New Testament

Revelation 21:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 21:14, we learn about the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city described in the book of Revelation.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

The city wall had 12 foundations, and inscribed on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 21:14, we learn about the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city described in the book of Revelation. The verse highlights that the city's wall is supported by twelve foundations, each representing one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. This signifies the importance of the apostles in establishing the Christian faith and their foundational role in the early church. The names inscribed on the foundations symbolize the authority and teachings of the apostles, which continue to guide believers today. The imagery of the city and its foundations reflects the unity and strength of the church built upon the teachings of Christ and His apostles. This verse emphasizes the connection between the past and the future, showing how the apostles' work laid the groundwork for the eternal kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the legacy of faith that believers inherit and the importance of standing firm in that faith as they look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises.

Key themes

Divine authority

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 21:14 to your life

This verse encourages believers to appreciate the foundational role of the apostles in their faith. It reminds us to study their teachings and apply them in our lives, ensuring that we build our spiritual lives on solid ground. Embracing this legacy can strengthen our faith and community.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 21:14 mean?

Revelation 21:14 describes the New Jerusalem, emphasizing that its wall has twelve foundations, each representing one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. This highlights the apostles' foundational role in the Christian faith and signifies their enduring influence on believers.

What is the significance of the twelve apostles in Revelation 21:14?

In Revelation 21:14, the twelve apostles symbolize the foundational teachings and authority of the early church. Their names inscribed on the city's foundations reflect their critical role in establishing the Christian faith and guiding future generations.

What does the New Jerusalem represent in Revelation 21:14?

The New Jerusalem represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people, symbolizing a perfect and eternal community built on the teachings of Christ and His apostles.

How does Revelation 21:14 relate to Christian unity?

Revelation 21:14 emphasizes Christian unity by showing that the church is built upon the foundational teachings of the apostles. This unity is essential for believers as they strive to live out their faith together.

Book Summary

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.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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