About Revelation

Revelation unveils the ultimate victory of Christ over evil, the final judgment, and the glorious future awaiting believers in the new heaven and new earth.

Author: John the ApostleWritten: c. AD 95Reading time: ~3 minVerses: 27
Return of ChristJudgmentVictoryWorshipNew CreationPerseverance

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King James Version

Revelation 21

27 verses with commentary

The New Heaven and New Earth

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I saw a new heaven and a new earth</strong> (καινὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ γῆν καινήν)—John uses <em>kainos</em> (new in quality, fresh) not <em>neos</em> (new in time), indicating not mere replacement but transformation and renewal. This fulfills Isaiah 65:17's prophecy: 'I create new heavens and a new earth.' Peter likewise describes heavens and earth renewed by fire (2 Peter 3:10-13).<br><br><...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXI. THE FINAL REGENERATION.—ALL THINGS NEW: NEW HEAVENS; NEW EARTH; NEW JERUSALEM (Revelation 21:1 to Revelation 22:5). THE NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH. (1) **And I saw a new heaven . . .**—The hope of the renewal and restitution of all things had been long cherished. Earlier prophets had sanctioned the hope: Isaiah had told of new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65:17); Ezekiel had closed his prophe...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. no man--**Greek, "no one." Not merely no man, but also no one of any order of beings. **in earth--**Greek, "upon the earth." **under the earth--**namely, in Hades. **look thereon--**to look upon the contents, so as to read them.

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.</strong> The vision opens with <strong>the holy city</strong> (τὴν πόλιν τὴν ἁγίαν, tēn polin tēn hagian), emphasizing not a renovated earthly Jerusalem but an entirely new creation. The phrase <strong>coming down from God out of heaven</strong> (καταβαίνουσαν ἐκ το...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **And I John saw the holy city . . .**—Better, *And the holy city, new Jerusalem, I saw coming down out of the heaven from God, prepared* . . . The name John is omitted in the best MSS. The new Jerusalem is more fully described later on (Revelation 21:10 *et seq.*)*.* The city is also the bride (comp. Revelation 21:9-10). Both images—the “city” and the “bride”—are familiar to the Bible student...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. and to read--**inserted in English Version Greek text without good authority. One oldest manuscript, Origen, Cyprian, and Hilary omit the clause. "To read" would be awkward standing between "to open the book" and "to look thereon." John having been promised a revelation of "things which must be hereafter," weeps now at his earnest desire being apparently frustrated. He is a pattern to us to i...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them</strong> (ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ θεοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων)—the Greek <em>skēnē</em> (tabernacle) evokes the wilderness Tabernacle where God's glory dwelt (Exodus 40:34-35). This is the ultimate fulfillment of Immanuel—"God with us" (Matthew 1:23). The verb <em>skēnoō</em> (to dwell/tabernacle) recalls John 1:14: "The Word became fle...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE FIRST VOICE.—The voice out of the throne (Revelation 21:3-4.) (3) **And I heard a great voice out of heaven. . . .**—According to the best MSS. the voice now heard was heard “*out of the throne,” *saying, *Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will tabernacle with them.* Here, as in Revelation 7:15, the translation, “shall dwell,” weakens the force of the allusion. The tent, or tab...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. one of--**Greek, "one from among." The "elder" meant is, according to some (in Lyra), Matthew. With this accords the description here given of Christ, "the Lion, which is (so the Greek) of the tribe of Juda, the root of David"; the royal, David-descended, lion-aspect of Christ being that prominent in Matthew, whence the lion among the fourfold cherubim is commonly assigned to him. Gerhard in ...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes</strong> (καὶ ἐξαλείψει ὁ θεὸς πᾶν δάκρυον)—The verb <em>exaleipsei</em> means to "wipe out, erase completely," the same word used for blotting out sin (Acts 3:19, Col 2:14). God Himself performs this most tender act, echoing Isaiah 25:8. This is not mere comfort but complete obliteration of sorrow's cause.<br><br><strong>There shall be no ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **And God shall wipe away all tears . . .**—Instead of “all tears” we should translate “every tear,” and so possess the promise in its true and tender form. The first, or former, things are passed away: *death shall not be any longer; neither shall mourning, nor crying, nor pain, be any longer.* The splendid array of negatives come as heralds of the positive peace of the new Jerusalem: no sea,...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. I beheld, and, lo--**One oldest manuscript, A, omits "and, lo." Another, B, Cyprian, &amp;c., support, "and, lo," but omit, "and I beheld." **in the midst of the throne--**that is, not on the throne (compare Re 5:7), but in the midst of the company (Re 4:4) which was "round about the throne." **Lamb--**Greek, "arnion"; always found in Revelation exclusively, except in Joh 21:15 alone: it ...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>"Behold, I make all things new"</strong> (ἰδοὺ καινὰ ποιῶ πάντα, <em>idou kaina poiō panta</em>)—The One on the throne declares total cosmic renewal. The Greek <em>kainos</em> means qualitatively new, not merely recent (<em>neos</em>), pointing to unprecedented newness. This echoes Isaiah 43:19 and 65:17 but exceeds it: not repair but re-creation. Significantly, God speaks in present tense...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE SECOND VOICE.—The voice of Him who sitteth on the Throne (Revelation 21:5-8). (5) **And he that sat upon the throne . . .**—Better, *And he who sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And he saith* (the words “unto me” should be omitted) *write; because these words are faithful and true.* It is the Throned one, the One who rules over all things from the beginning, and w...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7. The book lay on the open hand of Him that sat on the throne for any to take who was found worthy [Alford]. The Lamb takes it from the Father in token of formal investiture into His universal and everlasting dominion as Son of man. This introductory vision thus presents before us, in summary, the consummation to which all the events in the seals, trumpets, and vials converge, namely, the setting...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **And he said unto me, It is done.**—Or, rather, *They* (the things promised) *have come to pass.* He spake, and it was done. The assurance is made trebly sure. “I am making all things new.” “These words are true.” “They are fulfilled.” “Twice,” says Bengel, “twice it is said in this book ‘It is done.’ First at the completion of the wrath of God in Revelation 16:17, and here again at the makin...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. had taken--**Greek, "took." **fell down before the Lamb--**who shares worship and the throne with the Father. **harps--**Two oldest manuscripts, A, B, Syriac and Coptic read, "a harp": a kind of guitar, played with the hand or a quill. **vials--**"bowls" [Tregelles]; censers. **odours--**Greek, "incense." **prayers of saints--**as the angel offers their prayers (Re 8:3) with incense...
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He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. all things: or, these things

