King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:22 Mean?

Revelation 21:22 in the King James Version says “And I saw no temple therein : for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 21:22 · KJV

Context

20

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.

21

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.

22

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

23

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.

24

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.

Read Revelation 21 full chapter

Commentary

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

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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 21:22 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 · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ναὸς2 of 19

“temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

οὐκ3 of 19

“no”

G3756

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

εἶδον4 of 19

“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

ἐν5 of 19

“therein”

G1722

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

αὐτῆς6 of 19

“of it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ7 of 19
G3588

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

γὰρ8 of 19

“for”

G1063

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

κύριος9 of 19

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὁ10 of 19
G3588

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

θεὸς11 of 19

“God”

G2316

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

ὁ12 of 19
G3588

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

παντοκράτωρ13 of 19

“Almighty”

G3841

the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)

ναὸς14 of 19

“temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

αὐτῆς15 of 19

“of it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐστιν16 of 19

“are”

G2076

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

καὶ17 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

τὸ18 of 19
G3588

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

ἀρνίον19 of 19

“the Lamb”

G721

a lambkin

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 21:22 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 21:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 4:232 Chronicles 2:61 Kings 8:27Isaiah 66:1John 4:21Revelation 1:8

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