Bible Commentaries
Revelation 21

Verse 1

^{THE SEVEN NEW THINGS (1) NEW HEAVEN and, (2) NEW EARTH v. 1, 2}

^{Note: see also Introduction Revelation}

^{1) "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth," (kai eidon ouranon kainon kai gen kainen) "And a new heaven and a new earth I recognized," Matthew 5:5; The first having been tainted by Satan’s approach to heaven’s throne, with his demon-host of accusers, had to be dissolved, replaced, Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; Job 1:1 to Job 2:13; Revelation 12:7-14.}

^{2) "For the first heaven," (ho gar protos ouranos) "Because (for) the first heaven," (had) passed (gone) away, "ceased to be," as formerly declared by our Lord, Matthew 24:35; Psalms 102:25-26; Psalms 119:90; Ecclesiastes 1:4 Romans 4:13; Romans 8:19-23; 2 Peter 3:7-10.}

^{3) "And the first earth were passed away," (kai he prote te apelthan) "And the first earth passed away," had gone away, ceased to be, or been destroyed, in the purging or dissolution of all things from the pollution or contamination of sin, Isaiah 51:6; Even in the Sermon on the Mount our Lord alluded to this coming event, Matthew 5:18; Psalms 37:9; Psalms 37:11; Psalms 37:29.}

^{4) "And there was no more sea," (kai he thalassa ouk estin eti) "And there was (existed) not the sea any more at all;” Isaiah 57:20-21. The sea is considered (in creation) as a part of this polluted universe, called earth. It too shall pass, with the heaven and earth, Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; Hebrews 1:10-12.}

^{There will then be no more separation, danger, mystery, rebellion, restlessness, or sin.}

^{Tho there shall be no more sea, there shall be a river that never shall run dry, and the water of life shall be available for all, Revelation 22:1; Revelation 22:17; John 4:14.}

Verse 2

^{1) "And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem," (kai ten polin ten hagian lerousalem kainen eidon) "And I (John) saw (recognized) the holy city, New Jerusalem;” Isaiah 52:1; Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:16; Hebrews 12:22-24, described as the Lamb’s wife, who after her marriage, Revelation 19:7-9, appears to be the central place from which the Lamb’s glory and light shall shine for eternity, Ephesians 3:21; Revelation 21:10; Revelation 21:27.}

^{2) "Coming down from God out of heaven," (kataboinousan ek tou ouranou apo tou theou) "Coming down from (the throne of) God out of heaven." It appears that the bride, the Lamb’s wife, and the redeemed of the ages were caught up to glory (invisible), while God created the new heaven and new earth, after melting and dissolving the former with fire, Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:16; 2 Peter 3:7; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 20:9.}

^{3) "Prepared as a bride," (hetoimasmenen hos numphen) "Which had been prepared similar to (as) a bride;" in full marital array, charm, purity, and beauty; Our Lord had promised this place, John 14:2-4; Abraham had looked for it, Hebrews 11:10; And John gazed upon it! 1 Corinthians 2:9; It was described by David, Psalms 45:13-15; and by Isaiah 61:10.}

^{4) "Adorned for her husband," (kekosmemenen to andri autes) "Who had been adorned (arrayed) for her man, her husband;” As she appeared at the marriage, Revelation 19:7-9; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 22:17; Ephesians 5:25-27.}

Verse 3

^{THE NEW PEOPLES v. 3-8}

^{1) "And I heard a great voice out of heaven," (kai ekousa phones megales ek tou thronou) "And I heard a megaphone-like voice out of the throne area (of heaven)," the voice of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, The Bridegroom, Revelation 19:6-9; Revelation 19:16.}

^{2) "Saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men," (legouses idou he skene tou theou meta ton anthropon) "Saying continually, repeatedly, behold the tabernacle of God (exists) with the men;” The central person and location of worship had come down to earth for blissful spiritual communion with and among men; This clarifies the Divine pledge of Leviticus 26:11-12; Ezekiel 37:26-27.}

^{3) "And he will dwell with them," (kai skenosei met’ auton) "And he (God) will tabernacle (dwell) with them, ” Revelation 7:15.}

^{4) "And they shall be his people," (kai autoi laoi autou esontai) "And they will be (exist as) his people," 2 Corinthians 6:16.}

^{5) "And God himself shall be with them, and be their God," (kai autos ho theos met’ auton estai) "And God himself will be with them," and even be their God, Zechariah 2:10; Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; John 14:23; Philippians 4:9; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:13.}

Verse 4

^{1) "And God shall wipe away," (kai eksaleipsei) "And he (God) shall wipe out (away)” Isaiah 25:8.}

^{2) "All tears from their eyes," (pan dakruon ek ton ophthalmon auton) "Every tear out of (from) their eyes," indicating that sorrow or occasion for sorrow shall be no more, for God shall feed and lead them, Revelation 7:17.}

