What does Revelation 21:1 mean?
"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." - Revelation 21:1

Revelation 21:1 (KJV) reads: "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."
This passage from the Book of Revelation is one of hope and renewal. It describes the vision of the apostle John, who sees a new heaven and a new earth after the passing away of the old order. The imagery of a new heaven and a new earth signifies a complete transformation and restoration of the world as we know it. It speaks to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for creation and the redemption of humanity.
The book of Revelation is the final book of the New Testament and is often associated with apocalyptic literature, which is a genre that focuses on the end times and the ultimate victory of good over evil. The book is attributed to the apostle John and is believed to have been written during a time of intense persecution of early Christians. The vivid and often symbolic language used in Revelation is meant to convey a message of hope and encouragement to those facing challenges and persecution.
The theme of renewal and transformation in Revelation 21:1 is a reflection of the Christian belief in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The passing away of the old heaven and earth represents the end of the current age, marked by sin, suffering, and death. The absence of the sea in the new earth symbolizes the absence of chaos and disorder, as the sea was often associated with danger and uncertainty in ancient times.
The vision of a new heaven and a new earth is also echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in Isaiah 65:17 where it says, "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." This vision is connected to the promise of God's restoration and the establishment of a new and perfect order.
The message of Revelation 21:1 is particularly relevant to Christians who are facing persecution or hardship. It offers a message of hope and encouragement, reminding believers that the trials and tribulations of the present age are temporary, and that God's ultimate plan for creation is one of renewal and restoration.
In addition to its theological significance, Revelation 21:1 also holds symbolic meaning. The imagery of a new heaven and a new earth speaks to the idea of the ultimate reconciliation of all things in Christ. It symbolizes the complete transformation of creation and the fulfillment of God's promises.
Overall, Revelation 21:1 is a powerful and evocative passage that conveys a message of hope and renewal. In the midst of a world marked by suffering and turmoil, it reminds believers that God's ultimate plan for creation is one of redemption and restoration. As such, it offers comfort and encouragement to those facing challenges and persecution, pointing to the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the establishment of a new and perfect order.
Have questions about Revelation 21:1?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Revelation 21:1 Artwork
Revelation 21:1
Revelation 21: 1
Revelation 21:1 - "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."
"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." - Revelation 21:1
"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." - Revelation 21:1
Revelation 21:1-4 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. "
Revelation 21:1-8 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”"
Revelation 21:1-7 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children."
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. " - Revelation 21:1-4
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children." - Revelation 21:1-7
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”" - Revelation 21:1-8
Revelation 21:3
Revelation 21:2
Revelation 21:2
Revelation 21:2
Revelation 21:2
Revelation 21:12
Revelation 21:4
Revelations 21:4
Revelations 21:4
Revelation 19:19-21
Revelation 19:19-21
Revelation 19:19-21
Revelation 21:5
Revelation 21:6
Revelation 21:3
Revelation 21: 10
Revelation 21:11
Revelation 21:11
Revelation 21:21 – "The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl."