Rev 20:2-3 | RWP | e4.org | He laid hold on ( εκρατησεν ). First aorist active indicative of κρατεω , to seize. The dragon ( τον δρακοντα ). Accusative after εκρατησεν instead of the genitive as in . He has been behind the beast and the false prophet from the start. Now he is seized. The old serpent ( ο οφις ο αρχαιος ). Precisely the description in , only the nominative is here retained, though in apposition with the accusative τον δρακοντα , a frequent anacoluthon in the Apocalypse ( , etc.). Swete calls it a parenthesis. Which is ( ος εστιν ). The relative here relieves the construction and takes the place of ο καλουμενος in before Διαβολος κα ο Σατανας . And bound him ( κα εδησεν αυτον ). First aorist active indicative of δεω . For a thousand years ( χιλια ετη ). Accusative of extent of time. Here we confront the same problem found in the 1260 days. In this book of symbols how long is a thousand years? All sorts of theories are proposed, none of which fully satisfy one. Perhaps Peter has given us the only solution open to us in when he argues that "one day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." It will help us all to remember that God's clock does not run by ours and that times and seasons and programs are with him. This wonderful book was written to comfort the saints in a time of great trial, not to create strife among them.

‏ Revelation of John 20:2-3

He laid hold on ( εκρατησεν ). First aorist active indicative of κρατεω, to seize.

The dragon ( τον δρακοντα ). Accusative after εκρατησεν instead of the genitive as in 2:1. He has been behind the beast and the false prophet from the start. Now he is seized.

The old serpent ( ο οφις ο αρχαιος ). Precisely the description in 12:9, only the nominative is here retained, though in apposition with the accusative τον δρακοντα, a frequent anacoluthon in the Apocalypse (1:5, etc.). Swete calls it a parenthesis.

Which is ( ος εστιν ). The relative here relieves the construction and takes the place of ο καλουμενος in 12:9 before Διαβολος κα ο Σατανας.

And bound him ( κα εδησεν αυτον ). First aorist active indicative of δεω.

For a thousand years ( χιλια ετη ). Accusative of extent of time. Here we confront the same problem found in the 1260 days. In this book of symbols how long is a thousand years? All sorts of theories are proposed, none of which fully satisfy one. Perhaps Peter has given us the only solution open to us in 2Pe 3:8 when he argues that "one day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day." It will help us all to remember that God's clock does not run by ours and that times and seasons and programs are with him. This wonderful book was written to comfort the saints in a time of great trial, not to create strife among them.

Into the abyss ( εις την αβυσσον ). The one in 9:1f. and the one spoken of by the legion of demons in Lu 8:31 under the charge of the angel of the abyss (Apollyon, Re 9:11) who is either Satan himself or a kindred power. "Already he has been cast out of Heaven (12:9), now he is cast out of the earth, and returns to his own place" (Swete).

Shut it and sealed it ( εκλεισεν κα εσφραγισεν ). Effective first aorists active indicative of κλειω and σφραγιζω.

That he should deceive no more ( ινα μη πλανηση ). Negative purpose clause with ινα μη and the first aorist active subjunctive of πλαναω. 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 ( αχρ τελεσθη ). Temporal clause of future purpose with αχρ (as a conjunction like εως ) and the first aorist passive subjunctive of τελεω. Repeated in verse 5 and see αχρ and the subjunctive in 7:3; 15:8.

He must be loosed ( δε λυθηνα ). Sad necessity, alas, with δε and the first aorist passive infinitive of λυω.

For a little time ( μικρον χρονον ). 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."