^{3) "And there shall be no more death," (kai ho thanatos ouk estai eti) "And there shall not be (exist) death any more, at all;” after the great white throne judgment, Luke 20:36; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 20:13-14; Isaiah 25:8; 1 Corinthians 15:54; Hosea 13:14.}

^{4) "Neither sorrow, nor crying," (oute penthos oute krauge oute ponos ouk estai eti) "Nor sorrow, nor continual crying, nor will there be any pain, any more at all," Revelation 7:17; Isaiah 35:10; Isaiah 51:11; Isaiah 65:19.}

^{5) "Neither shall there be any more pain," (oute estai eti) "Nor will there exist any pain anymore," for new bodies shall be free from pain, 1 Corinthians 15:38; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.}

^{6) "For the former things are passed away," (hoti ta prota apelthan) "Because the first things (in order) passed away," ceased to be, had been destroyed, 2 Corinthians 5:17; Hebrews 12:27.}

Verse 5

^{1) "And he that sat upon the throne said," (kai eipen ho kathemenos epi to throno) "And the one who was sitting on the (central) throne said;” The God of the universe spoke, Revelation 4:2; Revelation 4:9; Revelation 5:1; Revelation 20:11; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25.}

^{2) "Behold, I make all things new," (idou kaina poio panta) "Behold I (do) or make all things new;” 2 Corinthians 5:17; For the new heaven and new earth with new creatures in Christ Jesus, a new era of eternity begins with new purposes, desires, and ambitions, free of covetousness for the first time since the fall of man, Hebrews 12:10; Matthew 5:48.}

^{3) "And he said unto me, Write." (kai legei grapson) "And he says, Write thou," record it, report it, John, Revelation 1:11; Revelation 1:19. This book claims a rightful place in ones direct obedience to God. John was directed to write it, and it pronounces a blessing upon (1) all who read it, (2) all who hear it, and (3) all who keep, guard, or respect the things Written, Revelation 1:3.}

^{4) "For these Words are true and faithful," (hoti outoi hoi logoi pistoi kai alethinoi eisin) "Because these are true and faithful (trustworthy) Words;” These words are reassuring to doubtful hearts and claim respect and obedience as the Inspired Word of God which is "true from the beginning," Psalms 119:160; Revelation 19:9; Revelation 22:6; Revelation 22:19.}

Verse 6

^{1) "And he said unto me, it is done," (kai eipen moi gegonan) "And he said to me it has become," or it has occurred. This means "it is as good, as certain, as if it were already done;” Sin and wickedness, roots, stock, and branch are as good as already abolished, because they are already abolished in God’s future plans, Revelation 10:6; Revelation 16:17.}

^{2) "I am Alpha and Omega," (ego to Alpha kai to O) “I am (exist as) the Alpha and the Omega," all that may be expressed in the alphabet, in any language, from A to Z, he is, Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13.}

^{3) "The beginning and the end," (he arche kai to telos) "That is, the beginning (origin) and the end, (completion)," of all things that have existence, Hebrews 1:10-12.}

^{4) "I will give to him that is athirst," (ego to dipsonti doso) "I will give continuously, unceasingly, to the one thirsting," to anyone who thirsts; Every provision of man’s need will be pre-prepared and available for his eternal fullness, satisfaction, and joy; Even before his children call, he will answer, Isaiah 65:24.}

^{5) "Of the fountain of the water of life freely. " (ek tes peges tou hudatos tes zoes dorean) "Out of the free flowing (artesian) fountain of the water of life freely," to assure cleansing, purity, and satisfaction for every Spiritual, physical, and emotional need, Isaiah 55:1; John 4:10; John 4:14 : Revelation 7:17; Revelation 22:17; John 7:37.}

Verse 7

^{1) “He that overcometh shall inherit all things," (ho nikon kleronomesei tauta) "He who conquers (the one overcoming continuously) shall inherit (become heir to) these things," of the new heaven and new earth; Through faith in and obedience to God, Salvation is obtained and heirship received, Romans 4:13; Romans 8:17-18; Galatians 3:29; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 12:11.}

^{2) "And I will be his God," (kai esomai auto theos) "And I will be God to him," his life, his need, and his power, Zechariah 8:8; Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 8:12 - - a living, providing, caring God, not a dead one, as those gods of idols, and heathenism, Psalms 115:1-8.}

^{3) "And he shall be my son," (kai autos estai moi huios) "And he will be as heir to me," a son who inherits what is mine, who inherits by faith in acceptance and obedience of Salvation and service; 1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 12:11; 2 Samuel 7:14; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 2 Corinthians 6:18.}

Verse 8

^{1) "But the fearful and unbelieving," (tois de deilois kai apistois) "Yet (but) there awaits the cowardly and unbelieving;" Those who have rejected salvation, been obsessed of fear all their lives, yet not repented or believed, all their lives, Isaiah 57:20-21; Hebrews 2:15; 1 John 4:18; Romans 8:15.}

