Revelation 21:2
New International Version
I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

New Living Translation
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

English Standard Version
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Berean Standard Bible
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Berean Literal Bible
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having been prepared as a bride having been adorned for her husband.

King James Bible
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

New King James Version
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

New American Standard Bible
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

NASB 1995
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

NASB 1977
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

Legacy Standard Bible
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

Amplified Bible
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, arrayed like a bride adorned for her husband;

Christian Standard Bible
I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I also saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

American Standard Version
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

Contemporary English Version
Then I saw New Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down from God in heaven. It was like a bride dressed in her wedding gown and ready to meet her husband.

English Revised Version
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, dressed like a bride ready for her husband.

Good News Translation
And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband.

International Standard Version
I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

Majority Standard Bible
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

NET Bible
And I saw the holy city--the new Jerusalem--descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband.

New Heart English Bible
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Weymouth New Testament
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God and made ready like a bride attired to meet her husband.

World English Bible
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband;

Berean Literal Bible
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having been prepared as a bride having been adorned for her husband.

Young's Literal Translation
and I, John, saw the holy city -- new Jerusalem -- coming down from God out of the heaven, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband;

Smith's Literal Translation
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I John saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I, John, saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

New American Bible
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

New Revised Standard Version
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And I saw The Holy City, New Jerusalem, descending from Heaven from beside God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven, from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Godbey New Testament
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God, prepared as a bride is adorned for her husband.

Haweis New Testament
And I John saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Mace New Testament
and I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descend from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Weymouth New Testament
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God and made ready like a bride attired to meet her husband.

Worrell New Testament
And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

Worsley New Testament
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, descending from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A New Heaven and a New Earth
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.…

Cross References
Isaiah 52:1
Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you.

Isaiah 62:4-5
No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride. / For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you.

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. / But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight. / I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her.

Isaiah 66:10-13
Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her, / so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you may drink deeply and delight yourselves in her glorious abundance. / For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees. ...

Ezekiel 48:35
The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits, and from that day on the name of the city will be: THE LORD IS THERE.”

Ezekiel 37:27-28
My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people. / Then the nations will know that I the LORD sanctify Israel, when My sanctuary is among them forever.’”

Psalm 48:1-2
A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. / Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.

Psalm 87:3
Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah

Zechariah 2:10-11
“Shout for joy and be glad, O Daughter of Zion, for I am coming to dwell among you,” declares the LORD. / “On that day many nations will join themselves to the LORD, and they will become My people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you.

Zechariah 8:3
This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.”

Hebrews 11:10
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Hebrews 12:22-23
Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels / in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

Galatians 4:26
But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

2 Corinthians 11:2
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Ephesians 5:25-27
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.


Treasury of Scripture

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

I.

Revelation 1:1,4,9
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: …

the holy.

Revelation 3:12
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Psalm 48:1-3
A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness…

Psalm 87:3
Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.

coming.

Revelation 21:10
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Galatians 4:25,26
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children…

as.

Revelation 19:7,8
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready…

Psalm 45:9-14
Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir…

Isaiah 54:5
For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Jump to Previous
Adorned Attired Beautifully Bride City Dressed Heaven Holy Husband Jerusalem John Meet New Prepared Ready
Jump to Next
Adorned Attired Beautifully Bride City Dressed Heaven Holy Husband Jerusalem John Meet New Prepared Ready
Revelation 21
1. A new heaven and a new earth.
10. The heavenly Jerusalem, with a full description thereof.
23. She needs no sun, the glory of God being her light.
24. The kings of the earth bring their riches unto her.














I saw the holy city
The vision of the "holy city" signifies a place set apart for God's presence and people. In biblical context, cities often represent centers of human civilization and culture. The "holy city" contrasts with earthly cities, symbolizing purity and divine order. This vision is given to John, the apostle, who is exiled on the island of Patmos. The concept of a holy city is rooted in the Old Testament, where Jerusalem is often depicted as the dwelling place of God (Psalm 48:1-2).

the new Jerusalem
The "new Jerusalem" represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate restoration of His people. It is not merely a physical city but a symbol of God's eternal kingdom. This new creation is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 65:17-19, which speaks of a new heaven and a new earth. The new Jerusalem is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, contrasting with the old Jerusalem, which was subject to sin and destruction.

coming down out of heaven from God
The descent of the new Jerusalem "out of heaven from God" emphasizes its divine origin and nature. Unlike earthly cities built by human hands, this city is a gift from God, signifying His initiative in salvation and restoration. This imagery echoes the vision of Jacob's ladder in Genesis 28:12, where heaven and earth are connected by divine action. It underscores the idea that the new creation is not achieved by human effort but by God's sovereign will.

prepared as a bride
The preparation "as a bride" highlights the city's beauty, purity, and readiness for a divine relationship. In biblical times, a bride's preparation was a significant cultural event, symbolizing purity and commitment. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to describe the relationship between God and His people, such as in Hosea 2:19-20 and Ephesians 5:25-27. The city, like a bride, is made ready for a sacred union with God.

adorned for her husband
The adornment "for her husband" signifies the intimate and covenantal relationship between God and His people. In ancient Jewish culture, a bride adorned herself to meet her groom, symbolizing joy and anticipation. This phrase reflects the eschatological hope of the church as the bride of Christ, as seen in Revelation 19:7-8. The adornment represents the righteousness and glory bestowed upon the church by Christ, the bridegroom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of the Book of Revelation, who receives and records the vision of the new Jerusalem.

