Revelation 21:1

Translations

Modern

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and the sea is no more.

Latin

Et vidi cælum novum et terram novam. Primum enim cælum, et prima terra abiit, et mare jam non est.

Original

Greek

English

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

Notes

Revelation 21:1

The vision describes God's creation of a new heaven and earth (compare Genesis 1:1 with Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). The old creation has vanished because it was subject to decay (see Romans 8:20–21; 2 Peter 3:7, 10).
the sea was no more: The sea symbolized chaos or the abyss (see study note on Revelation 9:1–12) and was sometimes depicted as a roaring monster (see Psalms 46:3; 74:14; see also Job 3:8; 41:1–34; Luke 21:25). The new creation will be free from all such evil.

Revelation 21:1–22:9

The final scenes of the new heaven and earth show a new community and home for God's people, created and given by God. These scenes uplift persecuted Christians. John shares his main vision (Revelation 21:1–8) and expands on it in two parts:

In Revelation 21:9–27, he describes the new Jerusalem as a place of holy perfection;
in Revelation 22:1–5, he portrays the new Jerusalem as the ultimate garden of Eden, which Adam and Eve could have experienced if they had not sinned.

Theme notes and profiles

Completion of the Second Temple God’s Justice God’s Promised Kingdom Israel’s Geography as Theology Promised Land Temple Design as a Picture of God's Truth The Creation The Day Is Coming The Land The New Community The New Order The Resurrection of the Dead Violation of the Sacred Visions

Related verses

Isaiah 65:17–19
For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
2 Peter 3:13
But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Isaiah 66:22
“For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me,” declares the LORD, “so your descendants and your name will endure.
Revelation 21:5
And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.”
2 Peter 3:10
But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
Revelation 20:11
Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them.
Isaiah 27:1
In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.

Revelation 21:1

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