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **He that overcometh shall inherit all things . . .**—Rather, *He that conquereth shall inherit these things; and I will be to him God, and he shall be to me a son.* The general promise of Revelation 21:3 is in part repeated, and this time more individually. Again we catch, as it were, the echo of the promises to the Seven Churches, the blessing is for him that conquereth. The idea of the war ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. sung--**Greek, "sing": it is their blessed occupation continually. The theme of redemption is ever new, ever suggesting fresh thoughts of praise, embodied in the "new song." **us to God--**So manuscript B, Coptic, Vulgate, and Cyprian. But A omits "us": and Aleph reads instead, "to our God." **out of--**the present election-church gathered out of the world, as distinguished from the peopl...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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 brimst...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allus...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable . . .**—Better, *But for the cowardly and* *unfaithful* (or, *unbelieving*)* and defiled with abominations, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and for all the false, their part *(*is*)* in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which thing is the second death.* The list here given points to those classes ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. made us--**A, B, Aleph, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic read, "them." The Hebrew construction of the third person for the first, has a graphic relation to the redeemed, and also has a more modest sound than us, priests [Bengel]. **unto our God--**So B and Aleph read. But A omits the clause. **kings--**So B reads. But A, Aleph, Vulgate, Coptic, and Cyprian, read, "A kingdom." Aleph reads also...
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The New Jerusalem

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and s...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM DESCRIBED (Revelation 21:9 to Revelation 22:5).—Before entering upon this section it is wise to recall once more that the descriptions here given are figurative, and are not to be understood literally. “There is nothing in it as it seems saving the King.” This remark may well be thought needless; but the misconceptions and misrepresentations of the Christian’s hope have been...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. I beheld--**the angels: who form the outer circle, while the Church, the object of redemption, forms the inner circle nearest the throne. The heavenly hosts ranged around gaze with intense love and adoration at this crowning manifestation of God's love, wisdom, and power. **ten thousand times ten thousand--**Greek, "myriads of myriads."

