REVELATION OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE - Chapter 21 - Verse 8

Verse 8. But the fearful. Having stated, in general terms, who they were who would be admitted into that blessed world, he now states explicitly who would not. The fearful denote those who had not firmness boldly to maintain their professed principles, or who were afraid to avow themselves as the friends of God in a wicked world. They stand in contrast with those who "overcome," Re 21:7.

And unbelieving. Those who have not true faith; avowed infidels; infidels at heart; and all who have not the sincere faith of the gospel. See Barnes on "Mr 16:16".

And the abominable. The verb from which this word is derived means, to excite disgust; to feel disgust at; to abominate or abhor; and hence the participle—"the abominable"-refers to all who are detestable, to wit, on account of their sins; all whose conduct is offensive to God. Thus it would include those who live in open sin; who practise detestable vices; whose conduct is fitted to excite disgust and abhorrence. These must all, of course, be excluded from a pure and holy world; and this description, alas! would embrace a lamentably large portion of the world as it has hitherto been. See Barnes on "Ro 1:26, seq.

And murderers. See Barnes on "Ro 1:29; Ga 5:21".

And whoremongers. See Barnes on "Ga 5:19".

And sorcerers. See the word here used—farmakeusi—explained in Barnes on "Ga 5:19, under the word witchcraft.

And idolaters. 1 Co 6:9; Ga 5:19.

And all liars. All who are false in their statements, their promises, their contracts. The word would embrace all who are false towards God, (Ac 5:1-3,) and false toward men. See Ro 1:31.

Shall have their part in the lake which burneth, etc. Barnes on "Re 20:14".

That is, they will be excluded from heaven, and punished for ever. See Barnes on "1 Co 6:9-10; Ga 5:19-21".

{a} "fearful" Lu 12:4-9 {b} "unbelieving" 1 Jo 5:4,10 {c} "abominable" 1 Co 6:9,10 {d} "murderers" 1 Jo 3:15 {e} "whoremongers" Heb 13:4 {f} "sorcerers" Mal 3:5 {g} "idolators" 1 Co 10:20,21 {h} "all liars" Re 22:15; Pr 19:5,9