^{2) "And the abominable and murderers," (kai ebdelugmenois kai phoneusin) "And those who have become morally foul and murderers," those polluted, morally unclean, degraded in soul and life like beasts, and murderers with malice, having held such in heart and life till death, John 3:18.}

^{3) "And whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolators," (kai pornois kai pharmakois kai eidololatrais) "And fornicators and sorcerers and idolators," moral sex libertines with unrestrained lusts, drug addicts who prophecy as sorcerers, and worshippers of idols (dead, lifeless gods).}

^{4) "And all liars," (kai pasintois pseudesin) "And all the false (lying) ones;” all who have lived and died loving and speaking and living lies as their refuge until death “ Who never repented or trusted in Jesus Christ, Luke 13:5; John 8:24; Revelation 21:27.}

^{5) "Shall have their part in the lake," (to meros auton en te limne) "Shall have or possess their part(provided place) in the lake;” the debased abode of the Devil, his angels, and them that forget God, Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Judges 1:6; Psalms 9:17; Matthew 10:14-15.}

^{6) "Which burneth with fire and brimstone," (te kaiomene puri kai theio) "The (lake) burning continually with fire and sulphur (brimstone), Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:15.}

^{7) "Which is the second death " (ho estin ho thanatos ho deuteros) "Which exists as the second death," the death that is to be (to exist) on and on for all unbelievers," Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14.}

Verse 9

^{1) "And there came unto me one of the seven angels," (kai elthen eis ek ton hepta angelon) "And there approached me one (out) of the seven angels;” one of the seven of heaven’s judgment messengers and servants that I had formerly seen and heard, Revelation 15:1.}

^{2) "Which had the seven vials," (ton echonton tas hepta phialas) "Of those holding the seven vial-like bowls," Revelation 15:7; Revelation 16:1-3; Revelation 16:8; Revelation 16:10; Revelation 16:12; Revelation 17:1.}

^{3) "Full of the seven last plagues," (ton gemonton ton hepta plegon ton eschaton) "Of those bowls that had been filled to the brim with the seven last plagues, " Revelation 15:1; Revelation 15:6; Revelation 16:21.}

^{4) "And talked with me, saying," (kai elalesen met’ emou legon) "And spoke (communicated) with me, saying," Note John claimed to represent, to write, exactly what he saw and heard regarding the Revelation of Jesus Christ in his coming glory. This is Inspiration’s recorded message, Revelation 1:1-3; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 1:19.}

^{5) "Come hither, I will shew thee the bride," (deuro deikso soi ten numphen) "Come (John), I will show (to) you the bride;” the church in her married glory to Christ, John 3:28-29; who had "made herself ready" for the marriage union, Revelation 19:7-9; Matthew 25:1-13; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 7:4.}

^{6) "The Lamb’s Wife," (ten gunaika tou arniou) "The Wife of the Lamb” This is the church of Jesus Christ, called "his body," Ephesians 1:22-23; assembly, his "house", 1 Timothy 3:15, made up, or composed (not of all believers) but of believers only who have been saved, baptized, and become members of a local New Testament church, in worship and service, 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28.}

Verse 10

^{1) "And he carried me away in the spirit," (kai apenegken me en pneumati) "And he bore me away in spirit," in control of the spirit, Revelation 1:10; Revelation 17:3.}

^{2) "To a great and high mountain," (epi oros mega kai hupselon) "Upon a great and high mountain;” It was high enough to behold the beauty, symmetry, and dimension of the holy city, fresh from the hand of her Creator, without the aid of human hands, celestial in origin, 1 Corinthians 2:9.}

^{3) "And shewed me the great city," (kai edeiksen moi ten polin) "And showed to me the city;" the great city, central place of the Dwelling place of God, the Lamb, and the church, in the eternal ages, Ephesians 3:21; Revelation 20:2.}

^{4) "The holy Jerusalem," (ten hagian lerousalem) "Which is, exists as, the holy Jerusalem," the sanctified Jerusalem, which is said to be the bride, (the church), the Lamb’s Wife, Revelation 21:1; Revelation 21:9. The Bible begins with a garden and ends with a Holy City in which a paradise garden grew.}

^{5) "Descending out of heaven from God," (katabainousan ek tou ouranou apo tou theou) "Coming down (descending with grandeur) from God out of heaven," where the marriage of the Lamb to the bride had occurred; Revelation 19:6-9; John 14:1-3; adorned as a bride, in whose presence Nations shall walk in her light, her influence, Revelation 21:24. This Holy City, the Bride, is the antithesis, the opposite of Babylon the adulterous, idolatrous, pagan city.}

