Revelation 20:5

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An Exegetical Analysis of Revelation 20:5b

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of Revelation 20:5b is based on a b-greek discussion from November 15, 2010. The initial query focused on the grammatical relationship of Revelation 20:5b (αὕτη ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡ πρώτη) to the preceding verses (20:4 and 20:5a), specifically identifying its subject and main verb.

The main exegetical issue revolves around the syntactic function of this phrase, which appears to be a nominal clause lacking an explicit finite verb. Understanding its grammatical connection to the preceding context—particularly the descriptions of the resurrected in verse 4 and the “rest of the dead” in verse 5a—is crucial for interpreting the temporal and qualitative distinction of the resurrection events in Revelation 20. The question of an implied verb (e.g., ἐστιν) and the precise antecedent of the demonstrative pronoun αὕτη (“this”) directly impacts the theological understanding of the “first resurrection” and its relation to subsequent eschatological events.

οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ τῶν νεκρῶν οὐκ ἔζησαν ἄχρι τελεσθῇ τὰ χίλια ἔτη. αὕτη ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡ πρώτη.
(Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no textual variants between the Nestle 1904 edition and the SBLGNT (2010) for Revelation 20:5b. Both present the identical Greek text: αὕτη ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡ πρώτη.

Textual criticism of Revelation 20:5b (αὕτη ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡ πρώτη) reveals a remarkably stable transmission. The critical apparatus of the Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28) indicates no significant variants for this specific clause, confirming its presence across major manuscript traditions.

Lexically, the key terms provide insight:

• ἀνάστασις (anastasis): BDAG defines this term primarily as “a raising up, resurrection” (BDAG 86). In biblical eschatology, it denotes a restoration to life, often in a transformed state. Kittel’s *Theological Dictionary of the New Testament* (TDNT) traces the concept from its Hellenistic and Jewish backgrounds, emphasizing its eschatological significance in the New Testament as the bodily restoration of the dead, foundational to Christian hope.
• πρώτη (prōtē): The feminine singular adjective, meaning “first” (BDAG 895). It functions here as an ordinal adjective, distinguishing this resurrection from others. Its position with the article (ἡ πρώτη) suggests it is a predicate adjective, emphasizing its distinct identity as the first.
• αὕτη (hautē): The feminine singular demonstrative pronoun, meaning “this” (BDAG 151). It refers to something previously mentioned or immediately present in the context. Its function here is crucial for identifying the antecedent of “this resurrection,” which typically refers back to the description of the resurrected martyrs in 20:4.

Translation Variants

The grammatical structure of Revelation 20:5b is a nominal clause: αὕτη ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡ πρώτη. This clause consists of a nominative subject, αὕτη ἡ ἀνάστασις (“this resurrection”), and a predicate adjective, ἡ πρώτη (“the first”). There is no explicit finite verb, a common feature in Greek narrative style where the copula ἐστιν (“is”) is understood from context. The demonstrative pronoun αὕτη, being feminine singular, clearly agrees with ἀνάστασις and indicates a specific antecedent.

Rhetorically, the placement of 20:5b after the description of “the rest of the dead” in 20:5a is significant. Verse 4 details those who were resurrected to reign with Christ: “They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” Verse 5a then states, “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.” Immediately following this contrast, 20:5b declares, “This is the first resurrection.” The demonstrative αὕτη unequivocally refers back to the resurrection described in verse 4, distinguishing it from the later resurrection of “the rest of the dead” mentioned in 5a and detailed further in verses 12-13.

The main challenge in translation is conveying the implicit verb and the precise scope of αὕτη. The phrase serves as an emphatic affirmation and categorization of the event in verse 4. Verse 5a functions as a parenthetical interjection, providing a contrasting temporal marker before the definitive statement of 5b identifies the resurrection of verse 4 as uniquely “the first.” The fronting of αὕτη in the Greek serves to highlight the contrast and prominence of this specific resurrection event, setting it apart from any other.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Revelation 20:5b functions as an explanatory clause, categorizing the resurrection described in verse 4 as chronologically and qualitatively distinct. The absence of an explicit verb is a typical feature of Greek nominal clauses, where the copula “is” is implicitly understood. The demonstrative pronoun αὕτη (“this”) unambiguously points back to the resurrection of the martyrs and faithful believers in verse 4, emphasizing its priority over the resurrection of “the rest of the dead” mentioned parenthetically in verse 5a. The clause provides a definitive theological label for this initial eschatological event.

1. This is the first resurrection. This translation is very literal, maintaining the nominal clause structure and implying the verb “is.” It directly communicates the categorizing nature of the statement.
2. This resurrection is the first. This rendering explicitly adds the copula for clearer English syntax and emphasizes the definite article with “first,” underscoring its unique status.
3. This one is the first resurrection. This option uses “this one” to make the demonstrative pronoun slightly more emphatic in English, clearly pointing back to the event described in verse 4, while still incorporating the implied verb and the article with “first.”

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