By Lesallan Bostron – May 13, 2023
Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV): Detailed Analysis
By Lesallan Bostron – May 13, 2023
Version: ESV
Initial Observations & Questions
- The passage describes a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1-8, ESV).
- The “first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Revelation 21:1, ESV).
- There is a “holy city,” called the “new Jerusalem,” coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:2, ESV).
- God will dwell with His people and be their God (Revelation 21:3, ESV).
- What do you think “heaven” includes in this verse (Revelation 21:1-2, ESV)?
- What will happen to the first heaven and the first earth (Revelation 21:1, ESV)?
- Why will there be no sea (Revelation 21:1, ESV)?
- What can be learned about God’s heart toward believers in Revelation 21:2 (ESV)?
- God will “wipe away every tear” from their eyes (Revelation 21:4, ESV).
- There will be “no more death, mourning, crying, or pain” (Revelation 21:4, ESV).
- The one seated on the throne says, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5, ESV).
- The words are described as “trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5, ESV).
- The one who conquers will have a heritage, and God will be their God (Revelation 21:7, ESV).
- The cowardly, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars will have their portion in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur (Revelation 21:8, ESV).
Structure
According to the ESV version of the Bible, in Revelation 21:1-8, a new heaven and earth are described, which occurs after the Tribulation and the arrival of Christ to reign for a millennium alongside his followers. Satan is bound during that time and subsequently thrown into the lake of fire. The passage (Revelation 21:1-8, ESV) holds great significance as it portrays the ultimate realization of God’s plan for humanity and the earth. It envisions a time when God will reside with humanity, all suffering and death will be eradicated, and everything will be renewed.
Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) describes the new heaven and the new earth. The passage is divided into three parts: The “new heaven and the new earth” (Revelation 21:1-2, ESV) is about the complete restoration of God to His people and Christ’s kingdom completing His people’s persecution that they have suffered being under dominion and control, the subjugation of the beast. According to Revelation 21:2-8 (ESV), the new heaven and earth concept represents the ultimate reconciliation between God and His people and the ultimate victory of Christ’s kingdom over all forms of authority and power. This passage (Revelation 21:1-8, ESV) also suggests that the wicked nations of the world will cease to exist.
According to Revelation 21:3 (ESV), John reported hearing a powerful voice from the throne declaring that God’s dwelling place is now among humanity. In eternity, God will always be with us. Therefore, it can be inferred that followers of God will have a perpetual connection with Him, akin to the intimate bond shared between Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
According to Revelation 21:8 (ESV), the destiny of those who do not believe is clearly explained. It states that individuals who are cowardly, unbelieving, immoral, murderers, idolaters, liars, and involved in magic arts will be sent to the fiery lake of sulfur, which is referred to as the “second death” Revelation 21:8, ESV).
- The New Heaven and the New Earth are seen by John (Revelation 21:1, ESV).
- The Holy City, “The New Jerusalem,” comes from God out of heaven (Revelation 21:2-4, ESV).
- The trustworthy and true “The Faithful and True Words” (Revelation 21:5-7, ESV).
- The Second Death (Revelation 21:8, ESV).
Words & Phrases
“new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1, ESV).
What does the phrase “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1, ESV) mean, and what is its Old Testament background?
According to the book of Revelation, the expression “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1, ESV) implies that God shall establish a new realm where his followers will reside with him, free from sin, sorrow, and mortality, experiencing everlasting peace and happiness. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the Old Testament, where prophets Isaiah and Peter utilized it to depict God’s commitment to restoring his creation and fulfilling his covenant with his followers. For instance: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17, ESV). “But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness” (Isaiah 65:18, ESV); “I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress” (Isaiah 65:19, ESV); “For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the Lord, so shall your offspring and your name remain” (Isaiah 66:22, ESV). “From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 66:63, ESV). “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13, ESV). These passages suggest that the new heaven and earth are not actual physical locations but symbolic representations of God’s authority over his renewed creation and His saved followers. They also convey that the new heaven and earth are linked to the new Jerusalem, which symbolizes the bride of Christ and the abode of God with his people.
Why would it be significant that it is a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1, ESV) as opposed to just a new heaven?
