Hope and Prophecy

What Is the 'Second Death' in the Bible?

The second death, described in Revelation, refers to the final, permanent destruction of the unrepentant wicked following the last judgment, distinct from ordinary physical death, which believers who trust in Christ will never experience.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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State of the DeadHell

Biblical explanation

Revelation identifies “the lake of fire” as “the second death” (), a judgment that occurs after the general resurrection of the wicked and the final judgment described earlier in the chapter (). This second death results in complete and irreversible destruction rather than ongoing existence in torment, contrasted directly with the promise that those who overcome “shall not be hurt of the second death” (). This teaching underscores the seriousness of persistent rejection of God's grace while also affirming the ultimate, permanent removal of evil, sin, and suffering from the universe, since after this final judgment God makes “all things new” ().

In brief

Revelation identifies “the lake of fire” as “the second death” (), a judgment that occurs after the general resurrection of the wicked and the final judgment described earlier in the chapter ().

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.