Revelation 21

Commentary

A New Heaven and a New Earth

1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The New Jerusalem

9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

A New Heaven and a New Earth
(Isaiah 65:17–25)

1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with people, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.”

5 He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” He said, “Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.” 6 He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to him who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem

9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb’s bride.”

10 He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12 having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. 13 On the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

15 He who spoke with me had for a measure, a golden reed, to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, and its length is as great as its breadth. He measured the city with the reed, Twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17 Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18 The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass. 19 The foundations of the city’s wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

22 I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple. 23 The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 25 Its gates will in no way be shut by day (for there will be no night there), 26 and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it so that they may enter. 27 There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

A New Heaven and a New Earth
(Isaiah 65:17–25)

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, a for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying:

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man,

and He will dwell with them.

They will be His people,

and God Himself will be with them as their God. b

4 ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ c

and there will be no more death

or mourning or crying or pain,

for the former things have passed away.”

5 And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” 6 And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.

8 But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem

9 Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls full of the seven final plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. 12 The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia d in length and width and height. 17 And he measured its wall to be 144 cubits, e by the human measure the angel was using.

18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone:

The first foundation was jasper,

the second sapphire,

the third chalcedony,

the fourth emerald,

20 the fifth sardonyx,

the sixth carnelian,

the seventh chrysolite,

the eighth beryl,

the ninth topaz,

the tenth chrysoprase,

the eleventh jacinth,

and the twelfth amethyst.

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.

22 But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. f 25 Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there.

26 And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

 

Footnotes:

1 a See Isaiah 65:17 and Isaiah 66:22 (see also LXX).
3 b SBL, NE, WH, and BYZ God Himself will be with them.
4 c Isaiah 25:8.
16 d 12,000 stadia  is approximately 1,380 miles or 2,220 kilometers.
17 e 144 cubits  is approximately 216 feet or 65.8 meters. The measure could indicate either height or thickness.
24 f BYZ and TR include and honor .

A New Heaven and a New Earth

1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth did pass away, and the sea is not any more; 2and I, John, saw the holy city -- new Jerusalem -- coming down from God out of the heaven, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband; 3and I heard a great voice out of the heaven, saying, 'Lo, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will tabernacle with them, and they shall be His peoples, and God Himself shall be with them -- their God, 4and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and the death shall not be any more, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor shall there be any more pain, because the first things did go away.'

5And He who is sitting upon the throne said, 'Lo, new I make all things; and He saith to me, 'Write, because these words are true and stedfast;' 6and He said to me, 'It hath been done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End; I, to him who is thirsting, will give of the fountain of the water of the life freely; 7he who is overcoming shall inherit all things, and I will be to him -- a God, and he shall be to me -- the son, 8and to fearful, and unstedfast, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all the liars, their part is in the lake that is burning with fire and brimstone, which is a second death.'

The New Jerusalem

9And there came unto me one of the seven messengers, who have the seven vials that are full of the seven last plagues, and he spake with me, saying, 'Come, I will shew thee the bride of the Lamb -- the wife,'

10and he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and did shew to me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God, 11having the glory of God, and her light is like a stone most precious, as a jasper stone clear as crystal, 12having also a wall great and high, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve messengers, and names written thereon, which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel, 13at the east three gates, at the north three gates, at the south three gates, at the west three gates; 14and the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15And he who is speaking with me had a golden reed, that he may measure the city, and its gates, and its wall; 16and the city lieth square, and the length of it is as great as the breadth; and he did measure the city with the reed -- furlongs twelve thousand; the length, and the breadth, and the height, of it are equal; 17and he measured its wall, an hundred forty-four cubits, the measure of a man, that is, of the messenger; 18and the building of its wall was jasper, and the city is pure gold -- like to pure glass; 19and the foundations of the wall of the city with every precious stone have been adorned; the first foundation jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. 21And the twelve gates are twelve pearls, each several one of the gates was of one pearl; and the broad-place of the city is pure gold -- as transparent glass.

22And a sanctuary I did not see in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, is its sanctuary, and the Lamb, 23and the city hath no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they may shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp of it is the Lamb; 24and the nations of the saved in its light shall walk, and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it, 25and its gates shall not at all be shut by day, for night shall not be there; 26and they shall bring the glory and the honour of the nations into it; 27and there may not at all enter into it any thing defiling and doing abomination, and a lie, but -- those written in the scroll of the life of the Lamb.

