake of fire "that burns with fire and sulfur." Unbelievers are identified in this verse as the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars. Cowardly unbelievers fear for various reasons. Some fear they might lose their possessions or their jobs or their friends or their comfortable life if they trust in the Savior. But, as Jesus taught, it is worthless to gain the whole world but lose one's soul (Mark 8:36). The faithless lack trust in Jesus as Savior, the detestable are foul.

Other sinners are identified as those who murder, cater to sexual lust, lack moral character, practice black magic or deal in illegal drugs, worship false gods, and lie. These unsavory characters experience the second death, which is eternal suffering in the lake of fire. Their refusal to trust in Christ had imprisoned them in their sins and subsequently in the lake of fire.
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