Revelation 20:3
And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Revelation 20:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Revelation describes the imprisonment of Satan in the bottomless pit for a thousand years. The bottomless pit is a symbolic place of confinement for evil spirits, and Satan's imprisonment represents a period of time where he is unable to exert his influence over the nations. The sealing of the pit ensures that he is unable to deceive the people of the world during this time. This period is known as the millennial reign of Christ, a time of peace and righteousness on earth. However, after the thousand years are fulfilled, Satan will be released for a short time to test the faith of the nations once more. This verse highlights the ultimate defeat of Satan and the eventual triumph of good over evil.
Theological Overview
In this particular verse from the book of Revelation (20:3), the theological interpretation is deeply rooted in eschatology, the study of end times. The phrase "bottomless pit" has been understood by some theologians to refer to a place of imprisonment or containment for Satan, the ultimate deceiver. The act of shutting him up and setting a seal upon him indicates the finality of his confinement and the symbolism of divine authority over evil. The idea that Satan will be bound and unable to deceive the nations during the thousand years represents a period of peace, often interpreted as the Millennial Kingdom. This verse speaks to the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and restoration.
Revelation 20:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
and cast him into the abyss, and shut [it], and sealed [it] over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time.
World English Bible
and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, he must be freed for a short time.
Douay-Rheims
And he cast him into the bottomless pit and shut him up and set a seal upon him, that he should no more seduce the nations till the thousand years be finished. And after that, he must be loosed a little time.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And cast him into the bottomles pit, and he shut him vp, and sealed the doore vpon him, that he should deceiue the people no more, till the thousand yeeres were fulfilled: for after that he must be loosed for a litle season.