The New Heaven and New Earth

¹ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth went-away, and the sea is not being any longer.* ² And the holy city, New Yerushalayim, I saw coming-down out of heaven from God, having-been-prepared as a bride having-been-adorned for her husband.* ³ And I heard a great voice from the throne saying, "Behold! The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will-tabernacle with them, and they will-be His peoples, and God Himself will-be with them.* ⁴ And He will-wipe-away every tear from their eyes, and death will not be any longer, nor mourning nor crying nor pain will-be any longer, because the first things went-away."

⁵ And the One sitting upon the throne said, "Behold! I am-making all things new!" And He says, "Write! Because these words are faithful and true."* ⁶ And He said to me, "They have-come-to-be! I am the Aleph and the Tav, the beginning and the end. I will-give to the one thirsting from the spring of the water of life freely.* ⁷ The one overcoming will-inherit these things, and I will-be to him God, and he will-be to me son. ⁸ But for the cowardly and unbelieving and having-become-abominable and murderers and sexually-immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all the false, their part is in the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is being the second death."*

The New Yerushalayim
⁹ And one of the seven angels having the seven bowls being-full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, "Come! I will-show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."* ¹⁰ And he carried-away me in spirit upon a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city Yerushalayim coming-down out of heaven from God, ¹¹ having the glory of God, its radiance like a stone most-precious, as a jasper stone being-crystal-clear.* ¹² Having a wall great and high, having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names having-been-inscribed which are of the twelve tribes of the sons of Yisrael. ¹³ From east three gates, and from north three gates, and from south three gates, and from west three gates. ¹⁴ And the wall of the city having twelve foundations, and upon them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.*

¹⁵ And the one speaking with me was-having a measuring reed of gold, so-that he might-measure the city and its gates and its wall. ¹⁶ And the city is-lying foursquare, and its length as much as the width. And he measured the city with the reed to twelve thousand stadia; its length and width and height are-being equal.* ¹⁷ And he measured its wall, one hundred forty-four cubits, a measure of man, which is being of angel. ¹⁸ And the building-material of its wall was jasper, and the city pure gold like pure glass. ¹⁹ The foundations of the wall of the city having-been-adorned with every precious stone; the first foundation jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh hyacinth, the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each one of the gates was being from one pearl. And the street of the city pure gold as transparent glass.

The Glory of the New Yerushalayim
²² And I saw no temple in it, for Adonai God the Almighty and the Lamb are being its temple.* ²³ And the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon that they might-shine in it, for the glory of God enlightened it, and its lamp is the Lamb. ²⁴ And the nations will-walk through its light, and the kings of the earth are-bringing their glory into it.* ²⁵ And its gates may never be-shut by day, for night will not be there, ²⁶ and they will-bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. ²⁷ And may never enter into it anything defiling and one practicing abomination and falsehood, except the ones having-been-written in the book of life of the Lamb.*

Footnotes:
21:1: "Went-away" (apēlthan) implies complete passing away of old order
21:2: New Yerushalayim represents perfected community of God's people
21:3: "Tabernacle" (skēnōsei) echoes Shekinah glory in wilderness sanctuary
21:5: Present tense "am-making" emphasizes ongoing divine activity
21:6: Alpha and Omega, first and last letters of Greek alphabet, represent totality
21:8: "Second death" represents final, eternal separation from God
21:9: Bride imagery connects to covenant relationship between God and His people
21:11: Jasper likely represents diamond-like clarity and brilliance
21:14: Twelve foundations combine Jewish and Messianic symbolism
21:16: 12,000 stadia equals approximately 1,400 miles, suggesting completeness
21:24: Nations bringing glory fulfills prophecies of universal worship
21:27: Book of life concept derives from ancient citizenship registers​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The New Heaven and New Earth

¹ Then I witnessed it: a complete cosmic transformation*! A new heaven and a new earth emerged as the first heaven and earth vanished without a trace. The sea—that ancient symbol of chaos and separation—existed no more. ² I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven like a bride adorned for her wedding day*, radiating God’s glory. ³ A thunderous voice from the throne proclaimed, “Look! God’s dwelling is now among His people*. He will make his home with them; they will be His people, and God himself will live among them as their God. ⁴ He will tenderly wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death itself will cease to exist. Mourning, crying, and pain will vanish forever, for the old order of things will have passed away.”

