What Is the New Jerusalem — In Biblical Context
The New Jerusalem is the eternal city of God described in Revelation 21-22 — breathtakingly beautiful, descending from heaven, where God dwells with His people forever.
The New Jerusalem is the eternal city of God described in Revelation 21-22 — breathtakingly beautiful, descending from heaven, where God dwells with His people forever.
"I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." — Revelation 21:2 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Revelation 21:2 introduces it: 'I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.' Its dimensions are staggering — roughly 1,400 miles in length, width, and height (Revelation 21:16). The wall is jasper, the city pure gold 'like unto clear glass' (21:18). Twelve gates of pearl bear the names of Israel's twelve tribes; twelve foundations display the apostles' names and are decorated with precious stones (21:12-14,19-20). There is no temple, 'for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it' (21:22). No sun or moon, 'for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof' (21:23). A river of life flows from God's throne, and the tree of life yields twelve fruits (22:1-2). 'His servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face' (22:3-4). The New Jerusalem is the eternal home of the redeemed — the fulfillment of Jesus' promise, 'I go to prepare a place for you' (John 14:2).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Revelation 21:2, sits inside Revelation 21. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
Supporting Passages
"The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it."
"They shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads."
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