Revelation21:8

Translation

But the portion

of the

cowardly,

the unbelieving, the ones who have become detestable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars, is in the lake

burning with fire

and brimstone,

which is the second death.”

Paraphrase

But the consequences received by the cowardly, the unbelieving, the

ones who have become detestable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers, the

idolaters, and all liars, will be in accordance with the accumulated evidence which condemns to harsh punishment or complete destruction, coming directly from God, unrestrained and without mercy;

this is the spiritual death which comes after physical death.”

Footnotes

1

The word “portion” corresponds to, and stands in contrast to, the verb “inherit” in the previous verse. The faithful will inherit one thing, the vile will receive something else. In each case it is a set of consequences based on how they have lived and on their faithfulness to Jesus, or lack thereof.

2

The inclusion of the “cowardly” among those to receive harsh consequences would make perfect sense to those suffering persecution because there is no room for the cowardly among the people of God.