21:1 new heaven and a new earth John seems to envision the relationship between the new heavens and earth to the old order similarly to how Paul understands the resurrected body as a transformation of the physical body (see 1 Cor 15:42–44; compare Isa 65:17). See note on 2 Pet 3:13.

the sea did not exist any longer Probably refers to the origin of evil and chaos (see Rev 13:1 and note; compare Gen 1:2).

21:2 a bride See Rev 19:6–9; note on 19:7.

21:3 take up residence with them Describes the great hope in the book of Revelation and the whole Bible (e.g., Exod 25:8; Lev 26:11–12; Ezek 37:26–27; Zech 2:10). Believers can be confident that in the end, they will be united with God.

they will be his people Dedicated to Him, belonging to Him.

God himself will be with them Emphasizes that He will remain and reside with them.

21:4 wipe away every tear from their eyes God will extinguish all sorrow and grief (Rev 7:17).

death will not exist any longer Christ conquered death on the cross; death was eradicated in 20:14. The saints will live eternally with God.

pain will not exist any longer Describes physical or bodily (as opposed to spiritual) death and discomfort—things brought about by the fall and the entrance of sin into humanity (see Gen 3).

former things Refers to the old or previous way of life or existence.

21:5 the one seated on the throne God Himself speaks.

I am making all things new John’s vision anticipates the restoration of an Eden-like state that also includes a reversal of the effects of humanity’s sin as described in Gen 3.

Write, because these words are faithful and true See note on Rev 19:9. “These words” probably refers to the truths contained in vv. 1–4.

21:6 It is done The Greek term used here refers to completion—probably in reference to the words in v. 5 and the overall actions of vv. 1–4. God has accomplished His purpose and made all things new.

the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end Echoes the introduction of Christ in ch. 1 (see 1:8 and note; 1:17).

21:7 The one who conquers Refers to those who remained faithful to Christ (compare 12:11; 15:2).

he will be my son In these passages, the paternal relationship is used describing God as Father and the king as His son (compare e.g., 2 Sam 7:14; Psa 2:7).

21:8 as for the cowards This verse issues a reminder to John’s audience. The seven churches were pressured to compromise their allegiance to Christ. Here, in the midst of describing the wonders of God’s new creation, John reminds them of the consequences of compromising with the present order.

21:9 seven angels From Rev 15:1; 16:1; 17:1.

21:10 in the Spirit John’s fourth and final experience in the spirit (see 1:10 and note).

coming down out of heaven from God The new Jerusalem descends to earth as a dwelling place for the saints. It comes from heaven, God’s dwelling place: Heaven and earth are now united.

21:11 that has the glory of God The city was illuminated or shining with the light of His glory (doxa); see Ezek 43:5).

Doxa Word Study

21:13 on the east The order of east, north, south, and west reflects Ezek 42:16–19.

21:14 the twelve apostles of the Lamb Refers to Jesus’ main group of disciples who served as the Church’s foundation (compare Eph 2:20). Both the 12 tribes (Rev 21:12) and the 12 apostles are represented, emphasizing the continuity of the people of God.

21:16 equal The city is depicted as a cube of gold (v. 18). This is perhaps an allusion to the holy of holies (most holy place), the focus of God’s holy presence throughout the ot (see 1 Kgs 6:20). In contrast with the holy of holies, which could only be entered by the high priest once a year, now all of God’s people will dwell in His presence.

21:17 one hundred forty-four cubits Probably refers to the height of the wall, though it could refer to its thickness. Like the dimensions of the city itself, this is a multiple of 12 (a significant number in Revelation; see Rev 7:4 and note).

according to human measure The angel is using the standard measure of the day, not some type of other-worldly, angelic measurement.

21:19 every kind of precious stone These stones recall those that were set into the high priest’s breastplate (see Exod 28:17–20).

21:21 each one of the gates was from a single pearl Describes 12 massive pearls—each pearl is its own gate.

21:22 I did not see a temple in it Because God and the Lamb will be present, there will be no need for a temple.

21:23 its lamp is the Lamb The Lamb is also a light source.

21:24 the nations Fulfills the ot hope that the nations and foreign kings would come to Jerusalem to worship God (see Isa 2:1–3).

21:25 there will be no night there Because of the omnipresence and illumination of God and the Lamb (Rev 21:23).

21:27 the book of life of the Lamb See 20:12 and note.