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,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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,...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses v...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **And he carried me away in the spirit . . .**—Better, *He carried me away in spirit on to a mountain, great and high. *It is not merely that the height gives a fine view-ground, the symbolism carries us further. The glimpse of God’s coming glories is best gained from the consecrated heights of self-surrender and prayer. On a mountain apart—the mountain of supplication and separation from the...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. to receive power--**Greek, "the power." The remaining six (the whole being seven, the number for perfection and completeness) are all, as well as "power," ranged under the one Greek article, to mark that they form one complete aggregate belonging to God and His co-equal, the Lamb. Compare Re 7:12, where each of all seven has the article. **riches--**both spiritual and earthly. **blessing...
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Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language charact...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Having the glory of God . . .**—The glory of God is the glorious presence of God, the true Shechinah, of which we have read before (Revelation 15:8, and see Revelation 21:23). The light of the city is described: *And her light* (or, *brightness:* it is the light which she gives; the same word is used as that employed in the LXX., Genesis 1:17, for the heavenly bodies) *is like a stone most ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

13. The universal chorus of creation, including the outermost circles as well as the inner (of saints and angels), winds up the doxology. The full accomplishment of this is to be when Christ takes His great power and reigns visibly. **every creature--**"all His works in all places of His dominion" (Psa 103:22). **under the earth--**the departed spirits in Hades. **such as are--**So B and Vul...
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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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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:...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic mea...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12, 13) **And had** **a wall great and high . . .**—Or, better (for the construction is continued), *Having a wall great and high, and having twelve gate-towers, and at the gate-towers twelve angels, and names inscribed which are *(*names*)* of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel: from the sun-rising *(*i.e., *facing east) *three gate-towers; from the north three gate-towers, from the south t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. said--**So A, Vulgate, and Syriac read. But B and Coptic read, "(I heard) saying." **Amen--**So A reads. But B reads, "the (accustomed) Amen." As in Re 4:11, the four and twenty elders asserted God's worthiness to receive the glory, as having created all things, so here the four living creatures ratify by their "Amen" the whole creation's ascription of the glory to Him. **four and twenty...
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On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jew...
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And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Je...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **And the wall of the city had . . .**—Or, rather, *And the wall of the city having twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.* There were twelve large stones forming the basement of the wall, the names of the Apostles were inscribed on these. The whole Old and New Testament Church is represented in the appearance of the city; but the work of the Apostles...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 Re 6:1-17. The Opening of the First Six of the Seven Seals. Compare Note, see on Re 5:1. Many (Mede, Fleming, Newton, &amp;c.) hold that all these seals have been fulfilled, the sixth having been so by the overthrow of paganism and establishment of Christianity under Constantine's edict, A.D. 312. There can, however, be no doubt that at least the sixth seal is future, and is to be at t...
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And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

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KJV Study Commentary

The measuring rod of gold indicates the precision and value of New Jerusalem's dimensions. Measuring symbolizes God's ownership and sovereignty—He defines the city's extent and inhabitants. Gold represents purity and divine glory. The angel's measurement demonstrates that the new creation has definite, ordained form according to God's design. Reformed theology sees this as God's meticulous prepara...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE MEASUREMENT OF THE CITY. (15) **And he that talked with me . . .**—Or, better, *And he who was talking with me had a golden reed . . .* The allusion here is to the angel mentioned in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 15:3); the reed, or measuring rod, is of gold, that used in Revelation 11:1 was not said to be of gold; the measurement there was the symbol of preservation amid impending danger; the measuring he...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2. Evidently Christ, whether in person, or by His angel, preparatory to His coming again, as appears from Re 19:11, 12. **bow--**(Psa 45:4, 5). **crown--**Greek, "stephanos," the garland or wreath of a conqueror, which is also implied by His white horse, white being the emblem of victory. In Re 19:11, 12 the last step in His victorious progress is represented; accordingly there He wears many d...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

The city's cubic shape (length, breadth, height equal at 12,000 furlongs/stadia) echoes the Holy of Holies' cubic form (1 Kings 6:20), but magnified to contain the entire redeemed community. The number 12,000 (12 × 1,000) symbolizes completeness—12 tribes, 12 apostles, multiplied by 1,000 (fullness). Reformed theology sees the cube as representing perfect holiness—the entire city is now God's dwel...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **And the city lieth foursquare . . .**—The city is foursquare, because the length and breadth are equal; but it is added that the height also is equal to the length and breadth, the city thus presents the symbol of perfect symmetry; this is all that is needed. Many interpreters are nervously anxious about the monstrous appearance of a city whose walls measured three thousand stadii (the word...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. and see--**omitted in the three oldest manuscripts, A, B, C, and Vulgate.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

