Revelation 20:6; Blessed and Holy Is He that Hath Part in the First Resurrection

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Revelation 20:6 (KJV)  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. 

The first resurrection participants have exception from the power of the second death. “The second death” is the spiritual death beyond physical death referred to also in Revelation 2:11; 20:14; 21:8.

Revelation 2:11 (KJV)  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

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

Revelation 21:8 (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. 

Revelation’s fifth beatitude (Revelation 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 22:7, 14) declares the happy state of those participating in the first resurrection – 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. 

The additional word “holy” this time gives the expanded sense that bliss consists of holiness (Moffatt).

Revelation 1:3 (KJV)  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 

Revelation 14:13 (KJV)  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 

Revelation 16:15 (KJV)  Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. 

Revelation 19:9 (KJV)  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 

Revelation 22:7 (KJV)  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:14 (KJV)  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 

[Robert L. Thomas, Revelation 8-22 – An Exegetical Commentary, Moody, 1995, 421]