It is important to note that the concept of a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1, ESV) signifies more than just a new heaven. This indicates that God’s plan of redemption extends to his people and his creation. In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth and deemed them to be very good. However, the entire creation was subjected to futility and corruption due to human sin. Despite this, God did not abandon his creation but promised to restore it and make it new. The new heaven and earth represent the fulfillment of that promise, where God will dwell with his people in a renewed creation free from sin, suffering, and death. In the new reality, heaven and earth are not distinct entities but a cohesive integration of the two. John witnesses the descent “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2, ESV). John saw “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:2, ESV), with the ultimate expression of God’s glory and grace embodied in the new heaven and earth.
“the sea was no more” (Revelation 21:1, ESV).
Why has John mentioned “the sea was no more” in Revelation 21:1 (ESV)?
In Revelation 21:1 (ESV), John refers to “the sea was no more” to signify a significant transformation in the new world that God will create. The meaning and purpose behind John’s statement have various interpretations, including the following: Some interpret John’s statement as implying that there will be no physical sea or ocean in the new earth, as water may not be necessary for atmospheric and human requirements. Additionally, it is argued that water was a means of punishment for the pre-flood world and could have ties to the demonic realm. Finally, there is a belief among some individuals that John’s vision of the new earth indicates the absence of the Mediterranean Sea. This is due to the sea’s historical association with danger and hostility, particularly towards persecuted Christians under the Roman Empire.
The sea is often used to represent evil and disorder in biblical texts. There is a belief among some that John’s reference to the absence of the sea in the new earth signifies the end of segregation and division among humanity, as the sea was a natural barrier that separated nations and peoples from each other. Additionally, the sea was often used to symbolize the opposition of Gentile nations towards God’s people. Some have interpreted John’s statement to suggest that the new earth will be safe and peaceful without danger or instability. This is because, traditionally, the sea was viewed as unpredictable and often threatened those who traveled on ships.
Additionally, the sea was frequently used to represent God’s punishment and anger towards wrongdoers. John’s statement suggests that the coming new heaven and earth will significantly differ from the present one. God will eliminate anything that triggers fear, pain, or sorrow for his people. However, the correct interpretation is unclear.
“conquers” (Revelation 21:7, ESV).
What does the word “conquers” mean in Revelation 21:7 (ESV)?
Revelation 21:7 (ESV) defines the word “conquers” as being victorious or overcoming. This term is often used in the book of Revelation to describe individuals who remain faithful to Jesus Christ while resisting the enticements and persecutions of the world, the flesh, and the devil. For instance, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7, ESV). Further declared is that “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death” (Revelation 2:7, ESV). The book of Revelation further assures us, “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21, ESV).
What does the word “conquers” in Revelation 21:7 (ESV) signify?
In Revelation 21:7 (ESV), the term “conquers” holds great importance. It signifies that individuals who remain faithful and obedient until the end will receive all the blessings of the new heaven and earth and have a deep connection with God as His children. Those who believe in Christ will partake in his triumph over sin, death, and malevolence. Believers will also be contrasted with those who are cowardly, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and liars, those whose destiny is the eternal lake of fire (Revelation 21:8, ESV).
“second death” (Revelation 21:8, ESV).
What does the “second death” mean or represent in Revelation 21:8 (ESV)?
According to Revelation 21:8 (ESV), “second death” refers to a permanent and irrevocable disconnection from God and His blessings for those who reject Him and his grace. It is called the “second death” (Revelation 21:8, ESV) because it follows the body’s physical death, which is the first death. There is a distinction between the “first resurrection” and the second death. The former refers to the believers being resurrected to eternal life with God, while the latter is depicted as a lake of fire and sulfur that represents the agony of being separated from God’s love and presence. According to belief, the second death is not a state of non-existence but rather a continuous and conscious experience of despair and misery. The second death is the ultimate consequence of sin and rebellion against God and is irreversible and final.
Summary, correlation, & application
Christians believe that those who have faith and overcome will reside with God in a newly formed heaven and earth and that every tear will be wiped away and eternal life will be granted.
This sentence arises from Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) by summarizing the main points of the passage. Here is how each part of the sentence relates to the passage: Christians believe that those who have faith and overcome based on Revelation 21:7 (ESV), which says, “The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” The word “conquers” means to overcome or to be victorious by faith in Christ (1 John 5:4-5). Christians are those who have faith in Christ and overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil by his grace and power. God’s people will reside with God in a newly formed heaven and earth: This is based on the Revelation passage, which says, “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. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming from God’s heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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” (Revelation 21:1-3, ESV). Christians believe that God will create a new heaven and a new earth where he will dwell with his people in perfect harmony and joy.
