Revelation 22:15; And Sorcerers, and Whoremongers

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Revelation 22:15 (KJV)  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 

“The sorcerers” along with the “wholemonger” or fonicators, the “murderers” and the “idolators” appear in the list in Revelation 21:8.

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. 

Here they are outside or “without” the city; there they are in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Both expressions reflect their presence in the place of eternal punishment and their eternal denial of fellowship with God. Jesus used the expression “outer darkness”, that is, outside the lighted house – to speak of the abode of the condemned (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30).

Matthew 8:12 (KJV)  But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 22:13 (KJV)  Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30 (KJV)  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Another figure He used was that of a worm that does not die (Mark 9:48; cf. Isaiah 66:24).

Mark 9:48 (KJV)  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Isaiah 66:24 (KJV)  And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. 

John’s other references to these four vices come throughout the book – sorcery (Revelation 9:21; 18:23; 21:8), fornication (Revelation 2:14, 20, 21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2, 4; 18:3, 9; 19:2; 21:8), murder (Revelation 9:21; 21:8), and idolatry (Revelation 2:14, 2; 9:21; 21:8).

[Robert L. Thomas, Revelation 8-22 – An Exegetical Commentary, Moody, 1995, 508]