Verse 11

^{1) "Having the glory of God," (echousan ten doksan tou theou) "Having, holding, possessing, or arrayed with, the glory of God;” who had purchased and built her, and the Lamb is the light of the city beautiful, Revelation 21:23; John 8:12. Whatever God and his Son builds has their imprint, glory, and handiwork, Psalms 19:1-2; Isaiah 60:1; Ezekiel 43:2; Revelation 15:8; Revelation 21:23; Revelation 22:5.}

^{2) "And her light was like unto a stone most precious," (ho phoster autes homoios litho timiotato) "The light reflection of her was like (similar to) a very valuable or very precious stone;” The light of the new Jerusalem (city of peace), in eternity, has a precious stone-like radiance, reflecting purity, cleanliness, holiness and perfection, even as God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all," 1 John 1:5.}

^{3) "Even like a jasper stone," (hos litho iaspidi) "That is, similar to a jasper stone;” a stone in the breastplate of the Jewish high priest, and used in the foundation and walls of this new Jerusalem, Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13; Ezekiel 28:13; In this latter reference it was used as a covering for the King of Tyre, a type of the Devil, Revelation 21:14; Revelation 21:18-19.}

^{4) "Clear as crystal," (krustallizonti) "Being or appearing clear as crystal," perfectly transparent, completely revealing, Revelation 4:6; Revelation 22:1.}

Verse 12

^{1) "And had a wall great and high," (echousa teichos mega kai hupselon) "it had a great and high wall," was or existed with a great and high wall, symbol of separation, and continual safety or protection for the occupants, important element of a great, ancient city.}

^{2) "And had twelve gates," (echousa pulonas dodeka) "it was having (existed with) twelve gates;” It is foursquare, with twelve gates, much like that described by Ezekiel for Israel, Ezekiel 48:30-35; Revelation 22:14.}

^{3) "And at the gates twelve angels," (kai epi tois puloosin angelous dodeka) "And at (upon) the gates twelve angels," Psalms 34:7; or messengers, protectors, spiritual ministers, and servants of the children of God, Hebrews 1:14.}

^{4) "And names written thereon," (kai onomata epigegrammena) "And names had been inscribed thereon," on the twelve gates - - three gates were on the north, three on the south, three on the east, and three on the west, Revelation 21:13.}

^{5) "Which are the names of the twelve tribes," (ha estin ton dodeka phulon) "Which are the name the twelve tribes (file - - families)," perhaps as recorded Ezekiel 48:30-35.}

^{6) "Of the children of Israel," (huion Israel) "Of the sons (heirs) of Israel," because "Salvation is of the Jews," John 4:22; and though God gave them (Israel and Judah) a bill of divorcement, Jeremiah 3:8; after full judgment, he receives her (Israel) back as his wife, as Christ did his church, Revelation 19:6-9; Jeremiah 3:14.}

Verse 13

^{1) "On the east three gates," (apo anatoles puloones treis) "From the east there were three gates;” In Ezekiel’s Day for Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan, one gate each, for their continual entrance, Ezekiel 48:32.}

^{2) "On the north three gates," (kai apo borra puloones treis) "And from the north there were three gates," one each for entrance of the tribes of Reuben, Judah, and Levi, Ezekiel 48:31.}

^{3) "On the south three gates," (kai apo notou puloones treis) "And from the south there were three gates," one each was for entrance of each of the tribes of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun, Ezekiel 48:33.}

^{4) "And on the west three gates," (kai apo dusmon puloones treis) "And from the west there were three gates;” one was for entrance of each of the tribes of Gad, Asher, and Napthali, Ezekiel 48:34.}

^{The names of these twelve tribes or elders of Israel seem to have adorned the gates as God’s representatives of Israel’s Universal Divine Government, entering or with entrance to, the Holy City new Jerusalem, which the Bride, the Lamb’s Wife, and from which the twelve apostles sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, Luke 22:30; Luke 1:33; Ephesians 3:21.}

Verse 14

^{1) "And the wall of the city," (kai to teichos tes poleos) "And the wall of the city," about the city, surrounding it, referred to as "great and high," symbol of safety and security of the bride, in contrast with the ruin of the wicked city, Babylon, abode of the Harlot and her daughters, Revelation 17:1-6.}

^{2) "Had twelve foundations," (echon themelious dodeka) "Had (was existing of) twelve foundations;” secure, as an house built upon a foundation rock, Matthew 7:24-25; on which the church (the Bride, the Lamb’s wife) was supported in her superstructure, as they were built upon Christ, Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 11:13-14.}

^{3) "And in them the names," (kai ep’ auton dodeka onomata) "And on (in) them twelve (different) names;" In the foundation columns, support of the new Jerusalem, the bride, the Lamb’s wife, were the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lord’s church, Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:9-10; Galatians 2:9; Luke 22:29-30; Matthew 19:28.}

