New Testament
Revelation 21:1
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, John describes a vision of a completely transformed reality where God creates a new heaven and a new earth.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared. The sea was gone too.
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, John describes a vision of a completely transformed reality where God creates a new heaven and a new earth. This signifies the end of the current world, which has been marred by sin and suffering. The phrase 'the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared' indicates a total renewal, suggesting that everything that once existed has been replaced by something perfect and divine. The mention of 'the sea was gone too' symbolizes the removal of chaos and separation, as the sea often represents turmoil in biblical literature. This new creation reflects God's ultimate plan for restoration and peace, where believers will dwell in His presence without the pain and struggles of the old world. It offers hope for a future where God reigns supreme, and His creation is free from the effects of sin.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 21:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to look forward to the future God has promised, where all things will be made new. It reminds us to live in hope and faith, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and that God has a perfect plan for us beyond this life.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 21:1 mean?
Revelation 21:1 describes a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, indicating a complete transformation of reality where the old world, marked by sin and suffering, has been replaced by a perfect creation from God.
What is the significance of 'the sea was gone' in Revelation 21:1?
The phrase 'the sea was gone' symbolizes the removal of chaos and turmoil, as the sea often represents disorder in biblical texts. Its absence suggests a new order and peace in God's renewed creation.
What does the new heaven and new earth represent in this verse?
The new heaven and new earth represent God's ultimate plan for restoration and renewal, signifying a future where believers will live in harmony and peace, free from the pain and struggles of the current world.
How does Revelation 21:1 relate to hope for the future?
This verse offers hope by assuring believers that their current struggles are temporary and that God has a perfect plan for a future where all things are made new and His presence is fully realized.

The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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