1 And 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.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And 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.
4 And 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.
5 And 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.
6 And 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.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But 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.
9 And 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.
10 And 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,
11 Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And 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:
13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16 And 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.
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18 And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And 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;
20 The 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.
21 And 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.
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23 And 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.
24 And 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.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 And 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.
Overview of Revelation 21
Revelation 21 presents a vivid portrayal of the new heaven and new earth, emphasizing the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. This chapter marks a significant transition from the judgments of the previous chapters to the hope and restoration that awaits believers. It encapsulates themes of renewal, divine presence, and the eternal state of God’s people.
Key Themes
- New Creation: The chapter opens with the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, indicating a complete transformation of the current order.
- Divine Presence: God’s dwelling among humanity is a central theme, highlighting the intimate relationship between God and His people.
- Restoration and Hope: The removal of pain, suffering, and death signifies the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
- The New Jerusalem: The description of the New Jerusalem serves as a symbol of God’s ultimate promise and the hope for believers.
Structure of the Chapter
- Vision of the New Heaven and New Earth (Verses 1-2):
The chapter begins with John witnessing a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away. The New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, is described as a bride adorned for her husband.
- God’s Promise of Presence (Verses 3-4):
God declares His intention to dwell with humanity, wiping away every tear and eliminating death, mourning, crying, and pain.
- The Faithful and the Unfaithful (Verses 5-8):
God reassures John that these words are trustworthy and true. A distinction is made between the faithful who will inherit these promises and the unfaithful who will face judgment.
- Description of the New Jerusalem (Verses 9-21):
The angel shows John the New Jerusalem, describing its beauty, dimensions, and materials, emphasizing its glory and perfection.
- The Presence of God (Verses 22-27):
The city does not require a temple, as God and the Lamb are its temple. The nations will walk in its light, and nothing impure will enter it.
Detailed Analysis
New Heaven and New Earth (Verses 1-2)
The chapter opens with a profound declaration of renewal. The imagery of a new heaven and new earth signifies a radical transformation, where the old order of sin and decay is replaced by a perfect creation. The New Jerusalem is depicted as a bride, symbolizing purity, beauty, and the intimate relationship between Christ and His church.
God’s Promise of Presence (Verses 3-4)
God’s promise to dwell among His people is a pivotal moment in the narrative. This divine presence brings comfort and assurance, as it signifies the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal joy. The removal of tears, death, and pain encapsulates the hope of redemption and restoration.
The Faithful and the Unfaithful (Verses 5-8)
In these verses, God emphasizes the reliability of His promises. The contrast between the faithful and the unfaithful serves as a reminder of the consequences of one’s choices. The faithful are assured of their inheritance, while the unfaithful face judgment, underscoring the importance of living a life aligned with God’s will.
Description of the New Jerusalem (Verses 9-21)
The angel’s description of the New Jerusalem is rich in symbolism and detail. The city is portrayed with precious stones, gold, and gates made of pearls, reflecting its splendor and glory. The measurements of the city emphasize its perfection and completeness, suggesting that it is a place of divine order.
The Presence of God (Verses 22-27)
The absence of a temple in the New Jerusalem highlights the direct access believers will have to God. The city is illuminated by God’s glory, signifying that His presence is the ultimate source of light and life. The emphasis on purity and holiness reinforces the idea that only those who are righteous can enter this eternal dwelling.
Conclusion
Revelation 21 serves as a powerful conclusion to the book of Revelation, encapsulating the hope and promise of eternal life with God. The themes of renewal, divine presence, and the ultimate victory over sin and death resonate throughout the chapter, offering encouragement and assurance to believers. This vision of the New Jerusalem stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan for humanity.