^{4) "Of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb," (ton dodeka apostolon tou arniou) "Those (were the Names) of the twelve Apostles (commissioned ones) of the Lamb," who were foundation members of the Bride, the church, and they shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel, Luke 22:28-30. That they are to be glorified in eternity in both Israel and the church, in a particular way, is very evident from the New Testament Scriptures, Luke 1:33; 1 Corinthians 10:32; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 3:21. These twelve foundations (columns, supports) are tributes God promised to the early-jewels of his church, as cited above, 1 Timothy 3:15.}

Verse 15

^{1) "And he that talked with me," (kai ho lalon met emou) "And the one speaking with me," the one of the seven angels, who served as information media agencies to inform John of things to come, which he was instructed to write and pass on to the churches of that and succeeding generations, Revelation 21:9; Revelation 1:1-3; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 1:19; Revelation 22:6; Revelation 22:16.}

^{2) "Had a golden reed," (eichen metron kalamon chrusoun) "Held a golden measure-reed," as a yardstick or measuring tape, about ten feet in length, Revelation 11:11; Ezekiel 40:3; Zechariah 2:1.}

^{3) "To measure the city," (hina metrese ten polin) "in order that he might measure the city," for my knowledge and benefit; As Ezekiel gave measurements of the old foursquare Jerusalem, Ezekiel 48:30-34.}

^{4) "And the gates thereof," (kai tous pulonas autes) "And the gates (twelve) of it;” of the city, to afford or furnish recorded dimensions for me as entrance for the nations which shall go in and out, Revelation 21:23-27.}

^{5) "And the wall thereof," (kai to teichos autes) "And the wall of it," of the city, to measure and make available to me the symmetric dimensions of it; It was to reflect perfect measurement of the perfect, Holy City, the new Jerusalem, the Bride, the Lamb’s wife, the church, the house of God which is "the pillar and the ground, of the truth," 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 3:21.}

Verse 16

^{1) "And the city lieth foursquare," (kai he polis tetragonos keitai) "And the city lies square," or is built, exists in a square form, as the ancient-city of Jerusalem was, described Ezekiel 48:30-34.}

^{2) "And the length is as large as the breadth," (kai to mekos autes hoson to platos)"The length is also the same (as much) as the breadth;” The most holy place, called the oracle of Solomon’s temple, was also described as foursquare, 1 Kings 6:19-20. The length, breadth and height of it are equal, constituting a cubicle form.}

^{3) "And he measured the city with the reed," (kai emetresen ten polin to kalamo) "And he the angel) measured the dimensions of the city with the reed," which was in his hand, Revelation 21:15. This is similar to instructions formerly given to John to take a reed and "measure the temple of God, the altar, and them that worshipped therein;” in preparation for the testimony of the two witnesses, leading up to the tribulation the great, Revelation 11:1-4.}

^{4) "Twelve thousand furlongs," (epi stadion dodeka chiliadon) "At twelve thousand furlongs," in square form one furlong is 582 feet. In dimensions 1,500 miles square or as a cubicle, story upon story, mansion upon mansion, and street upon street.}

^{5) "The length and the breadth and the height," (to mekos kai to platos kai to hupsos) -(The dimensions of) the length, breadth, and height, that form the square, foursquare likeness," yet a cubicle, of golden construction.}

^{6) "Of it are equal " (autes isa estin) "Of it (the city) are equal," or identical in dimension or measure, as a cubicle, expressing trinitarian unity and solidarity of Divine mansions, provision, and support for the Bride, Israel, and the redeemed of the nations that come into the city, 1 Corinthians 10:32; John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:24; Revelation 21:26.}

Verse 17

^{1) "And he measured the wall thereof," (kai emetresen to teichos autes) "And he measured the dimensions of its wall," symbol of security for the inhabitants and those who should come into (to worship in) the Holy city, the Bride, the Lamb’s wife in eternity, Revelation 21:21-26.}

^{2) "An hundred and forty and four cubits," (hekaton tesserakonta tessaron pechon) "(It was) an hundred and forty-four cubits," about 200 feet in thickness, by contemporary measurement. This is higher than the highest church steeple, higher than the Berlin wall, or the great China wall. This city and wall is eternal, non decaying, not made with hands, 1 Corinthians 2:9.}

^{3) "According to the measure of a man," (metron anthropon) "A measure of a man," a measure of the kind that a man uses to verify size or dimension. This indicates adequacy of Divine protection of the many mansions, the center of worship in the Holy city, and all God has within her walls.}

^{4) "That is, of the angel," (ho estin angelou) "Which is (exists as measured) of (by) the angel," with the golden reed-measure in his hand, Revelation 21:15, as he described, disclosed, and caused John to understand it. It is because of this detailed information, or understanding, given by the angel, that the angel is considered to be the angel Gabriel, or one from his host of angels, Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26; Hebrews 1:14.}

