Revelation 21:4 – Meaning & Devotional
"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 This Verse Means
John describes the ultimate promise: a future reality where every source of suffering is permanently eliminated. God Himself will tenderly wipe every tear from our eyes. Death, sorrow, crying, and pain — the four great plagues of human existence — will be forever gone.
The phrase 'the former things are passed away' signals a complete cosmic reset. The brokenness of this world is not permanent — it is temporary. A day is coming when everything sad will come untrue, and God's people will live in a perfected reality with no more suffering.
Historical Context
Revelation 21 describes the new heaven and new earth that God will create after the final judgment. John saw a vision of the New Jerusalem descending from heaven — the eternal home of God's people. This promise was given to persecuted first-century Christians who needed hope beyond their suffering.
How to Apply This Today
When grief, pain, or loss overwhelms you, hold onto this promise: it will not last forever. A day is coming when God will personally comfort every sorrow. Let this future hope give you strength to endure the present. The best is yet to come.
Related Verses
Isaiah 25:8
"He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces."
Romans 8:18
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
🙏 A Prayer from Revelation 21:4
Lord, I hold onto the promise that You will wipe away every tear. No more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Give me strength to endure until that glorious day. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Bible Questions
Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Death?
The Bible teaches that physical death entered the world through sin, but through Christ, believers have the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Death and Dying?
The Bible treats death as the final enemy conquered by Christ, offering believers the hope of resurrection and eternal life beyond the grave.
Read answerWhat is the New Jerusalem?
The New Jerusalem is the heavenly city described in Revelation 21-22 that will descend from heaven as God's eternal dwelling place with His people.
Read answerWhat does the Bible say about heaven?
Heaven is described as God's dwelling place, a realm of perfect joy, no suffering, and eternal fellowship with God — the ultimate hope for all believers.
Read answerWhat Is the Lake of Fire?
The lake of fire is the final place of eternal punishment described in Revelation where Satan, death, and all whose names are not in the Book of Life are cast.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About the New Heaven and New Earth?
God promises to create a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells, and death, sorrow, and pain are no more.
Read answerDeep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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