Chapter 21
At the conclusion of the last judgment, John witnesses a transition, from the old heaven and old earth to a new heaven and a new earth. This is not a simple “scene change” where one’s understanding of reality and perspective remains unchanged (like that of a changing backdrop on a stage while everything else remains the same), this transition ushers in a “new reality,” with a totally new perspective, something John at times appears to have difficulty in describing. The ‘new’ is truly new in every respect, undoubtedly including new ‘rules’ of physics and thermodynamics, assuming of course there are any.
In his epistle to the church in Ephesus, Paul wrote about God the Father, “making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:9-10) Paul is referring to “the fullness of time” as being a moment when time is “full up,” done. What John records here in this chapter is that grand climax to the Bible, this and the following chapter introduce wonders beyond belief. Current worldviews will be inadequate, the expression “out of this world” will likely be an understatement.
A New Heaven and a New Earth
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
John records seeing a new heaven and a new earth, he does not elaborate about the differences but makes it clear that the old heaven and the old earth are gone for good (see also Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 3:3-17). Then he makes a mysterious comment, “the sea was no more.” There have been many theories as to what he means. With the ocean occupying the majority of earth today, if John was given a “from outer space view” of both the old earth and the new earth, he would have easily noticed the difference. But no additional information is given. Most theologians and commentators surmise that John is saying that there will not be any salt-water oceans on the new earth. Since most creation-believing scientists think the ocean was part of God’s design for ‘cleansing’ the earth, that the new earth will no longer need to be cleaned, as all of creation is now back to being corrupt-free. Plus, the hydrologic and weather cycles will likely be very different in a perfect world.
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Seemingly to follow in rapid succession, John sees the new city of Jerusalem come down from heaven. Perhaps to delineate which ‘heaven’ the city came from (see Considerations below), John adds that it came from God and it was adorned like a bride made ready for her husband. The Greek word translated here as ‘prepared’ is ‘hētoimasmenēn’,[1] whose root word is the same word used in conjunction with preparing a meal, preparing for battle, or as we read here, preparing a city for occupation. In his gospel account John recorded Jesus saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3) Jesus promises to prepare a place for believers to live throughout eternity. We also see that Paul made a similar reassurance to the believers at the church in Corinth using a quote from Isaiah 64:4 (taken from the Septuagint), “But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:7-9) Then later in the Bible the author of Hebrews adds, “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:16) This new city was so spectacular that John could only describe it as being adorned like a bride on her wedding day.
Being called ‘holy’ contrasts this new Jerusalem with the old earth city earlier referred symbolically as Sodom and Egypt (see Revelation 11:8). Since John does not offer more detail, many have developed theories as to what John might have seen here. Again, we need to remember the laws of physics are different now. One theory suggests that God had created this new city some time ago and that it was ’stored’ somewhere in space to be revealed at this time to fulfill John 14:1-3 (see above) and brought it to the new earth at this time.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
The great white throne apparently was still visible to John as he hears from there a loud voice, but he doesn’t identify the source, perhaps from an angel or one of the living creatures. The voice tells everyone present that the dwelling place of God is with man. This is an astonishing statement, it should remind readers of the Old Testament Tabernacle, an elaborate tent that only when operated properly as required by the law to temporarily atone for sin, God could live among the Israelites (see Leviticus 26:11). But now that sin has been eradicated, the unthinkable is possible, God living among His people! The Old Testament Tabernacle was a foreshadow of this glorious transition, God was no longer separated from humanity (see Zechariah 2:11). It is interesting to note that the Greek word ‘skēnōsei’[2] translated here as ‘dwell’ can also be translated “to tabernacle.”
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
The voice further describes how the presence of God will personally wipe away every tear. There will be no more death or sickness, no need to mourn or cry, nor will there be any pain, as our sinful life and our old sin-laden bodies are now in the past, gone forever. Today pain is needed in our lives to alert us of a problem (or problems), but with our glorified perfect bodies, pain will no longer be required.
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
John now hears Jesus on the throne speak, where He announces that He is making all things new. Not just a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem, but everything will be new without any corruption from sin. Undoubtedly returning life to be as it was originally intended and created, before the fall and all of creation cursed (see Genesis 3:17-19). Jesus then turns to John and tells him to write what He said down, as they are trustworthy and true words. With the law of entropy no longer valid, everything will remain new, nothing will wear out.
