Originally Posted by geologist

As a previous member has correctly pointed out, the "lake of fire" is burning before, during and after the 1000 years.

Now, for this "their WORM shall not die" phrase, I've heard some preachers say that these sinners will be turned into worms. The truth is, man is already a worm:

Human sperm is shapped like a worm with a large head and long tale. When it fertilizes the female egg the resulting embryo develops into a male or female of the species, mankind. This man child has a large brain and a spinal cord system. If you strip away all of the body's bones and organs and skin you have only a large head (the brain) with a long tail (the spinal cord)...a worm.

This is the essence and core of every man.