ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Revelation 21

Rev. 21:1–22:5 The destruction of death will lead to the renewal of the entire created order. It will become the perfect home in which the Lamb will live forever with his bride, the people he has redeemed through his atoning death.

Rev. 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The removal of the first heaven and earth eliminates evil. Sin and suffering and death will not exist. This fulfills Isa. 65:17; 66:22. Scholars differ, however, as to how much and in what way the “first heaven and the first earth” will pass away and be changed into something new. They discuss whether this represents an entirely new creation or a “renewed” creation that has some continuity with the old order. It seems that “new” is best understood here as something that has been transformed in a fundamental way, rather than as a fresh creation. By comparison to what is coming to an end, the new cosmic order is radically different. It is a place where “righteousness will dwell” (2 Pet. 3:13). There God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 21:4; compare Isa. 25:8 and Rev. 7:17) and “death shall be no more” (21:4; compare Isa. 25:8 and 1 Cor. 15:26). There “the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay” (Rom. 8:21) and all that is “perishable” will be raised and transformed into a glorious new “imperishable” reality (1 Cor. 15:42–43). There the redeemed will rejoice in the eternal presence of “God and the Lamb” (Rev. 14:4; 22:1–5). The sea was no more refers to the source of earthly rebellion (13:1; Dan. 7:3).

Rev. 21:2 the holy city, new Jerusalem (compare Heb. 12:22–24). The church redeemed by Jesus Christ will be adorned as a bride.

Rev. 21:3 He will dwell with them. The greatest blessing of heaven will be constant fellowship with God himself. The goal of God’s covenant, “God with us” (Isa. 7:14, esv footnote; Matt. 1:23), will be achieved. his people . . . their God. See Lev. 26:11–12; Ezek. 37:27.

Rev. 21:4 God will wipe away every tear and put an end to death, mourning, and pain (see Isa. 25:8; 65:19–20). He will reverse the curse that entered the world through human sin (Gen. 3:14–19).

Rev. 21:6 It is done! The destruction of God’s enemies (16:17) and the salvation of his saints are both completed. the Alpha and the Omega. First and last letters of the Greek alphabet (see 1:8; 22:13). The Lord is the one who “begins” and “ends” all things (Isa. 41:4; 44:6). The spring of the water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb (Rev. 22:1). This is a throne of grace (Heb. 4:16) because here the thirsty drink without payment, by God’s free gift (Isa. 55:1).

Rev. 21:7 The one who conquers. God has made promises to conquerors (2:7, 11, 17). These are summed up in this assurance that the new heaven and earth are their heritage as God’s children. he will be my son. This promise was made to David’s descendants (2 Sam. 7:14). It was fulfilled in Jesus (Heb. 1:5). It also includes those who belong to him (Gal. 3:26). On “son,” see note on Gal. 3:26.

Rev. 21:8 second death. Judgment awaits those who renounce their faith in Christ. sorcerers. On ancient magic, see note on Acts 13:6.

Rev. 21:9–22:5 An angel with one of the seven bowls helps John see the bride, the wife of the Lamb. She is the holy city Jerusalem. Some take this as a literal description of this new city. Others understand it as symbolic of life in heaven.

Rev. 21:12–14 The city’s high wall and twelve gates symbolize absolute protection. The gates bear the names of Israel’s twelve tribes, and the Lamb’s twelve apostles are named on the wall’s foundations (Eph. 2:20), signifying the unity of OT and NT believers.

Rev. 21:15–17 measuring rod of gold. See Ezek. 40:3. The city’s length and width and height are equal, having a cubic shape like the Most Holy Place in the OT sanctuary (1 Kings 6:20; Ezek. 41:4). Since the entire city is the Most Holy Place (the place of God’s presence), there is no temple in it (Rev. 21:22). The length, width, and height of the city (12,000 stadia, or 1,380 miles [2,221 km]) and the width of the city wall (144 cubits) are multiples of 12. This may indicate the literal dimensions of the city or it may symbolize the city’s perfection.

Rev. 21:18 Pure gold may be literal gold that shows the bride’s priceless value and purity, or it may simply be symbolic.

Rev. 21:19–21 The 12 jewels correspond to those engraved with the names of Israelite tribes on the high priest’s breastplate (Ex. 28:17–20). They also resemble stones associated with Eden (Ezek. 28:13–14).

Rev. 21:22 its temple is the Lord God . . . and the Lamb. Jesus himself is the tent and temple in which God lives among his people (John 1:14; 2:19–21).

Rev. 21:23 God the Father is the source and Christ is the mediator of the bride’s radiant light (her truth and purity). See Isa. 60:19–20.

Rev. 21:24–27 bring their glory into it. Compare Isa. 60:3–5. The city’s gates will never be shut because there are no opponents left to threaten it.