6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Jesus tells John, “It is done!” The problem of sin has been completely reversed, all of creation is now perfect once again. He further tells John that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning (the One who created all things) and the end (the One who conquered death and sin) returning perfection to all existence for eternity. Being the ‘end’ or last phase of life, which in itself has no end.
To the thirsty, Jesus promises to give freely from “the spring of water of life.” Just as He promised to the Samaritan women at the well many years earlier (see John 4:1-45), and later announced during the last day of the Feast of Booths (see John 7:37-39). Jesus is not only offering water of life through the Holy Spirit (see John 7:39), as we continue to read Revelation, we will soon hear about a literal river of “the water of life” (see Revelation 22:1-5). This is not a new promise but as Jesus states that He is the beginning and the end, this is the culmination of that promise to the one who conquers. The word translated here as ‘conquers’ is ’nikōn’[3] which points to being victorious (some translations use ‘overcomer’, see also 1 John 5:4), it does not only refer to the one that did the actual engagement of the enemy. Jesus is speaking about those that accepted the fact that they were sinners and believed Jesus is their Savior. The heritage of such a believer is that He will be their God and they will be His children. This promise is then contrasted with the following verse.
8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Jesus then lists the classifications of those who did not repent and did not choose God’s plan through Him, using the names of sins they will be known by. The cowardly (perhaps a better translation would be ‘fearful’, see Mark 4:40; 2 Timothy 1:7-8), the faithless (without faith in Jesus, goes hand-in-hand with fear, see John 14:27), the detestable (those abominable to God), murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars will be thrown into the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:11-15), which again is identified as the second death.
The words Jesus had John write down (verses 6-8) serves as an announcement that to a large degree summarizes the Bible, from the fall of man into sin, to the beginning of man’s eternity. Jesus did all the work and restored man and all of creation to their original glory. This could be considered as a ‘crowning’ statement of achievement as the prophecy given to John enters this last phase. Those that thirsted for redemption received the water of life, and those that refused to repent and accept Jesus, were condemned. We need to understand that the list of sins Jesus dictated to John was not meant to be an exhaustive list, nor was it stated to negate Jesus’ forgiveness, if a believer was guilty of one or more of those sins (especially lying, as even a ‘minor’ sin in our eyes is still a sin in God’s eyes), they are forgiven and are conquers just like all other believers.
Considerations
Some question what John meant by a ‘new’ heaven. The Greek word translated here as ‘heaven’ is ‘ouranon’[4] (or ‘ouranós’), which can be found either as singular or plural, very similar to the Hebrew equivalent, ‘shamayim’,[5] which can also translated ‘heaven’ or ‘heavens’, depending on context. The essential meaning of these words correspond closely to the modern English word ‘space’. Many ancient writings often considered the ‘first heaven’ to be where humanity resides (our atmosphere, where we find air to breathe), the ‘second heaven’ where the Sun, Moon, stars, etc. reside (defined today as ‘space’), and then the ‘third heaven’ is where God resides (see 2 Corinthians 12:2). The question primarily centers around that ‘third heaven’, was there corruption where God resided? Other than Satan and his fellow fallen angels who were expelled from heaven (see Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-18; Luke 10:18; Revelation 12:7-10), there is no corruption in heaven. Second, we are not given many details other than everything is new. From our viewpoint, being corrupt ourselves (sinful nature, etc.), we may not be able to comprehend the difference until that day arrives.
When God gave King Ahaz a sign through the prophet Isaiah, He pointed to the birth of Jesus, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) The verse is quoted by an angel of the Lord in a dream given to Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father. “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:20b-23) Just as Matthew clarifies, the name ‘Immanuel’ means “God with us,” the desire of God throughout history has been to dwell with His people. Now that sin is no longer a barrier, God can now live among them, fulfilling Zechariah 2:10-11, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.”
