King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:24 Mean?

Revelation 21:24 in the King James Version says “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 a...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 21:24 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

25

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

26

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

Read Revelation 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 21:24 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 · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

τὰ2 of 24
G3588

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

ἔθνη3 of 24

“the nations”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

τῶν4 of 24
G3588

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

σωζομένων5 of 24

“of them which are saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

ἐν6 of 24

“in”

G1722

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

τῷ7 of 24
G3588

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

φωτί8 of 24

“the light”

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

αὐτήν9 of 24

“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

περιπατήσουσιν10 of 24

“shall walk”

G4043

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

καὶ11 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ12 of 24
G3588

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

βασιλεῖς13 of 24

“the kings”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῆς14 of 24
G3588

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

γῆς15 of 24

“of the earth”

G1093

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

φέρουσιν16 of 24

“do bring”

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

τὴν17 of 24
G3588

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

δόξαν18 of 24

“glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ19 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

τὴν20 of 24
G3588

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

τιμὴν21 of 24

“honour”

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

αὐτήν22 of 24

“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

εἰς23 of 24

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτήν24 of 24

“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

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 21:24 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 21:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 8:22-23Revelation 21:26Revelation 22:2Zechariah 2:11Romans 15:10-12Isaiah 66:18

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