2. The Holy City, New Jerusalem
Symbolizes the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people, representing the fulfillment of God's promises.

3. Heaven
The origin from which the new Jerusalem descends, indicating its divine nature and purity.

4. God
The source and preparer of the new Jerusalem, emphasizing His sovereignty and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

5. The Bride
Represents the church, adorned and prepared for union with Christ, her husband.
Teaching Points
The Promise of a New Beginning
Revelation 21:2 assures believers of a future where God will dwell with His people in a renewed creation. This hope should encourage perseverance in faith.

The Church as the Bride
The imagery of the church as a bride adorned for her husband highlights the intimate relationship between Christ and His church. Believers are called to live in purity and devotion, preparing for this ultimate union.

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
The descent of the new Jerusalem from heaven underscores God's control over history and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Trust in God's plan should be a cornerstone of Christian faith.

Heavenly Citizenship
As citizens of the new Jerusalem, Christians are reminded to live as ambassadors of God's kingdom on earth, reflecting His values and love in their daily lives.

The Beauty of Holiness
The adornment of the bride signifies the beauty of holiness. Believers are encouraged to pursue holiness, knowing it is pleasing to God and a reflection of their future glory.(2) And I John saw the holy city . . .--Better, And the holy city, new Jerusalem, I saw coming down out of the heaven from God, prepared . . . The name John is omitted in the best MSS. The new Jerusalem is more fully described later on (Revelation 21:10 et seq.). The city is also the bride (comp. Revelation 21:9-10). Both images--the "city" and the "bride"--are familiar to the Bible student. The sacred city appears linked to God by a sacred bond. (Comp. Psalm 45:13-14; Isaiah 61:10; Isaiah 62:4-5; Galatians 4:26; Ephesians 5:25-27.) The city-bride is now adorned for her Husband. We know what her ornaments are, now that He is about to present her to Himself a glorious Church: the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and her loving obedience to Him (1Peter 3:4), are her jewels. She is seen, not rising from earth or sea, like the foes of righteousness (Revelation 13:1; Revelation 13:11), but coming down from heaven. The world will never evolve a golden age or ideal state. The new Jerusalem must descend from God. The true pattern, which alone will realise man's highest wishes, is the pattern in the mount of God (Acts 7:44). . . . Verse 2. - And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem. "John" must be omitted, according to all the best manuscripts. "The holy city" is the Church of God (see on Revelation 11:2), now glorified and prepared for perfect communion with her Redeemer (cf. the promise in Revelation 3:12, which is now fulfilled; cf. also Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 11:10, 16). Contrast this figure of the holy city with that of Babylon (see on Revelation 18.). Coming down from God out of heaven. Connect "out of heaven" with "coming down." The same words occur in Revelation 3:12 (which see). Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Here is the contrast to the "harlot" (see on Revelation 17:1). Though many of those forming the bride are rewarded according to their works (see Revelation 20:13), yet their own works are insufficient to fit them for their future life; they are prepared by God. This appearance is anticipated in Revelation 19:7 (which see).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I saw
εἶδον (eidon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

holy
ἁγίαν (hagian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

city,
πόλιν (polin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

[the] new
καινὴν (kainēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2537: Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new

Jerusalem,
Ἰερουσαλὴμ (Ierousalēm)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.

coming down
καταβαίνουσαν (katabainousan)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2597: To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.

out of
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

heaven
οὐρανοῦ (ouranou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

God,
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

prepared
ἡτοιμασμένην (hētoimasmenēn)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2090: To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

a bride
νύμφην (nymphēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3565: From a primary but obsolete verb nupto; a young married woman, including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife.

adorned
κεκοσμημένην (kekosmēmenēn)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2885: To put into order; I decorate, deck, adorn. From kosmos; to put in proper order, i.e. Decorate; specially, to snuff.

for
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

her
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

husband.
ἀνδρὶ (andri)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.


Links
Revelation 21:2 NIV
Revelation 21:2 NLT
Revelation 21:2 ESV
Revelation 21:2 NASB
Revelation 21:2 KJV

Revelation 21:2 BibleApps.com
Revelation 21:2 Biblia Paralela
Revelation 21:2 Chinese Bible
Revelation 21:2 French Bible
Revelation 21:2 Catholic Bible

NT Prophecy: Revelation 21:2 I saw the holy city New Jerusalem (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 21:1
Top of Page
Top of Page