In his epistle to the church in Rome, the apostle Paul clearly stated that being adopted as children of God all believers are joint-heirs with Jesus. He wrote, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17) A truly astonishing fact, but what does that mean? We know that includes: the earth (see Matthew 5:5); eternal life (see Matthew 19:29); the kingdom of God (see Matthew 25:34; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10); and salvation (see Hebrews 1:14; 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4), but God didn’t stop there. The author of Hebrews tells us, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” (Hebrews 1:1-2, see also Psalm 2:8; Matthew 21:38) Jesus has been appointed the heir of all things and believers are co-heirs with Jesus, what a glorious inheritance indeed!
The Holy City Jerusalem
9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
John is approached by one of the angels that participated in the bowl judgments and invites him to see the Bride, the wife of Jesus. This is the second time one of the angels from the bowl judgments calls John to watch. The first was to see the great prostitute being judged (see Revelation 17:1-2) which resulted in Babylon being destroyed (see Revelation 18:21). The end of Babylon would have taken place over a thousand years earlier had this visit occurred and ‘played out’ in realtime. John witnessed the end of the corrupt world and now he is invited to take a closer look at the new Jerusalem.
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
John was again carried “away in the Spirit” (see Revelation 17:3), this time to a high mountain where he could see the city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, as he already witnessed (see verse two), but this was likely a better view. He notes that the city had the glory of God, with a radiance like a rare jewel which he compares to jasper, clear as crystal. The word ‘radiance’ is the Greek ‘phōstēr’[6] which refers to giving light, the glory of God was like a precious gem stone glistening in a bright light.
Before wondering about a clear jasper stone we need to remember that many of the stones mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, are largely unknown. Due to the description, this stone is often translated as a diamond. Most theologians and scholars do their best to match the stone’s Biblical name to those known today.[7] Unless a color is specifically referenced in the text, the colors should not be assumed based on the name alone. We will encounter several more gems and precious stones later in this chapter (see verses 18-20).
12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.
John sees that the city had high walls with twelve gates, with angels posted at each gate. The gates were named after the twelve sons of Israel[8] and those names were inscribed on the gates. He notes that there were three gates on each side of the city. The gates are not specifically named. Some suggest the order that is presented in the book of Numbers as to how the tribes camped around the Tabernacle before entering the Promised Land (see Numbers 2:1-31) which would leave the tribe of Levi out. Others suggest the order and layout recorded in Ezekiel 48:31-34 which is believed to be a reference to the gates in the walls surrounding Jerusalem during the Millennium, leaving out Ephraim and Manasseh (included as being part of the tribe of Joseph).
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The word ‘foundations’ may confuse some readers as foundations today are a fundamental part of every structure and typically cannot be visually discerned where the foundation ends and the remaining structure begins. The foundations that John are looking at are foundation stones (Greek ‘themelious’,[9] similar to cornerstones), which could be seen. The word is often metaphorically used to refer to foundational teachings, work that is built on those teachings. On each of the foundation stones were the names of Jesus’ twelve apostles (the church was built on the teachings of the apostles).
Could this be the city Abraham was looking forward to? “By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” (Hebrews 11:9-10)
15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel’s measurement.
The angel had a golden measuring rod which he used to measure the city. John appears to be located where he can see the entire city, he notes that city’s perimeter was square and that the length and width measured 12,000 stadia (see Revelation 14:20, a length that varied between the Greek use and Roman use, from 600 feet to 625 feet, a Roman mile contained eight stadia). To estimate the number of square miles 12,000 stadia is often considered by scholars to be approximately 1,380 miles (using 607 feet per stadion) making the city nearly two-million square miles in area (1,904,400 square miles, approximately half the total area of the United States). John also notes that the city’s dimensions were equal, including height. Since John didn’t record a shape, there have been many speculations and theories as to what the city looked like, from a pyramid to a cube (most believe it is likely cube-shaped, as pyramids are typically pagan related). The walls were also measured being 144 cubits high, using the standard eighteen-inch cubit, the walls would be approximately 216 feet in height. Making the city much taller than its walls. Some believe it is more likely, since the walls don’t match the height of the city, that this 144 cubit measurement is the wall’s thickness. John offers a curious tidbit of information, he says that the cubits were based on human measurement (tips of fingers to elbow), but then notes that is the same for angels (though measured by an angel, regardless of who measured the city the measurements would remain the same).