All Things New

⁵ The One seated on the throne declared, “Watch! I am making everything new!*” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are completely trustworthy and true.” ⁶ He continued, “It is accomplished! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End*. To all who thirst, I will freely give water from the spring of life. ⁷ Those who overcome will inherit all this, and I will be their God, and they will be My children. ⁸ But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the corrupt, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those practicing magic arts, idolaters, and all liars—their destiny is the lake of burning sulfur, which is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem

⁹ One of the seven angels who had poured out the seven last plagues came to me and said, “Come! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” ¹⁰ In the Spirit, he carried me to an enormous, high mountain and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God*. ¹¹ It radiated God’s glory, its brilliance like a priceless jewel, clear as crystal jasper. ¹² The city had a massive, high wall with twelve gates, guarded by twelve angels. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel were inscribed on the gates. ¹³ Three gates faced east, three north, three south, and three west. ¹⁴ The city wall had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb*.

The City's Measurements

¹⁵ The angel who spoke with me held a golden measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its walls. ¹⁶ The city was laid out as a perfect square—its length equal to its width. When he measured with his rod, it was 12,000 stadia (1,400 miles) in length, width, and height*. ¹⁷ He measured its wall: 144 cubits (216 feet) thick by human measurement*, which the angel was using.

The City's Splendor

¹⁸ The wall was built of crystal-clear jasper, and the city itself was pure gold, as transparent as glass*. ¹⁹ The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone: jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, ²⁰ sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate carved from a single massive pearl. The great street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.

God's Presence Is Its Glory

²² I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple*. ²³ The city needs no sun or moon to shine on it, for God’s glory illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp. ²⁴ The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. ²⁵ Its gates will never be shut by day, and there will be no night there. ²⁶ The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. ²⁷ Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life*.

Footnotes:

*21:1 - The Greek suggests not just renovation but complete renewal, echoing Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13.
*21:2 - The bride imagery completes the marriage metaphor begun in Revelation 19:7-9.
*21:3 - Fulfills Ezekiel 37:27 and the tabernacle symbolism from Exodus.
*21:5 - Connects to Isaiah 43:19, showing God's work of renewal reaching its climax.
*21:6 - Alpha and Omega are first and last letters of Greek alphabet, symbolizing completeness.
*21:10 - The mountain vision parallels Ezekiel 40:2, connecting this to prophetic tradition.
*21:14 - Symbolizes the unity of Old and New Testament people of God.
*21:16 - 12,000 stadia is about 1,400 miles or 2,250 kilometers; the perfect cube recalls the Holy of Holies.
*21:17 - 144 cubits is about 216 feet or 66 meters.
*21:18 - The transparent gold symbolizes both value and purity.
*21:22 - The absence of a temple shows direct access to God, fulfilling temple symbolism.
*21:27 - The Book of Life appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 32:32, Philippians 4:3).

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Revelation 21?
2Introduction to Revelation 21
3Context of Revelation 21
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Revelation 21 Unique Insights
7Revelation 21 Connections to Yeshua
8Revelation 21 Scriptural Echoes
9Revelation 21 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Revelation 21?

Introduction to Revelation 21

The magnificent vision of Revelation 21 stands as one of Scripture’s most breathtaking passages, unveiling the glorious culmination of God’s redemptive plan: the new heaven and new earth. This chapter presents the fulfillment of humanity’s deepest longings and יהוה’s most precious promises – the eternal dwelling of God with His people in unimaginable splendor and perfect fellowship. Here, the Apostle John witnesses the Holy City, New Jerusalem, descending from heaven like a bride adorned for her husband, symbolizing the ultimate union between the Messiah and His redeemed people.

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This revelation serves as the crescendo of biblical prophecy, where every tear is wiped away, death is vanquished, and the curse of Genesis 3:17-19 is finally reversed. The chapter doesn’t just describe a future reality; it presents the ultimate fulfillment of every covenant promise יהוה has made throughout Scripture.

Context of Revelation 21

Within the immediate context of Revelation, chapter 21 follows the final judgment of the great white throne (Revelation 20) and introduces the eternal state that follows. This transition marks the end of all opposition to God’s rule and the beginning of His eternal kingdom in its fullness. The chapter serves as the pinnacle of John’s apocalyptic vision, revealing the ultimate destination of God’s redemptive journey with humanity.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter connects deeply with the entire sweep of Scripture. It beautifully mirrors and completes the creation account of Genesis 1-2, forming an inclusio that frames all of biblical history. The garden of Eden finds its fulfillment in the garden-city of New Jerusalem, but now in a more glorious form. The tree of life, first mentioned in Genesis 2:9, reappears in this eternal paradise, accessible to all of God’s people.