Revelation further says, “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” (Revelation 21:4, ESV). Many followers of Christianity believe that God will eliminate all the consequences of sin and suffering from his followers and bless them with everlasting serenity and joy. Eternal life will be granted based on, “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. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son” (Revelation 21:6-7, ESV). Therefore, Christians believe that God will give them eternal life as a gift of his grace and that they will inherit all his blessings as his children.
Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) relates to other parts of Scripture outside the Book of Revelation in several ways. Here are some of them that have been found that fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah and Peter about the new heavens and the new earth that God will create for his people (Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13). The book of Revelation echoes the description of the Garden of Eden as the original dwelling place of God with man, where there was no sin, suffering, or death (Genesis 2:8-17; Genesis 3:8). By its contrasts, it shows the new Jerusalem with the old Jerusalem that the Romans destroyed in AD 70, and with the Babylon that symbolized the world system opposed to God (Revelation 11:8; Revelation 17:5; Revelation 18:2). What other parts of Scripture reveal is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations and that his offspring would inherit the land (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:18-21; Genesis 17:4-8). Reflected is the imagery of the tabernacle and the temple as places where God manifested his presence and glory among his people (Exodus 25:8-9; Exodus 40:34-38; 1 Kings 8:10-11). The book of Revelation applies the language of marriage and covenant to describe the relationship between God and his people, as well as between Christ and his bride, the church (Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 62:4-5; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hosea 2:19-20; Ephesians 5:25-27). Revelation contrasts the righteous blessings with the wicked ones’ curses and the first resurrection with the second death (Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Psalm 1:1-6; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29).
In this student’s opinion, Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) can be relevant to various aspects of life, such as the local church, a denomination, or the church as a whole. This passage (Revelation 21:1-8, ESV) offers us a glimpse into the future hope God has in store for His followers, inspiring us to live with faith, love, and holiness. (1 John 3:2-3; 2 Peter 3:11-14; Hebrews 12:28-29). Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) assures us of God’s presence and comfort amid our trials and tribulations and reminds us that he will wipe away every tear from our eyes and make all things new (2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Romans 8:18-25; Revelation 7:17). As believers we are challenged to overcome the temptations and persecutions of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and to remain faithful to Christ and his gospel, knowing that He will reward us with eternal life and inheritance (1 John 5:4-5; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11; Revelation 3:21).
We are warned of the judgment and condemnation that awaits those who reject God and his grace, and urges us to repent of our sins and to trust in Christ alone for salvation (John 3:16-18; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 10:26-31). As Christians, we should be inspired to share the good news of God’s love and mercy with others, and to invite them to join us in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will enjoy God’s presence and glory forever (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Revelation 22:17). There are more ways to apply Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) to life today, the local church, a denomination, or the church as a whole:
The passage (Revelation 21:1-8, ESV) encourages us to worship God and to praise him for his grace and power, and to anticipate the day when we will see him face to face and worship him in spirit and in truth (Psalm 145:1-13; John 4:23-24; Revelation 4:8-11; Revelation 22:3-5).
Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) teaches us to value the church as the bride of Christ and the city of God, seek its unity, purity, and growth, and serve one another with our gifts and resources (Ephesians 5:25-27; Hebrews 12:22-24; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Revelation 21:9-27).
Further, this passage Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) helps us to cope with the loss of our loved ones who died in Christ and to comfort one another with the hope of resurrection and reunion in the new heaven and the new earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 14:13; Revelation 20:4-6). Finally, revelation 21:1-8 (ESV) calls us to be good stewards of God’s creation, care for it as a gift from him, and look forward to its renewal and restoration when Christ returns (Genesis 1:26-31; Romans 8:19-21; Colossians 1:15-20; Revelation 11:18).
Further questions
- In today’s world, can someone seek answers to the mysteries presented in the book of Revelation through the interpretation of signs, symbols, Biblical numerology, and the enigma of life and creation?
References:
Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament. Intervarsity Press.
Henry, M. (n.d.). Revelation 21 Commentary – Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise). Biblestudytools.com. https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/revelation/21.html
Revelation 21 – ESV Bible – Bible Study Tools. (n.d.). Biblestudytools.com. https://www.biblestudytools.com/esv/revelation/21.html