Most theologians connect the process of measuring to that of assessment and judgment. In Revelation 11:1, John was given a measuring rod to measure the Temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. They failed to “measure up” to God’s standards and were ultimately chastised. In contrast, the new Jerusalem introduced here, fully satisfies God’s standards, as it came from Him.
The new Jerusalem is composed of such beautiful materials, such unique construction and such amazing dimensions as to be almost beyond human comprehension. It would all be impossible to believe, except that its builder and maker is God and He has carefully had it recorded in His Word. The city is so huge, its wall so majestic, its gates so magnificent as to transcend all imagination, and God must even have a mighty angel carefully measure and delineate it, for John’s benefit and for ours.[10]
18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass.
After offering his readers an idea of the size and enormity of the city, John attempts to describe in more detail what he is seeing, beginning with the wall. He states that the wall was built (Greek ‘endōmēsis’,[11] the act of building a structure, this is the only time this word appears in the Bible) of jasper, and the city was made of pure gold. Understanding that all things are new, including all ‘laws’ of physics, what John is seeing may not be something we can currently relate to. In our reality today pure gold is not clear like glass. But, as some theologians point out, it could be glass that is tinted the same color as pure gold, being a semblance of gold but transparent. The Greek ‘katharon’[12] refers to something pure, clean, or clear of impurities, not necessarily void of color or tint.
19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.
John then describes the city’s foundation stones as being adorned with every kind of jewel. Instead of using the names on the foundations or which side they were on, John simply numbers them.
| Number | Greek | Possible Modern-day Equivalent | Potential Colors |
| 1 | Iaspis | Jasper, Diamond | Green, Purple, Blue, Clear |
| 2 | Sapphiros | Sapphire | Various blue shades |
| 3 | Chalkēdōn | Agate, Chalcedony, Carnelian | Milky gray, Green, Copper |
| 4 | Smaragdos | Emerald | Green |
| 5 | Sardonyx | Onyx, Sardonyx | Milky white, Red |
| 6 | Sardion | Carnelian, Sardius | Various red shades |
| 7 | Chrysolithos | Chrysolite, Topaz | Golden, Yellow |
| 8 | Bēylios | Beryl | Aqua green, Yellow |
| 9 | Topazion | Topaz | Shines gold, Green, Yellow |
| 10 | Chrysoprasos | Chrysoprase | Various green shades, Gold |
| 11 | Hyakinthos | Jacinth | Purple, Violet, Turquoise |
| 12 | Amethystos | Amethyst | Purple, Violet |
There are several jewels and precious stones mentioned in the Bible (for example see Exodus 28:17-20; 39:10-13; Ezekiel 28:13; Revelation 4:3). There have been many theories on how this list applies to previous mentions in Scripture (especially in relationship to the High Priest’s breastplate), but since there are still significant number of unknowns regarding identity, they should only be considered speculations. One thing that we know is true is that the adornment of these stones came from God, and that since He loves diversity, the sight must have been incredibly beautiful with many colors!
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
Each of the gates were made of pearl, John notes that they were each made from a single, undoubtedly very large, pearl. Natural occurring pearls are very rare and therefore very valuable (see Matthew 13:45-46). They are formed when a microscopic parasite or other intruder enters a bivalve mollusk which then responds by secreting calcium carbonate and conchiolin that slowly forms a sac around the intruder. This ‘accidental’ formation is what makes these pearls so rare. Dr. Chuck Missler uses this interesting phenomenon as a metaphor for the church of all believers:
Pearl is not kosher because oysters are not kosher. A pearl is the only jewel that is a response to an irritation, grows by accretion, and is removed to become an item of adornment. That is a perfect idiom for the Church.[13]
John continues his physical description of the city by noting that the street of the city was similar to the walls, made of pure gold, like transparent glass. The Greek ‘diaugēs’,[14] translated here as ’transparent’ is found only this one time in the Bible, it comes from the word that means “to shine,” referring to ability for light to shine through (perhaps a better translation would be ’translucent’). It is interesting to note that one of the highest regarded and most-sought-after material in the world today, that of gold, is essentially road-paving material in this city. One can only imagine what awaits above the street!