Furthermore, this chapter fulfills countless prophetic promises throughout the Old Testament, particularly from Isaiah 65:17-25 and Isaiah 66:22, where יהוה first promised a new heaven and new earth. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of the new covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises to dwell with His people in perfect fellowship.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • καινός (kainos – “new”, v.1,2,5) – Unlike νέος (neos) which means new in time or origin, καινός signifies new in nature or quality. This word choice is crucial as it indicates not just a fresh creation, but a qualitatively different and superior one. The new heaven and earth aren’t just replacements, but a radical transformation into something unprecedented in quality and character.
  • νύμφη (nymphē – “bride”, v.2,9) – The metaphor of the bride carries deep covenant significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions. In Hebrew thought, the marriage relationship between יהוה and Israel (as in Hosea 2:19-20) finds its ultimate fulfillment in this eternal union between the Messiah and His people.
  • σκηνή (skēnē – “tabernacle”, v.3) – This word deliberately echoes the Hebrew משכן (mishkan), God’s dwelling place among Israel. It connects to the Incarnation where the Word “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14), now finding its ultimate expression in God’s eternal dwelling with humanity.
  • ἀπῆλθαν (apēlthan – “passed away”, v.4) – This verb emphasizes complete departure or cessation. The old order doesn’t merely fade; it definitively ends. This word choice underscores the absolute nature of the transformation in the new creation.
  • διψῶντι (dipsōnti – “thirsty”, v.6) – This word carries both physical and spiritual connotations, echoing Yeshua’s words in John 7:37. The image connects to Isaiah’s invitation to the thirsty (Isaiah 55:1), suggesting spiritual longing and its ultimate satisfaction.
  • νικῶν (nikōn – “overcomer”, v.7) – A key theme in Revelation, this participle describes not just victory but persistent conquering. It connects to Yeshua’s promises to overcomers in Revelation 2-3, showing their final fulfillment.
  • κρυσταλλίζοντι (krystallizonti – “crystal-clear”, v.11) – This rare word emphasizes absolute purity and transparency, symbolizing the unmediated presence and glory of God in the New Jerusalem.
  • τεῖχος (teichos – “wall”, v.12) – Beyond physical structure, this term in ancient cities represented security, belonging, and identity. The wall’s measurements and materials symbolize both perfect protection and inclusive welcome for God’s people.
  • θεμελίους (themelious – “foundations”, v.14,19) – The word carries connotations of both physical and spiritual foundations, connecting to Paul’s imagery of the church built on the foundation of apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20).

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1’s “new heaven and new earth” purposefully echoes Isaiah 65:17 but adds “for the first heaven and first earth had passed away.” This addition emphasizes complete discontinuity with the present order, clarifying that this isn’t merely renovation but radical recreation.
  • The phrase “coming down out of heaven” (v.2) was chosen over possible alternatives like “appearing” or “being created” to emphasize divine origin and initiative. This descending movement symbolizes God’s action in bringing heaven’s perfection to earth, fulfilling the prayer “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
  • The declaration “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man” (v.3) uses present tense rather than future, emphasizing the immediate and permanent nature of this new reality. The Greek construction emphasizes the shocking reversal of Eden’s separation.
  • The phrase “He will wipe away every tear” (v.4) uses an intimate, personal verb (ἐξαλείψει) rather than a more impersonal construction, emphasizing God’s personal involvement in comforting His people.
  • Verse 5’s “Behold, I am making all things new” uses present continuous tense rather than future, suggesting an ongoing process of renewal that culminates in this moment.
  • The description of the city’s measurements (v.15-17) uses human measurements (“according to human measurement”) while describing angelic activity, emphasizing the unity between heavenly and earthly realms in the new creation.
  • The list of precious stones (v.19-20) deliberately mirrors the high priest’s breastplate (Exodus 28:17-20), suggesting the fulfillment of Israel’s priestly calling.

Revelation 21 Unique Insights

The rabbinical tradition provides fascinating insights into this chapter’s imagery. The Talmud (Bava Batra 75a) speaks of a future Jerusalem built of precious stones and pearls, remarkably similar to John’s vision. This tradition interpreted Isaiah 54:11-12 literally, expecting a city of supernatural materials. The measurement of 12,000 stadia (v.16) has particular significance in Jewish numerology, where 12 represents governmental perfection and 1,000 represents divine completeness.

The early church father Irenaeus (Against Heresies, Book V) saw in the cubic shape of the New Jerusalem (v.16) a deliberate echo of the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple, which was also cubic. This suggests that in the new creation, the entire city becomes the Holy of Holies – the place of God’s direct presence, now accessible to all His people.