Verse 18

^{1) "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper," (kai he endomesis tou teichous autes iaspis) "And the building (coping) covering of its wall was of jasper material," of and like a very precious stone, used in the High Priest’s breastplate, Revelation 21:11; Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13.}

^{2) "And the city was pure gold," (kai he polis chrusion katharon) "And the city existed, (was made), pure (clean) gold," A fitting atmosphere of the Royal Abode of God, the Lamb, His Bride, (the church) and Israel, God’s wife; and place of visitation and center of worship of the redeemed of the nations who shall come into her, Jeremiah 3:8; Jeremiah 3:14; Romans 11:24-25; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:9-10; Revelation 21:13; Revelation 21:26.}

^{3) "Like unto clear glass," (homoion hualo katharo) "Similar to pure (clean) or clear crystal, in its radiant glow, reflection of purity, perfection and glory. This is part of what Paul described, 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:1.}

Verse 19

^{1) "And the foundations of the wall of the city:” (hoi themelioi) tou teichous tes poleos) "(Even) the foundations of the wall of the city;” This fulfills Isaiah’s vision of the church as the "bride-wife" of Christ, the church, called from among the Gentiles as a people for his name’s sake, Isaiah 54:1; Isaiah 54:5-6; Isaiah 54:11-12; Acts 15:14-17.}

^{2) "Were garnished with all manner of precious stones," (pante litho timio kekosmemenoi) "Were adorned with every kind of precious stones, or very valuable stone;” This made the foundation columns appear as a radiant and superb undergirding of the whole structure.}

^{3) "The first foundation was jasper," (ho themelios ho protos iaspis) "The first (of the twelve) foundation was of jasper stone;” clear like crystal, Revelation 21:18. It was in a setting with the onyx, topaz, and diamond in regalia of the High Priest of Israel and worn by kings, Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13; Ezekiel 28:13.}

^{4) "The. second, sapphire," (ho deuteros sapphiros) "The second (of the twelve foundations) was a sapphire, stone;” Deep, pure blue, and very transparent.}

^{5) "The third, a chalcedony," (ho tritos chalkedon) "The third (of the twelve foundations) was a chalcedony stone," sky-blue in color, some say in transparent layers of white and gray.}

^{6) "The fourth, an emerald," (ho tetartos smaragdos) "The fourth (of the twelve foundations) was an emerald, stone," called emerald or green, like the rainbow round the throne, Revelation 4:3.}

Verse 20

^{1) "The fifth sardonyx," (ho pemptos sardonuks) "The fifth (of the twelve foundations) was a sardonyx stone," a variety of onyx, a mingling of mixed colors, including red and white.}

^{2) "The sixth, sardius" (ho hektos sardion) "The sixth (of the twelve foundations) was a sardius stone;" a fiery blood-red translucent stone.}

^{3) "The seventh, chrysolyte," (ho hebdomos chrusolithos) "The seventh (of the twelve foundations) was a chrysolite stone;" olive-green-golden and transparent.}

^{4) "The eighth, beryl," (ho ogdoos berullos) "The eighth (of the twelve foundations) was a beryl stone," also a transparent sea-green of the aquamarine and emerald variety.}

^{5) "The ninth, a topaz," (ho enatos topazion) "The ninth (of the twelve foundations) was a topaz stone," transparent green-mixed with white to yellow glow stone.}

^{6) "The tenth, a chrysoprasus," (ho dekatos chrusoprasos) "The tenth (of the twelve foundations) was a chrysoprasus stone;- apple-green-purple glow stone.}

^{7) "The eleventh, a jacinth," (ho hendekatos huakinthos) "The eleventh (of the twelve foundations) was a jacinth stone," a bluish, violet-red stone.}

^{8) "The twelfth, an amethyst," (ho dodekatos amethustos) "The twelfth (of the twelve foundations) was an amethyst stone," a clear violet with purple glow.}

^{These twelve stones were similar to those twelve stones on the Breastplate of the High Priest with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, Exodus 28:15-20.}

Verse 21

^{1) "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls," (kai hoi dodeka pulones dodeka margaritai) "And the twelve gates were (simply) twelve pearls, representing the twelve tribes of Israel as twelve pearls of precious value to God, Revelation 21:12; Revelation 21:15; Revelation 21:25. Let it be recalled that the pearl symbolizes value increased through injury and pain caused in the oyster’s bearing the pearl.}

^{2) "Every several gate was of one pearl," (ana eis hekastos ton pulonon hen eks henos margaritou) "Each of the twelve gates respectively was (existed of) one pearl." There was both unity and harmony of the twelve tribes, as God’s First Covenant of custodial Religious Worship in Israel as a Service Administrative Wife, and an Individual Value of precious worth in each tribe. The church, the Bride of Christ, is "the pearl of great price," purchased by our Lord, to be honored by Israel’s embrace, in the new Jerusalem, Matthew 12:45-46; Ephesians 5:25.}