22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
No temple is seen in the new Jerusalem, John explains that there is no need for a temple as God the Father and Jesus are there and dwelling among the people. In this new world, the role of the temple and all of its furnishings, accoutrements, protocols, and personnel is no longer required, they served their purpose. Essentially every location and everyone will be within the ’Temple’, we simply cannot imagine what waits ahead (see 1 Corinthians 2:9).
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,
There will also be no need for the sun or moon as the glory of God will offer full-time illumination and Jesus will be the source (see John 9:5; 1 John 1:5). Again, with a sin-free and perfect environment with everything being new, we cannot relate. To us light always has a source and darkness is the absence of light, but here the opposite is true, continuous light is provided by God everywhere. By this light, the people the nations (Greek ‘ethnē’,[15] a multitude, people, typically in the New Testament it refers to non-Jewish nations, here in context it could refer to saved Gentiles or can be a reference to all people) and the kings of the earth will bring their glory in the light (remember all believers are royalty, see 1 Peter 2:9). Some may ask, what glory can people bring to God? When sin and its effect on creation has been fully eradicated, believers will be able to please God in everything they do, bringing glory to God, which will then be seen in the light provided by God.
25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
The gates of the city will remain open. John records that the gates will never be shut during the day, but then adds that it will always be day as there will be no night there.
26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.
Returning to the subject of the people and the kings, John again states that they will bring glory into the city, and now adds “the honor of the nations.” In his first epistle to his protégé Timothy, Paul reminds us that our role as saved human beings is to bring honor and glory to Jesus. He wrote, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17) All honor and glory truly belong to God.
27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
John concludes that nothing unclean, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false before God will ever enter the city. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, those that had faith in Jesus for their salvation, will be able to enter the new Jerusalem.
Considerations
An Interesting Contrast of Cities
Recorded in Revelation chapter 17 John is brought by an angel to witness the judgment of Babylon, a city adorned in purple and scarlet with gold and precious stones. Here in chapter 21, John is again led by an angel to see the Bride of Jesus, the arrival of another city, but instead of being adorned with man’s idea of beauty, he encounters a brilliant city, one adorned by God.
We should not get too upset with John for not being able to describe better what he is watching. Especially since he does not have any movie special effect or modern invention to relate or compare to. He can only describe things like pure gold that is like transparent glass, because that is the closest thing in his world. Remember, everything is new, just as Paul reported about a man who was “caught up” (Greek ‘harpagenta’,[16] raptured) to the ‘third heaven’ said to him that “he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter” (2 Corinthians 12:4). Words simply fail to capture the beauty and reality of heaven.
Some believe that verses like Psalm 148:3, 6, and Daniel 12:3 give the impression that the sun and moon will continue to exist forever. While Jesus did say He is “making all things new” (see verse five), which likely would include the sun and moon, John only said that there is no further need for the sun and moon, as God will provide the light (see also Revelation 22:5). There is no mention of them being removed or destroyed.
With the mention of kings, nations, and anyone who does what is detestable or false, many question who are living on the earth at this time. Since very little information is provided regarding any geopolitical structure, there has been a significant amount of speculation as to who may be living outside the new Jerusalem. Some believe that there could be those born in the Millennium or perhaps survived the Tribulation, that had not received their glorified bodies. Others believe that verses 24-27 serve as a summary of ‘everyday’ life in eternity and that everyone alive would have had their name written in the Lamb’s book of life, as well as have possession of their glorified bodies.
[16] Strong’s Greek 726.
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[1] Strong’s Greek 2090.
[2] Strong’s Greek 4637.
[3] Strong’s Greek 3528.
[4] Strong’s Greek 3772.
[5] Strong’s Hebrew 8064.
[6] Strong’s Greek 5458.
[7] See commentary for Revelation 4:3 for additional information.
[8] See "The Tribes of Israel" in "A People Group Known as the Hebrews” above regarding the number of sons and tribes.
[9] Strong’s Greek 2310.
[10] Morris, H. M. (1983). The Revelation Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Prophetic Book of the End Times (p. 449). Tyndale.
[11] Strong’s Greek 1739.
[12] Strong’s Greek 2513.
[13] Missler, C (2002) Learn the Bible in 24 Hours (p. 176). Thomas Nelson.
[14] Strong’s Greek 1307.
[15] Strong’s Greek 1484.