Bible Dictionary
Millennium
The millennium is the thousand-year period mentioned in Revelation 20. Christian interpreters have differed over its relation to Christ’s return and the final judgment.
Definition
The millennium is the thousand-year period mentioned in Revelation 20:1–7. Christian interpreters have differed over whether Christ’s second coming occurs before or after this period and over the manner in which His kingdom is manifested.
Biblical Usage
The millennium is associated with the reign and kingdom described in Revelation 20. One view expects Christ’s personal appearance at its beginning; another understands the gospel’s triumph to precede Christ’s return at the close of the present dispensation and the judgment of the last day.
Historical Background
Those expecting Christ’s personal appearance before the millennium are commonly called millenarians. The supplied material favors the view that Christ’s coming follows the millennium.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A thousand years; the name given to the era mentioned in Rev. 20:1-7. Some maintain that Christ will personally appear on earth for the purpose of establishing his kingdom at the beginning of this millennium. Those holding this view are usually called “millenarians.” On the other hand, it is maintained, more in accordance with the teaching of Scripture, we think, that Christ’s second advent will not be premillennial, and that the right conception of the prospects and destiny of his kingdom is that which is taught, e.g., in the parables of the leaven and the mustard-seed. The triumph of the gospel, it is held, must be looked for by the wider and more efficient operation of the very forces that are now at work in extending the gospel; and that Christ will only come again at the close of this dispensation to judge the world at the “last day.” The millennium will thus precede his coming.