The wall's measurement (144 cubits, about 216 feet) uses another multiple of 12 (12 × 12), symbolizing perfection and completion. The 'measure of a man, that is, of the angel' clarifies that though an angel measures, the standard is human-understandable. Reformed theology sees the wall representing security—the city needs no defensive fortification since enemies are absent, yet God's protection is...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **And he measured the wall thereof . . .**—Better. *And he measured its wall by an hundred and forty-four cubits *(*i.e., *in height), *man’s measure, which is angel’s.* The measurement is in man’s measure, but the reed was handled by an angel; the measure is true for men and true for angels; it may mean that the angel used the ordinary human measure, but may it not imply that the vision is t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. red--**the color of blood. The color of the horse in each case answers to the mission of the rider. Compare Mt 10:24-36, "Think not I am come to send peace on earth; I came not to send peace, but a sword." The white horse of Christ's bloodless victories is soon followed, through man's perversion of the Gospel, by the red horse of bloodshed; but this is overruled to the clearing away of the ob...
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And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

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KJV Study Commentary

Jasper wall construction represents clarity and brilliance. Jasper (see 4:3) resembles God's appearance—clear as crystal, allowing divine glory to shine through unhindered. The city being pure gold, transparent as glass, combines maximum value with complete transparency. This unprecedented description defies earthly physics, indicating transformed reality where matter itself reflects divine glory....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE BUILDING OR MATERIAL OF THE CITY. (18) **And the building of the wall . . .**—Or, *And the building-work* (or, *the masonry, *so Alford) *of the wall of it was jasper, and the city was pure gold, like pure glass.* The general aspect of the city was jasperlike, because the material of the wall was of the jasper stone. On this stone, see Note on Revelation 4:3, and on Revelation 21:11 above. The...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. Come and see--**The two oldest manuscripts, A, C, and Vulgate omit "and see." B retains the words. **black--**implying sadness and want. **had--**Greek, "having." **a pair of balances--**the symbol of scarcity of provisions, the bread being doled out by weight.

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;

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KJV Study Commentary

The twelve foundation stones adorned with precious stones recalls the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:17-20) representing Israel's twelve tribes. Here they represent the twelve apostles (v. 14), showing the church's foundation is apostolic teaching. Each stone's unique color and beauty demonstrates diversity within unity. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture's foundation for the church—apos...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **And the foundations of the wall . . .**—Better, *The foundations of the wall of the city *(*were*)* adorned with every precious stone.* We may compare the adornment of the harlot (Revelation 17:4). Her robe was decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls. The Bride, the Lamb’s wife, has her beautiful ornaments, richer and rarer than those which adorned the world-mistress. The comparis...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. a voice--**Two oldest manuscripts, A, C, read, "as it were a voice." B reads as English Version. The voice is heard "in the midst of the four living creatures" (as Jehovah in the Shekinah-cloud manifested His presence between the cherubim); because it is only for the sake of, and in connection with, His redeemed, that God mitigates His judgments on the earth. **A measure--**"A choenix." Whi...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

The continuation of foundation stones' description emphasizes comprehensive beauty and variety. The specific stones (sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, amethyst) showcase different colors and properties, demonstrating that the foundation's beauty is multifaceted. Each stone's uniqueness within the unified foundation illustrates unity in diversity. Reformed theology ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. and see--**supported by B; omitted by A, C, and Vulgate. The fourth living creature, who was "like a flying eagle," introduces this seal; implying high-soaring intelligence, and judgment descending from on high fatally on the ungodly, as the king of birds on his prey.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Twelve gates of single pearls represent access points to the city, corresponding to twelve tribes (v. 12). Pearls form through irritation producing beauty—apt symbol for the church formed through suffering producing glory. The street being pure transparent gold emphasizes that even common areas share the city's glory. Reformed theology sees open gates (v. 25) as demonstrating unrestricted access t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **And the twelve gates . . .**—Or, *gate-towers.* Each gate was of one pearl—*i.e., *made out of one pearl. The foundations are diverse; the gates are alike. There is one way, though there are many roads; one mode of entrance, through twelve gates. All find entrance through one new and living Way (John 14:6; Acts 4:11-12; 1Corinthians 3:11; Hebrews 10:20). The pearl was esteemed of the greate...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. pale--**"livid" [Alford]. **Death--**personified. **Hell--**Hades personified. **unto them--**Death and Hades. So A, C read. But B and Vulgate read, "to him." **fourth part of the earth--**answering to the first four seals; his portion as one of the four, being a fourth part. **death--**pestilence; compare Eze 14:21 with the four judgments here, the sword, famine, pestilence, and wi...
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The River of Life

