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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Revelation 20:3 - 20:3
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Into the abyss (eis tēn abusson). The one in Rev 9:1. and the one spoken of by the legion of demons in Luk 8:31 under the charge of the angel of the abyss (Apollyon, Rev 9:11) who is either Satan himself or a kindred power. “Already he has been cast out of Heaven (Rev 12:9), now he is cast out of the earth, and returns to his own place” (Swete).
Shut it and sealed it (ekleisen kai esphragisen). Effective first aorists active indicative of kleiō and sphragizō.
That he should deceive no more (hina mē planēsēi). Negative purpose clause with hina mē and the first aorist active subjunctive of planaō. Glorious relief after the strain of the previous visions of conflict. Small wonder that Christians today cherish this blessed hope whatever the actual meaning may be.
Until should be finished (achri telesthēi). Temporal clause of future purpose with achri (as a conjunction like heōs) and the first aorist passive subjunctive of teleō. Repeated in Rev 20:5 and see achri and the subjunctive in Rev 7:3; Rev 15:8.
He must be loosed (dei luthēnai). Sad necessity, alas, with dei and the first aorist passive infinitive of luō.
For a little time (mikron chronon). Accusative of time. Whatever the thousand years means, it is here said plainly that after it is over the devil will again have power on earth “for a little time.”