What is the New Jerusalem in this passage?

In this passage the New Jerusalem is shown as a great, holy city coming down out of heaven from God. It is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife,” which means it pictures God’s people in their finished, perfect state with Christ. The city shines with God’s glory, is safe with high walls, and is built on the names of the tribes of Israel and the apostles. So it is not just a place, but also a way of talking about the eternal home and gathered people of God, fully united with Jesus.

Why is the New Jerusalem called the bride, the Lamb’s wife?

The city is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife” to show the close, loving bond between Christ and His people. A bride belongs to her husband in love, joy, and faithfulness. In the same way, this city shows the church in glory, joined to Jesus forever. The beauty, purity, and light of the city picture how the redeemed are made holy and share in His glory. It tells us that our hope is not just a nice place, but a perfect relationship with the Lord who loved and saved us.

What is the meaning of the twelve gates and twelve foundations?

The city has twelve gates with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve foundations with the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This shows that all God’s people are included, from His ancient people Israel to the church built on the apostles. The four sides with three gates each show that people come to God from every direction of the earth. Together, the gates and foundations picture one united people, saved through Christ, safe in God’s care, and firmly grounded on what He has done and taught.

Why is there no temple in the New Jerusalem?

John says he saw no temple in the city because “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” On earth, the temple was the place where people went to meet with God. In this vision, there is no need for a special building, because God’s presence fills everything. His people live in direct, unhindered fellowship with Him. This shows the goal of salvation: not just to be forgiven, but to live forever in God’s presence, with nothing between Him and His people, worshiping Him with joy.

What does it mean that the city has no need of the sun or moon?

The city has no need of sun or moon because the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its light. This does not have to mean normal light does not exist, but it tells us that God’s presence is what truly fills this place. There is no more spiritual darkness, confusion, or fear. The redeemed live in clear knowledge of God and in His joy. The picture of no night means there is no more danger, sorrow, or hidden evil, only the steady, gentle light of God’s glory.

Who is allowed to enter the New Jerusalem?

The passage is clear that nothing unclean, no one who practices evil or lies, may enter this city. Only those written in the Lamb’s book of life may come in. This means only those whom Christ has saved and cleansed belong there. The open gates show welcome and safety for the redeemed from every nation, but not for sin. It reminds us that entrance is not earned by our goodness, but given through Jesus, who writes the names of His people in His book and makes them pure.

What does this vision teach about God’s character?

This vision shows God as glorious, pure, and near to His people. The shining city and precious stones show His beauty and worth. The high wall and guarded gates show His care to protect and keep His people safe. The open gates and nations walking in the light show His wide mercy, bringing people from everywhere into His joy. The fact that nothing unclean can enter shows His holiness. Above all, His choice to dwell with His people as their light and temple shows His deep desire to be with them.

How can this picture of the New Jerusalem encourage believers today?

This picture encourages believers by reminding them where their story is heading. Life now can feel dark, unsafe, and full of sorrow, but here we see a future where God’s people are safe, clean, and joyful in His presence. The beauty and peace of the city show that nothing good in God will be lost. Knowing that God is preparing such a place and people can help us keep going, turn from sin that cannot enter there, and fix our hope on being with the Lord forever.

Why are the nations and kings mentioned in this passage?

The passage says the nations who are saved walk in the city’s light and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it. This shows that God’s saving work reaches all kinds of people, not just one nation. What is honorable from every culture is brought in and made part of the city’s praise to God. It hints that in eternity, the rich variety of redeemed people will not be erased, but gathered and purified, all sharing in one light and one worship centered on God and the Lamb.

Rev.21.9

Revelation 21:9

KJV GOD

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.

The New Jerusalem

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.

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,

Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

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:

On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.