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic li...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **And I saw no temple therein . . .**—Rather, *And temple I saw not in it, for the Lord God the Almighty is her temple, and the Lamb.* In Ezekiel’s vision the vast and splendid proportions of the Temple formed a conspicuous part: its gigantic proportions declared it to be figurative (Ezekiel 48:8-20); but the present vision passes on to a higher state of things. “I saw no temple:” Ezekiel’s v...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9. The three last seals relate to the invisible, as the first four to the visible world; the fifth, to the martyrs who have died as believers; the sixth, to those who have died, or who shall be found at Christ's coming, unbelievers, namely, "the kings ... great men ... bondman ... freeman"; the seventh, to the silence in heaven. The scene changes from earth to heaven; so that interpretations which...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid ap...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **And the city had no need of the sun . . .**—Rather, *And the city hath not need of the sun, nor of the moon that they should shine on* (or, *for*)* her; for the glory of God enlightened her, and her lamp is the Lamb.* The Shechinah is again alluded to. Light is the emblem of knowledge and holiness. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1John 1:5). Christ the Lamb, came as the Ligh...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. How long--**Greek, "Until when?" As in the parable the woman (symbol of the Church) cries day and night to the unjust judge for justice against her adversary who is always oppressing her (compare below, Re 12:10); so the elect (not only on earth, but under Christ's covering, and in His presence in Paradise) cry day and night to God, who will assuredly, in His own time, avenge His and their c...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalypt...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **And the nations of them which are saved . . .**—We must omit, with the best MSS., the words “of them which are saved,” and read, *And the nations shall walk by means of its light, and the kings of the earth carry their glory into her.* The outlook of the prophet is from the loneliness and depression of the then persecuted and despised churches; but in the vision he sees her beautiful and en...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. white robes--**The three oldest manuscripts, A, B, C, read, "A white robe was given." **every one of--**One oldest manuscript, B, omits this. A and C read, "unto them, unto each," that is, unto them severally. Though their joint cry for the riddance of the earth from the ungodly is not yet granted, it is intimated that it will be so in due time; meanwhile, individually they receive the whi...
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And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic lite...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25, 26) **And the gates of** **it . . .**—Better, *And the gates* (or, *gate-towers*)* shall never be shut by day, for night shall not be there.* The gates shall never be shut: all day they shall be open, and that day shall be for ever, for there shall be no night there. All that darkens—the sin that brings night on the soul; the sorrow that brings night on the heart—shall be banished for ever. I...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

12. As Re 6:4, 6-8, the sword, famine, and pestilence, answer to Mt 24:6, 7; Re 6:9, 10, as to martyrdoms, answer to Mt 24:9, 10; so this passage, Re 6:12, 17, answers to Mt 24:29, 30, "the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven; ... then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming"; imagery describin...
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And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

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KJV Study Commentary

Nations bringing their glory and honor into the city indicates that redeemed cultural achievements are preserved and sanctified in the new creation. Reformed theology affirms that redemption restores and perfects creation rather than annihilating it. The nations' contributions show that diverse peoples each bring unique gifts to glorify God. This fulfills prophetic visions (Isaiah 60:5, 11) of nat...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. stars ... fell ... as a fig tree casteth her ... figs--**(Is 34:4; Na 3:12). The Church shall be then ripe for glorification, the Antichristian world for destruction, which shall be accompanied with mighty phenomena in nature. As to the stars falling to the earth, Scripture describes natural phenomena as they would appear to the spectator, not in the language of scientific accuracy; and yet,...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meani...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **And there shall in no wise enter into . . .**—Better, *And there shall never enter into her anything unclean, and he that worketh abomination and falsehood, but only* (or, *except*)* they that have been written in the book of life of the Lamb.* The gates stand open always, but no evil thing may find a home there. The emphatic repetition here (see Revelation 21:8) of the idea that all sin is...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. departed--**Greek, "was separated from" its place; "was made to depart." Not as Alford, "parted asunder"; for, on the contrary, it was rolled together as a scroll which had been open is rolled up and laid aside. There is no "asunder one from another" here in the Greek, as in Ac 15:39, which Alford copies. **mountain ... moved out of ... places--**(Psa 121:1, Margin; Jr 3:23; 4:24; Na 1:5)....
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