The absence of a temple (v.22) represents a radical departure from both Jewish and early Christian expectations. Throughout Scripture, the temple represented God’s dwelling place and the means of approaching Him. Its absence in the New Jerusalem signifies direct, unmediated communion with God, fulfilling Jeremiah 31:34‘s promise that all will know יהוה directly.

The description of the city’s light (v.23) draws on various prophetic traditions about God’s glory being the light of His people (Isaiah 60:19-20). The rabbinical concept of the “Or HaGanuz” (the hidden light of creation) finds its ultimate expression here, where God’s uncreated light eliminates the need for created light sources.

Revelation 21 Connections to Yeshua

This chapter powerfully reveals Yeshua’s role as both the fulfillment and the fulfiller of all God’s promises. The declaration “It is done!” (v.6) echoes His cry from the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), showing how His redemptive work reaches its ultimate completion in the new creation. His role as “the Alpha and the Omega” (v.6) connects to His divine identity claimed in Revelation 1:8, showing Him as the source and goal of all creation.

The imagery of the bride adorned for her husband (v.2) fulfills numerous parables and teachings of Yeshua about the wedding feast of the kingdom (Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 25:1-13). This marital imagery reaches its climax here, showing the eternal union between the Messiah and His redeemed people. The absence of tears, death, mourning, crying, and pain (v.4) demonstrates the full realization of His promise in John 10:10 to bring abundant life.

Revelation 21 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter serves as a magnificent tapestry woven with threads from throughout Scripture. The new heaven and new earth fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 65:17, 66:22). The image of God dwelling with His people echoes the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8), the temple (1 Kings 8:27), and the Incarnation (John 1:14).

The dimensions and materials of the city recall both Eden and the temple, while the river of life and tree of life (Revelation 22:1-2) mirror Genesis 2. The twelve gates named for the tribes of Israel and twelve foundations named for the apostles show the unity of God’s people across both covenants.

The promise to the thirsty (v.6) connects to Isaiah 55:1, John 4:14, and John 7:37. The list of those excluded from the city (v.8) echoes similar lists in Paul’s letters (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21).

Revelation 21 Devotional

This magnificent vision of our eternal home should transform how we live today. The promise of God making all things new challenges us to live as new creatures in Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:17), allowing His renewing work to begin in us now. The absence of tears, death, and pain in the new creation reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and that God will ultimately make all things right.

The description of the New Jerusalem as a bride adorned for her husband calls us to prepare ourselves spiritually for our eternal union with Messiah. This preparation involves both individual holiness and corporate unity as His church. The measurement of the city in human dimensions reminds us that this glorious future is not an abstract concept but a real destination being prepared for us.

The promise to the thirsty (v.6) invites us to bring our spiritual longings to God now, knowing He alone can satisfy our deepest needs. The list of those excluded from the city (v.8) soberly reminds us to examine our lives and repent of any patterns that don’t reflect our citizenship in God’s kingdom.

Did You Know

  • The measurements of the New Jerusalem (12,000 stadia ≈ 1,500 miles) would make it large enough to cover roughly the area from modern-day London to Moscow, emphasizing its capacity to accommodate all of God’s people.
  • The cubic shape of the city (length = width = height) mirrors the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple, suggesting the entire city functions as the ultimate Holy of Holies where God dwells with His people.
  • The twelve foundation stones of the city match the twelve stones in the High Priest’s breastplate, but in a slightly different order, possibly suggesting the fulfillment and transformation of the Old Testament priesthood.
  • The absence of sea (v.1) would have particular significance to John’s original audience on Patmos, where the sea represented separation, danger, and the source of beastly opposition to God’s kingdom.
  • The wall’s height of 144 cubits (v.17) combines the numbers 12 (representing God’s people) and 12, symbolizing perfect governmental administration in the eternal state.
  • The description of the city as “pure gold, like clear glass” (v.18) was a physical impossibility in the ancient world, highlighting the supernatural nature of the materials.
  • The gates that never shut (v.25) contrast with ancient cities that closed their gates at night for protection, emphasizing the absolute security and peace of the eternal state.
  • The size of each pearl gate would be approximately 1,500 miles high, creating an image of supernatural architecture beyond human capability.
  • The reference to “no night there” (v.25) would especially resonate with the ancient world where darkness represented danger and evil.
  • The materials described for the city’s construction would have been the most valuable substances known in the ancient world, representing unimaginable worth to John’s original audience.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

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