King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:1 Mean?

Revelation 21:1 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 21:1 · King James Version


Context

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.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth (καινὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ γῆν καινήν)—John uses kainos (new in quality, fresh) not neos (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).

For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away (ὁ πρῶτος οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ πρώτη γῆ ἀπῆλθαν)—The verb apēlthan (departed, passed away) indicates not annihilation but transformation. The creation cursed by sin (Genesis 3:17-19, Romans 8:20-22) gives way to restored glory, the 'regeneration' Jesus promised (Matthew 19:28).

And there was no more sea (καὶ ἡ θάλασσα οὐκ ἔστιν ἔτι)—In Hebrew cosmology, the sea symbolized chaos, danger, and separation (the primordial deep of Genesis 1:2). In Revelation, the sea yields the dead (20:13) and births the beast (13:1). Its absence signifies complete order, safety, and unhindered access to God—no barrier between the nations and the Lamb's throne.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John wrote from exile on Patmos (c. AD 95) during Domitian's persecution. This vision of cosmic renewal would profoundly comfort churches facing the Roman Empire's oppressive might—reminding them that Caesar's 'eternal' Rome would pass away, but God's new creation endures forever. The sea's absence held special meaning for island exile John and landlocked Asian churches who viewed seas as threatening barriers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of a renewed creation (not mere escape to heaven) affect your view of physical existence, work, and caring for the present earth?
  2. What 'seas' of chaos or separation in your life does Christ promise to ultimately remove in the new creation?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον2 of 22

“I saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

οὐρανὸς3 of 22

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καινήν4 of 22

“a new”

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

καὶ5 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γῆ6 of 22

“earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καινήν7 of 22

“a new”

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

ὁ8 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ9 of 22

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πρώτη10 of 22

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

οὐρανὸς11 of 22

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ12 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ13 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρώτη14 of 22

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

γῆ15 of 22

“earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

παρῆλθεν16 of 22

“were passed away”

G3928

to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

καὶ17 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ18 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θάλασσα19 of 22

“sea”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

οὐκ20 of 22

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν21 of 22

“there was”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἔτι22 of 22

“more”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 21:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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