New Testament
Revelation 21:4
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He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, and no more pain. The former things have passed away.
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And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
What Revelation 21:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 21:4, we find a powerful promise of hope and comfort for believers. This verse describes a future where God will personally remove all sources of pain and suffering. Tears, death, sorrow, and crying will be eliminated, signifying a complete transformation of existence. The phrase 'the former things have passed away' indicates that the struggles and hardships of this life will be replaced by a new reality filled with peace and joy. This vision reassures us that God cares deeply for our pain and will ultimately restore creation to its intended glory. It emphasizes the end of all negative experiences and the beginning of eternal life in God's presence, where love and happiness reign supreme. This promise encourages believers to endure present trials with the hope of a glorious future.
How to apply Revelation 21:4 to your life
In our daily lives, we can find solace in the promise of Revelation 21:4. When facing difficulties, remember that God will ultimately wipe away our tears and bring an end to suffering. This hope can inspire us to support others in their pain and share the message of comfort found in faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary · Revelation 21:4 Meaning
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Plain Meaning
God personally removes every tear from the eyes of His people. Then the verse lists what will no longer exist in this new order: death, sorrow, crying, and pain. All four are gone completely. The reason given is that "the former things are passed away" — the old world, with everything that caused suffering in it, is finished and replaced.
Read It in Context
John has just seen a new heaven and a new earth replace the old ones, and a new Jerusalem coming down from God. A voice announces that God will now live directly with His people. Verse 4 describes what life with God in that new creation will be like — specifically, what it will no longer contain.
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At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 21:4 mean for believers?
Revelation 21:4 offers a profound promise to believers, assuring them that God will eliminate all pain, sorrow, and death in the future. This verse signifies a complete transformation where all negative experiences will be replaced by joy and peace in God's presence. It serves as a reminder that despite current struggles, there is hope for a glorious future where believers will experience eternal life free from suffering.
How can I find comfort in Revelation 21:4 during tough times?
In difficult moments, Revelation 21:4 can be a source of great comfort. It reminds us that our current pain is temporary and that God has promised to wipe away our tears and end our suffering. By focusing on this promise, we can cultivate hope and resilience, knowing that our struggles will one day be replaced by joy. This perspective can also inspire us to support others who are suffering, sharing the message of hope found in God's promises.
What does 'the former things have passed away' mean?
The phrase 'the former things have passed away' in Revelation 21:4 indicates that the struggles, pain, and hardships of this life will no longer exist in the new creation. It signifies a complete renewal of existence where everything that causes suffering will be eradicated. This promise reassures believers that the challenges faced in this life are temporary and that a glorious, pain-free future awaits them in God's eternal kingdom.
How does Revelation 21:4 relate to the concept of eternal life?
Revelation 21:4 is closely tied to the concept of eternal life as it describes a future reality where believers will live in God's presence without any suffering. This verse emphasizes that eternal life is not just about living forever, but about experiencing a transformed existence free from pain, sorrow, and death. It highlights the hope that believers have in a future where they will enjoy perfect peace and joy in communion with God.
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