Revelation 20:3

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An Exegetical Analysis of ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη in Revelation 20:3

This exegetical study concerning the phrase ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη in Revelation 20:3 is based on a b-greek discussion from Wed Mar 18 14:00:00 EDT 2009. The initial inquiry focused on the grammatical and semantic force of the aorist subjunctive τελεσθῇ within the temporal clause. The proposer questioned whether a translation like “until the thousand years were about to end” might be more appropriate, expressing dissatisfaction with renderings such as “until the thousand years were ended,” which seemed to convey a perfective aspect more than an aorist.

The central exegetical issue thus revolves around the precise temporal and aspectual implications of the conjunction ἄχρι when it governs an aorist subjunctive verb. This inquiry necessitates a careful examination of whether this construction primarily signifies the immediate imminence of an event’s completion, the event’s definitive completion at a future point, or a resultant state. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurately interpreting the duration of Satan’s binding in Revelation 20:3 and its implications for the eschatological framework presented in the Book of Revelation.

Greek text (Nestle 1904):
καὶ ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς τὴν ἄβυσσον καὶ ἔκλεισεν καὶ ἐσφράγισεν ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ ἵνα μὴ πλανήσῃ ἔτι τὰ ἔθνη ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη· μετὰ ταῦτα δεῖ λυθῆναι αὐτὸν μικρὸν χρόνον.

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• For the specific phrase ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη in Revelation 20:3, the text of Nestle 1904 is identical to that of SBLGNT 2010.
• Minor variations, such as punctuation, may exist in the broader verse context but do not affect the grammatical or lexical substance of the phrase under examination.

Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes:

The clause ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη in Revelation 20:3 demonstrates robust textual stability across the principal manuscript traditions. The critical apparatus of the NA28 provides no significant variants that would introduce any material alteration to the meaning or grammatical construction of this particular phrase, confirming its authenticity within the text.

• ἄχρι (BDAG, KITTEL): This term functions as a preposition or conjunction, meaning “until” or “up to the point that.” It serves as a temporal marker, establishing a definitive terminus for a preceding action or state. When conjoined with the subjunctive mood, ἄχρι consistently anticipates a future event whose realization marks the cessation or completion of the prior action. (Cf. TDNT I, 203-205).
• τελέω (BDAG, KITTEL): The verb signifies “to bring to an end, finish, complete, accomplish, fulfill.” In its passive voice, τελεσθῇ (aorist passive subjunctive) means “to be completed” or “to be fulfilled.” KITTEL (TDNT VIII, 57-61) emphasizes its connotation of bringing something to its intended goal or conclusion.
• χίλιοι (BDAG, KITTEL): An adjective denoting “a thousand,” which here modifies “years” (ἔτη). In the context of Revelation 20, “the thousand years” refers to a specific, albeit eschatologically debated, period of time. (Cf. TDNT IX, 452-453).

The grammatical construction of ἄχρι + aorist subjunctive fundamentally emphasizes the action’s completion as a discrete, punctiliar event, which then serves as the temporal boundary. The aorist aspect views the action holistically, as a simple occurrence, without detailing its internal process or the resulting state (which would typically be conveyed by the perfect tense). Consequently, the clause specifies the precise *point* at which the thousand years will have definitively concluded, rather than suggesting an ongoing process of ending or an imminent state of completion.

Translation Variants

The initial discussion correctly identified a crucial semantic distinction between indicating an action “about to end” versus one that “comes to an end” or “is ended.” The aorist subjunctive, particularly in a temporal clause introduced by ἄχρι, functions to establish a future point of termination by signifying the *accomplishment* of the event, not merely its imminence. The aorist aspect focuses on the event as a singular, undivided occurrence, distinct from the perfect tense, which would emphasize the resulting state. Therefore, renderings such as “until the thousand years should come to an end” accurately capture the grammatical and temporal force, indicating the eventual, definite completion of the period as the boundary for Satan’s binding.

Rhetorically, this construction underscores the divinely ordained and fixed duration of Satan’s restraint. The use of the aorist subjunctive in this clause signals a definite, yet future, event that will mark the conclusion of the specified period. It establishes a clear, pre-determined endpoint to the binding, emphasizing its finite nature as dictated by God’s sovereign plan, rather than suggesting an indeterminate process or a continuous state. The specific future completion of the thousand years serves as the critical and unalterable temporal delimiter.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Based on the comprehensive textual and lexical analysis, the phrase ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη in Revelation 20:3 consistently refers to the definitive conclusion of the thousand-year period as the boundary for Satan’s binding. The aorist subjunctive aspect denotes the event of completion itself, not its ongoing process or an imminent state. Therefore, accurate translations should reflect this punctiliar, future accomplishment.

1. “until the thousand years are completed”
   This translation clearly emphasizes the definite accomplishment of the thousand years, focusing on the event’s culmination as a specific future point in time.
2. “until the thousand years come to an end”
   This rendering effectively captures the aorist aspect of the verb, presenting the cessation of the period as a singular, discrete event rather than an extended process or an imminent condition.
3. “until such time as the thousand years should be fulfilled”
   This option highlights the subjunctive mood, conveying an anticipated future condition or event that serves as the temporal limit, aligning precisely with the function of ἄχρι.