Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Into the abyss (eiv thn abusson). The one in Revelation 9:1 f. and the one spoken of by the legion of demons in Luke 8:31 under the charge of the angel of the abyss (Apollyon, Revelation 9:11) who is either Satan himself or a kindred power. "Already he has been cast out of Heaven (Revelation 12:9), now he is cast out of the earth, and returns to his own place" (Swete).
Shut it and sealed it (ekleisen kai esfragisen). Effective first aorists active indicative of kleiw and sfragizw.
That he should deceive no more (ina mh planhsh). Negative purpose clause with ina mh and the first aorist active subjunctive of planaw. Glorious relief after the strain of the previous visions of conflict. Small wonder that Christians today cherish this blessed hope whatever the actual meaning may be.
Until should be finished (axri telesqh). Temporal clause of future purpose with axri (as a conjunction like ewv) and the first aorist passive subjunctive of telew. Repeated in verse Revelation 20:5 and see axri and the subjunctive in Revelation 7:3; Revelation 15:8.
He must be loosed (dei luqhnai). Sad necessity, alas, with dei and the first aorist passive infinitive of luw.
For a little time (mikron xronon). Accusative of time. Whatever the thousand years means, it is here said plainly that after it is over the devil will again have power on earth "for a little time."
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Revelation 20:3:
Luke 8:31
Revelation 2:25
Revelation 6:11
Revelation 7:3
Revelation 9:1
Revelation 11:18
Revelation 20:7
Revelation 20:8
Revelation 20:10
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