^{3) "And the street of the city was pure gold," (kai he plateia tea poleos chrusion katharon)."And the street of the city (was of) clean (pure) gold;” This is a literal element of a literal city that is pure, symbolized by the most refined of gold, a metal of most precious value.}

^{4) "As it were transparent glass," (hos hualos diauges) "Similar (to the appearance of), or like transparent glass," like a reflecting mirror or looking glass, so perfect in purity for a people made holy and perfect through the redemption of the Lamb, Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 12:14; Revelation 21:27.}

Verse 22

^{1) "And I saw no temple therein:," (kai naon ouk eidon en aute) "And I saw not a shrine-place of worship in it," in the new Jerusalem; yet worship did not, or was not to cease therein, for God, the Lamb, the Bride, the church are in that city, John 4:21; John 4:24.}

^{2) "For the Lord God Almighty," (ho gar kurios hotheos ho pantokrator) "Because the Lord God Almighty;” The mighty creating and sustaining Eternal God, is the only God to be the center of any worship, and approach to him is made worthy, only through faith in, and on the basis of, the mediatorial blood of the Lamb, Revelation 5:9-10.}

^{3) "And the Lamb are the temple of it," (naos autes estin kai to arnion) "And the Lamb are (exist as) a shrine (place and persons of Worship) of it," of the new Jerusalem; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 5:6; Revelation 7:17; Revelation 14:4.}

^{While on earth Jesus was a Temple for the twelve in the mountains, in the wilderness, in the upper room, etc.; Wherever he was, spoke, or taught, they lingered and listened with intent wonder and amazement. They bathed his feet with their tears, pillowed their heads, upon his heart, and kissed his cheeks - - They needed no further temple then, and there will be need of none besides His and the Father in the Eternal Holy City of new Jerusalem. Note that: 1) The city is of Gold, 2) the walls are of Diamond, 3) the Gates are of Pearl, 4) the Foundations are of twelve precious stones. This signifies resplendent beauty and holiness beyond fondest dreams and wildest imaginations, yet it is real, 1 Corinthians 2:9.}

Verse 23

^{6) THE NEW LIGHT IS THE LAMB v. 23-27}

^{1 ) "And the city had no need of the sun," (kai he polis ou chreian echei tou heliou) "And the city has not a need of the sun," at all, because of the glory and light of God that filled her, Revelation 21:11; Isaiah 60:19-20. The need for the sun and moon shall exist no more.}

^{2) "Neither of the moon," (oude tes selenes) "Nor even a need of the moon;” In the era of time, before, even from creation to the millennial, God used the sun, moon, and stars, even controlling, stopping them, blotting them out, and uncovering them at his will, but their need for existence shall be no more, Genesis 1:3-5; Genesis 1:14-19; Amos 8:9; Revelation 6:12-13; Joel 2:10; Joel 2:31; Joel 3:15.}

^{3) "To shine in it," (hina phainosin aute) "In order that they might shine in it;” The New Jerusalem shall have no need of these former ruling lights of the universe because the maker, sustainer, powerhouse of them shall be there for light himself, Matthew 24:29; Acts 2:20.}

^{4) "For the glory of God did lighten it," (he gar doksa tou theou ephotisen auten) "For the glory of God did cause it to be light," enlightened it, gave it light. The Holy city will have God and His Eternal Son as the central Power Station, Powerhouse; There will be no lack of illumination and no blackouts, and no fear of darkness, or torment of pain from fear at all, Revelation 21:4; Revelation 21:11; 1 John 4:18.}

^{5) "And the Lamb is the light thereof," (kai ho luchnos autes to arnion) "And the Lamb is, exists as, the lamp (light) of it” The new city, the new Jerusalem, the Bride, the Lamb’s Wife has the Lamb as her light, her radiance, her beauty, and her overshadowing influence, John 8:12. Where the Lamb is there comes no night, no darkness, and no shadows fall; John 3:19; John 9:5; He becomes the true light of the world, to drive eternal darkness, danger, death, and fear from the soul of everyone who will believe in him, even today, John 12:35-36; John 12:46.}

Verse 24

^{1) "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it," (kai peripatesousin ta ethne dia tou photos autes) "And the nations (of those saved) from the nations, shall walk around about, fellowship in the light of it; Isaiah 60:3-5. In the light of the city, (the Bride, the Lamb’s Wife) the church, the house of God, John 3:28-29; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:9; Revelation 21:20; 1 Timothy 3:15.}

^{2) "And the kings of the earth," (kai hoi basileis tes ges) "And the Kings (royal rulers) of the earth;” The saved from among the nations or Gentiles and the kings(royal rulers) of the earth who have been saved in time, but never identified with either 1) Israel, or 2) The church, in their programs of worship and service, shall have access to worship and glorify God in the Holy City, new Jerusalem, but shall not dwell therein, 1 Corinthians 10:32.}

