The second death is
the final and eternal separation from God
that awaits the unrighteous
after the last judgment.
It is identified in Scripture with
the lake of fire and stands in contrast to
the “first death,” which is physical death.
The second death is final, irreversible, and eternal.
The term “second death” appears only in the book of Revelation:
These passages clearly equate the second death with the lake of fire, the place of final judgment.
The second death refers to:
For believers, the promise is that the second death has no power over them. Those who have part in the first resurrection are secure from this judgment.
| Aspect | First Death (Physical) | Second Death |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Separation of spirit & body | Eternal separation from God |
| Experience | Temporary | Final and eternal |
| Applies to | All people | Only the unrighteous |
| Outcome | Intermediate state | Lake of fire |
| Conquered by Christ | Yes (for believers) | Yes (believers are exempt) |
The second death is one of the most sobering truths in Scripture. It underscores the eternal consequences of rejecting God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. At the same time, it highlights the greatness of the gospel: those who trust in Christ are delivered from the second death and given the free gift of eternal life. The one who conquers through faith in Jesus will never be hurt by the second death.
Entry compiled for the JESUSaves.com Bible Glossary. Optimized for wiki.js Visual Editor.