Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 21:8

"But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part [shall be] in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death." — Revelation 21:8 (ASV)

But the fearful. Having stated, in general terms, who would be admitted into that blessed world, he now states explicitly who would not. The fearful denote those who lacked the firmness to boldly 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 (Revelation 21:7).

And unbelieving. Those who do not have true faith: avowed infidels, infidels at heart, and all who do not have the sincere faith of the gospel. (See Barnes on Mark 16:16).

And the abominable. The verb from which this word is derived means to excite disgust, to feel disgust at, to abominate, or to abhor. Hence, the participle—the abominable—refers to all who are detestable (namely, on account of their sins) and to all those whose conduct is offensive to God.

Thus, it would include those who live in open sin, who practice detestable vices, and whose conduct is apt to excite disgust and abhorrence. These must all, of course, be excluded from a pure and holy world. This description, alas, would embrace a lamentably large portion of the world as it has been until now. (See Barnes on Romans 1:26 and following).

And murderers. (See Barnes on Romans 1:29; Galatians 5:21).

And whoremongers. (See Barnes on Galatians 5:19).

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

And idolaters. (1 Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 5:19).

And all liars. All who are false in their statements, their promises, or their contracts. The word would embrace all who are false to God (Acts 5:1–3) and false to men. .

Shall have their part in the lake which burneth, etc. .

That is, they will be excluded from heaven and punished forever. (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19–21).