^{3) "Do bring their glory and honour into it," (pherousin ten doksan auton eis auten) "Bring their glory gently into it," Psalms 72:11; Isaiah 49:22-23; Revelation 21:26. These who bring their praise and glory into the new Jerusalem are specifically identified’ as coming from, having been redeemed, but remained identified with the (Gk. ethnoi) and kingly rulers "of the earth," neither from Israel or the church, Luke 1:32-33; Ephesians 3:21.}

Verse 25

^{1 ) "And the gates of it," (kai hoi pulones autes) "And the gates of the city;” The gates of the New Jerusalem where God the Father and the Lamb are the light and Temple of the Holy City, the gates of Pearl on which the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are inscribed, Revelation 21:12; Revelation 21:21-23.}

^{2) "Shall not be shut at all by day," (ou me kleisthosin hemeras) "May by no means be shut by day," at the close of day, as in ancient walled cities. They shall not be closed by day or by night, for there shall be no thieves, no enemies to maraude or destroy, Isaiah 60:11. Demons, Satan, and evil men will not need to be shut out for they will have already been shut up in hell, the Lake of fire and brimstone, Revelation 21:13-15.}

^{3) "For there shall be no night there," (nuks gar ouk estai ekei) "For the reason there shall not be (or exist) night at all there;” no darkness, danger, or death shall be there for the Lord has become at this time the everlasting light, Isaiah 60:20; Revelation 21:23; Revelation 22:5; Zechariah 14:7.}

Verse 26

^{1) "And they shall bring," (kai oisousin) "And they will bring," the redeemed of the sheep nations or races those saved from the nations, races without, without the church, and without Israel, and without the Holy City, Revelation 21:24.}

^{2) "The glory," (ten doksen) "The glory," The glory and adoration that is due God, the Lamb, the church, and Israel into the Holy City. It is to God, by Christ Jesus, Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 3:21; Philippians 1:11; Revelation 5:9-13; Revelation 7:12. Angels gave it at the birth of the Redeemer. Luke 2:13-14.}

^{3) "And honour," (kai ten timen) "And the honour," or also the honor;" Even as the four living creatures gave honor to God and the Lamb, Revelation 4:9; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:12-13; Revelation 19:1; Revelation 19:7; So shall the saved from the nations come into the new Jerusalem to bring her temple their honor in all eternity.}

^{4) "Of the nations into it," (ton ethnon eis auten) "Of the nations (redeemed of races) into it," the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, into the midst of it, where the Father and the Son (the Lamb) are (Exist as) the Light and the Temple center of all worship for eternity, Isaiah 60:3-5; John 4:24; Revelation 21:21-24.}

^{Let it be here recalled that Jesus Christ is the Central person of the book of Revelation, revealed or unveiled, continually in his relationship 1) To Israel, God’s Wife, 2) To the church, and 3) To the redeemed from among the Gentiles of the ages who never committed themselves to God’s Divine call for worship and service through either Israel’s or the church’s covenant of worship and service, 1 Corinthians 10:32.}

Verse 27

^{1) "And there shall in no wise enter into it," (kai ou me eiselthe eis auten) "And no one may enter it by any means;” The excluded from this Holy city are here identified. They are the impenitent (unrepenting), the unbelieving, the immoral and the unethical who as responsible persons lived and died without Christ, Luke 13:5; John 8:24.}

^{2) "Anything that defileth," (pan koinon) "Any profane thing, or defiling thing (repeatedly doing);" Isaiah 52:1; Isaiah 44:9; Those who enter must be regenerated, born again, cleansed by the Blood of the Lamb, new creatures in Christ Jesus, John 3:3-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17.}

^{3) "Neither whatsoever worketh abomination," (kai ho poion bdelugma) "And the one making an abomination;" Zechariah 14:21. In Israel’s worship and in the church’s fellowship of worship moral and ethical renegades sneaked in, but is shall not be so in heaven, in the Holy City, the New Jerusalem; all such are quarantined from its entrance, forever excluded, John 8:24; Hebrews 12:14.}

^{4) "Or maketh a lie," (kai pseudos) "Or making a lie," Revelation 22:14-15. Here, on earth, even in the church, men may enter and worship by lying, as Judas Iscariot, but it shall not be so in this Holy City, Acts 1:16-20; Acts 5:11; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17.}

^{5) "But they which are written," (ei me hoi gegrammenoi) "Except those having been inscribed (enrolled), already, at that time, having their names by that time written (recorded) in heaven, Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5.}

^{6) "In the Lamb’s book of life," (en to biblio tes zoes tou arniou) "in the Lamb’s scroll (record book of the redeemed) of life;" In the family of God, as children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:26; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8. None will have an entrance or reservation unless his name is in the new birth family register, John 3:3; John 3:6-7.}