Revelation Chapter 21 Explained: The New Jerusalem Described

Revelation Chapter 21 Introduction

Revelation chapter 21 describes the holy city, the New Jerusalem. This chapter continues from the events recorded in Revelation chapter 20 cover and describes “the end of time.” The last two chapters of Revelation describe events after there is no more time as we understand it. These events give a glimpse of what will happen after “the end of time.”

Revelation 21:1-Setting

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.

The Apostle John, in his prophetic vision, opens this chapter with describing a new heaven and a new Earth. The original heaven and Earth, described and lovingly formed by God as recorded in Genesis 1:1, will one day cease to exist. This physical world, even the very heavens itself, will pass away. But as nature, and God Himself Who created nature abhors a vacuum, God will make a new heaven and a new Earth. This new world will be the dwelling place for His spiritual and eternal people.

Revelation 21:2-First Glimpse of the New Jerusalem

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

One of the first inhabitants of the new heaven and new Earth will be the New Jerusalem. The old Jerusalem, the site of much strife, bloodshed idolatry, and sin will, with the old Earth, be destroyed. But God will create a new and holy city which He will name “Jerusalem.” This city will be beautifully and exquisitely decorated.

Revelation 21:3-God Will Live With His People

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.

Because of the context, this beautiful, new city will be the primary dwelling place of God in this new heaven and new Earth. Throughout the Bible, God desired to dwell among His people. Finally, in this holy city, in this new, unspoiled Earth with the people that will live there, He will be welcomed.

Revelation 21:4-Perfect Bliss

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.

The people living in the new heaven and new Earth will not suffer sorrow, death, tears, or pain of any sort. All of these negative things, and all that causes them, will be gone forever.

Revelation 21:5-New Creation from Jesus Christ

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.

The Creator of this paradise will be Jesus Christ, Who is sitting on the throne. He gave John the firm and wonderful promise, “I make all things new.” He, Who created the original world, will now not remake it, but will again from nothing create this new world. Why not remake the old one? The answer is simple: sin. Sin has tainted not only Earth, but heaven, too. (Job 15:15) KJV

Revelation 21:6-The New Creation Finished

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.

The residents of New Jerusalem will be satisfied. They will not need physical water as physical beings do, but the water promised here will be spiritual refreshment for spiritual beings. Physical beings also have spiritual desires, but many times spiritual desires are masked in the physical world. In this future universe composed of spiritual entities, spiritual needs will be abundantly satisfied.

Revelation 21:7-Promises To The Overcomers

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.                                                                     

This reference to the “overcomer” relates back to the definition of an “overcomer” in 1 John 5:5. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (KJV) These “overcomers” will inherit with Jesus Christ “all things” as sons of God. This is an incomprehensible, but magnificent, promise.

Revelation 21:8-The Second Death

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.

The joy, satisfaction, and comfort will be the inheritance, the “part” of the overcomers. But for all of lost humanity, devils, Satan, the beast, and the false prophet, they will have their inheritance of torment in the lake of fire.

Revelation 21:9-The Anticipation

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.

The Apostle John recognized this heavenly messenger since he had seen him before. This was one of the angels who had participated in the vial judgments. But this time, instead of executing judgment on the world, this angel eagerly wants to show John a new and glorious wonder — the dwelling place of the Lamb’s wife.

Revelation 21:10-The Dwelling Place of The Bride

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,

This heavenly messenger gave John a closer look at the city. The city itself will not be the bride of the Lamb, but instead, will be the bride’s residence in the new heaven and new Earth.

Revelation 21:11-The Lighted New Jerusalem

Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

This city, prepared for the Lamb’s wife, will have God as its light source. Jasper stones can be in many different colors. Some Bible scholars believe this light will be green.

Revelation 21:12-New Jerusalem’s Boundaries

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:

The wall of New Jerusalem indicates separation, but despite the separation, there will be twelve points of entry, with each named after the twelve tribes of Israel. This will be a memorial to the nation of Israel, which God chose as His people to be special to Him. Through these tribes, God gave His Word, which gave instructions to be able to approach and enter in fellowship with Him.

Revelation 21:13-Her Gates

On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

The gates will be arranged with three on each of the four cardinal directions.

Revelation 21:14-Her Foundations

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

It is fitting that the foundations of this city where the body and bride of the Lamb will reside has the names of the twelve apostles in its foundations since the church began with the apostles. The name of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus Christ, will no doubt be replaced by the Apostle Paul, the apostle who proclaimed the Lord.

