Revelation 21:8 Meaning: Why 'the Cowardly' Come First
But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
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.
But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.
and to fearful, and unstedfast, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all the liars, their part is in the lake that is burning with fire and brimstone, which is a second death.'
But to the fearful and unbelieving, [and sinners], and those who make themselves abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part [is] in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.
Meaning in one sentence
Why does the list of those facing judgment begin with 'the cowardly'? Revelation 21:8 warns of the second death, contrasting with the promise to overcomers.
Context
John has just seen the new heaven and the new earth. God himself dwells with his people, wiping every tear away. Then the voice from the throne speaks: “I am making all things new.” To the thirsty, water of life is given freely. To the one who overcomes, God promises inheritance and the name “son.” But verse 8 comes as a stark contrast. It names those who will not share in that inheritance. The list begins with “the cowardly.” That placement surprises us. But John is writing to churches facing pressure to compromise. Courage to hold fast is what marks the overcomer. The chapter sets the final scene: a world made new, and a clear choice between two paths.
Key Words
Two Greek words help us feel the weight of this verse. The first is deilois, translated “cowardly.” It appears only twice elsewhere in the New Testament, both times when Jesus asks the terrified disciples in the storm, “Why are you fearful?” It is not ordinary anxiety or shyness. It is a faithless panic that abandons the Lord to save oneself. The second word is apistois, “unbelieving” or “faithless.” It carries the sense of someone who cannot be trusted to keep faith under pressure. Together these two words describe the person who knows the truth but lets fear drown out trust. The phrase “second death” draws the line. In chapter 20, John said the second death has no power over those who overcome. It is the final separation from God. But just before this warning, in verse 6, the same voice offers the water of life freely. The warning does not cancel the invitation.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christian readers across traditions have taken this verse as a serious warning about final judgment. Wesley said the fearful and unbelieving are those “who, through want of courage and faith, do not overcome.” The medieval church also highlighted the progression: from cowardice, other sins follow. Some commentators, like Clarke, note that “sinners” appears in many early manuscripts, broadening the list. Others, like Gill, stress that “cowardly” here does not mean timorous saints but those who let fear of men override their confession. All traditions agree: the list shows the path that leads away from God. But they also agree that verse 7 stands alongside it, promising everything to the one who overcomes. The gospel offers a way out, not just a warning.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think “the cowardly” means anyone who ever feels fear or nervousness. In fact, the Greek word deilois is used in the New Testament only of the disciples’ panic when they doubted Jesus in the storm. It means a faith-driven fear that leads a person to abandon the Lord to save their own skin. Ordinary struggles with fear are not condemned here. What is condemned is the kind of cowardice that says, “I know Christ is true, but I am too scared to follow him.” The contrast in verse 7 is not with the bold personality, but with the one who overcomes by faith.
Living This Out
This verse asks you to look at what you fear more than God. Maybe it is the fear of being laughed at if you pray before lunch at work. Maybe it is the fear of losing a friendship if you say no to something you know is wrong. Maybe it is just the fear of standing alone. This passage does not shame you for having fear. It asks you to notice where that fear is winning. Then it points you back to the one who says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” He holds the beginning and the end. This week, you can name one fear to him. Ask him for courage to hold firm. Overcomers are not people who never feel afraid. They are people who trust a bigger promise than the threat.
Main takeaway: The cowardice that abandons faith leads to loss, but the one who overcomes by trusting God receives all things.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God wants us to be brave and trust him. When we are scared, he is bigger than our fear. He will help us follow him.
For ages 9, 12
Everyone gets scared sometimes. But this verse warns about a fear that makes us turn away from Jesus and pretend we don’t know him. God promises help to those who keep trusting him even when it is hard. He is stronger than anything we are afraid of.
Questions People Ask
Why are 'the cowardly' listed first among those facing judgment?
The list is arranged to highlight a root failure: letting fear turn you away from faith in Christ. The cowardly person knows the truth but will not risk anything to follow it. This contrasts sharply with the 'overcomer' in verse 7 who holds fast through trial. The order shows that giving in to fear can lead to all the other sins named.
What is the 'second death'?
Revelation 20:14 explains it as the final judgment after physical death. The first death is the end of this earthly life. The second death is eternal separation from God, pictured as the lake of fire. But earlier in Revelation, John says those who overcome are not hurt by the second death (20:6). It is not inevitable for those who trust Christ.
Does this verse mean every lie sends a person to hell?
The phrase 'all liars' refers to those who are habitually and unrepentantly false, people whose character is defined by deceit. The Bible elsewhere makes clear that God forgives the repentant. But persistent, unrepented lying is a sign of a heart that has turned from God. The warning is real, but so is the offer of forgiveness in Christ.
What does 'sorcerers' mean in this context?
The Greek word pharmakoi originally referred to those who used drugs or potions for magical purposes. In the first century, sorcery often involved attempts to contact spirits or manipulate events through forbidden means. It is grouped here with idolatry and sexual immorality as a serious form of rebellion against God.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study