New Testament

Revelation 21:2

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 the new Jerusalem, a holy city that symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to His people.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

I, John, saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

KJVKing James Version

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, John describes a vision of the new Jerusalem, a holy city that symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to His people. This city is depicted as coming down from heaven, indicating a divine origin and purpose. The imagery of the city being prepared like a bride for her husband highlights the beauty, purity, and joy associated with this new creation. Just as a bride is adorned for her wedding, the new Jerusalem is presented as a place of celebration and union between God and His people. This vision reassures believers of a future hope where God dwells among them, free from pain and suffering. It emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and humanity, showcasing His desire to be with His people in a perfect, restored environment. The new Jerusalem represents not just a physical place but also a spiritual reality where God's presence is fully realized, fulfilling the longing for communion with Him. Explore related unity.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 21:2 to your life

This verse encourages believers to look forward to the future God has prepared for them. It reminds us to live in anticipation of the ultimate union with God, fostering a sense of hope and purpose in our daily lives. We should strive to reflect the beauty and holiness of this future city in our actions today.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does the new Jerusalem symbolize in Revelation 21:2?

The new Jerusalem symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to His people, representing a divine and perfect community where God dwells among His followers. It signifies hope, restoration, and the intimate relationship between God and humanity, showcasing a future free from pain and suffering.

Why is the new Jerusalem compared to a bride in Revelation 21:2?

The comparison of the new Jerusalem to a bride highlights its beauty, purity, and joy. Just as a bride is adorned for her wedding, the new Jerusalem is presented as a place of celebration and union, emphasizing the closeness and commitment between God and His people.

How does Revelation 21:2 provide hope for believers?

Revelation 21:2 reassures believers of a future where God will dwell with them in a perfect environment, free from suffering. This vision encourages them to live with anticipation and purpose, knowing that their ultimate union with God is a promised reality.

What can we learn from the imagery in Revelation 21:2?

The imagery in Revelation 21:2 teaches us about the beauty and holiness that God desires for His people. It encourages believers to reflect these qualities in their lives today, fostering a sense of hope and unity as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.

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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