King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:10 Mean?

Revelation 21:10 in the King James Version says “And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, de... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Revelation 21:10 · KJV


Context

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 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 literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 21:10 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἀπήνεγκέν2 of 27

away

G667

to bear off (literally or relatively)

με3 of 27

me

G3165

me

ἐν4 of 27

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πνεύματι5 of 27

the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἐπ'6 of 27

to

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὄρος7 of 27

mountain

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

μεγάλην,8 of 27

a great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ9 of 27

And

G2532

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

ὑψηλόν10 of 27

high

G5308

lofty (in place or character)

καὶ11 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἔδειξέν12 of 27

shewed

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

μοι13 of 27

me

G3427

to me

τὴν14 of 27
G3588

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

πόλιν15 of 27

city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

τὴν16 of 27
G3588

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

μεγάλην,17 of 27

a great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

τὴν18 of 27
G3588

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

ἁγίαν19 of 27

the holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ20 of 27

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

καταβαίνουσαν21 of 27

descending

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ22 of 27

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ23 of 27
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ24 of 27

heaven

G3772

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

ἀπὸ25 of 27

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ26 of 27
G3588

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

θεοῦ27 of 27

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


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 21:10 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 21:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study