The mention of the foundations of this city may be the fulfillment of the city, which according to the Book of Hebrews, Abraham searched for. “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10 (KJV)

Revelation 21:15-The Exact Measurements

And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

The angel who is showing John this vision has a measuring stick. This measuring stick shows the exactness of this heavenly city. Every detail will be perfectly designed by God Himself.

Revelation 21:16-Her Dimensions

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.

In this new heaven and new Earth, it seems that gravity as we now know it will be gone. Therefore, the city, and its future inhabitants will be able to comfortably build and live both “up” as well as “across.”

Revelation 21:17-The Wall

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.

This ambiguous verse reiterates the importance of the measurement of the city. The measurement of a cubit is usually 18 inches, measured by an adult man’s forearm. But the reference of the angel, who may be much taller than the average man, and therefore had a larger forearm, would result in a much longer cubit. Regardless of the actual length of the cubit being used as a measuring stick, the wall of the city will be in proportion to the enormity of the city — very small. The wall will only be symbolic of God’s security since this city will not have any enemies to threaten it, and no protection will be necessary.

Revelation 21:18-Transparent Beauty

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

The city will be transparent, and will be both beautiful and revealing. Nothing will be hidden or will need to be concealed.

Revelation 21:19-20-Foundations Described

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; 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. (KJV)

The exact colors of these precious stones named here vary in nature and beauty. But it would seem plausible that each stone mentioned here would be both clear and have a different hue. The supernatural light originating from inside the city then filtered through these twelve different precious stones, will no doubt create a stunning light show.

Revelation 21:21-Pearly Gates

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. (KJV)

To complement the multicolored rainbow effect, John saw the gates of the city were composed of a single pearl and its streets were made of transparent gold.

New Jerusalem By the Numbers Chart

Feature	Number	Detail
Gates	12	Named after the twelve tribes of Israel; three gates on each of the four sides.
Angels at the Gates	12	One angel stationed at each gate.
Foundations	12	Named after the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Foundation Gemstones	12	Jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, and amethyst — one per foundation.
City Dimensions	12,000 furlongs	Length, breadth, and height are all equal — a perfect cube.
Wall Height	144 cubits	Measured “according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.”
Gates Material	Pearl	Each of the twelve gates is carved from a single pearl.
Streets Material	Gold	Pure gold, transparent as glass.

Download a printable PDF of New Jerusalem By the Numbers chart here.

Revelation 21:22-No Temple

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. (KJV)

Unlike the Millennial reign where there will be an actual temple in Jerusalem, the New Jerusalem will not need a temple. The very presence of God, which will both fill and permeate the city, will be an integral part of the city.

Revelation 21:23-Spiritual Light

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. (KJV)

Whether or not there will be any light-bearing heavenly bodies in the new heaven and new Earth is unknown. Regardless of their presence or absence, this city will not need these celestial bodies to illuminate it since the very Source of Light, Jesus Christ, said, “I am the light of the world” John 8:12 (KJV). He will be the light of this wonderful city.

Revelation 21:24-Its Population

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. (KJV)

This new Earth will be populated with sinless, righteous, and spiritual beings. These people may not necessarily live in the New Jerusalem, but they will be able to enjoy it.

Revelation 21:25-No Night

And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. (KJV)

The gates will serve as entrances, not barriers, and they will be open eternally. In this new world, there will no need of security, no downtime, and no “closed” signs.

Revelation 21:26-Glory and Honor

And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. (KJV)

This New Jerusalem will be the capital of the new Earth.

Revelation 21:27-Purity

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. (KJV)

This will be a holy and clean city in every way. No one or nothing will be allowed to sully this beautiful perfection. All the inhabitants of this new Earth, even if there will be future, spiritual people produced, will have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Revelation Chapter 21-Study/Review Questions

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Revelation Chapter 21-Personal Reflection Question:

What do you think will be the best part of this new world to you?

Revelation Chapter 21-Behind the Scenes Stuff

The description of the New Jerusalem is mind boggling. I will be the first to admit, I don’t get it. However when I think that my body is a “temple” “of the Holy Spirit, this heavenly and spiritual city will be drastically unlike anything we have or even can imagine in this physical world.

Currently, I am not a city person. I generally don’t care for cities. Yet, I know by faith, when I get to the New Jerusalem, I will be more content than what I can ever imagine now.

The Complete Revelation Bible Study Series

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible Study Chapter By Chapter chart here.

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