What does Revelation 21:22 mean?

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Revelation 21:22

Explanation

Revelation 21:22 depicts a vision by the apostle John of the new Jerusalem in the eschatological future, as revealed to him by God. In his vision, John notes the absence of a temple, stating that “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” This signifies a profound shift from the traditional understanding of a physical temple as the dwelling place of God’s presence. Instead, the Almighty God and Jesus Christ, the Lamb, are described as the spiritual temple, indicating the direct, unmediated presence of God among the people. This suggests that in the new Jerusalem, believers will experience a direct and personal communion with God, without the need for a physical structure or intermediaries.

Historical Context

Revelation, traditionally ascribed to John of Patmos, was written toward the end of the 1st century CE, a time of significant persecution for Christians under the Roman Empire. The revelation contains apocalyptic literature that uses symbolic imagery to promise the eventual triumph of good over evil. The concept of a new Jerusalem without a temple harks back to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE and reflects a Christian belief in the supersession of the old covenant, including its temple worship, by a new covenant through Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

The absence of a temple in the new Jerusalem is fraught with theological significance. For some, it indicates the fulfilment of biblical prophecies and the ushering in of a new era of worship, centered on God and the Lamb rather than on ritualistic practices. This perspective fits within the framework that sees Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, making the recurrent sacrifices of the temple obsolete. Other theological viewpoints might emphasize the universality of God’s presence, suggesting that God cannot be confined to any physical location, whether it be a temple or any other.

Practical Applications

The idea that “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple” encourages believers to seek a personal, intimate relationship with God beyond formal religious practices. It implies that one’s body and life can themselves be a temple, reflecting divine glory through actions and character. This can inspire a more holistic approach to faith, where spiritual practice infuses all aspects of one’s daily existence, rather than being confined to specific rites or locations.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
• John 4:21-24: “Jesus saith unto her… believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father… the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth…”
• Revelation 7:17: “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”
• Hebrews 9:11: “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;”

Language Study

Key words in this passage include “temple” (Greek: ναὸς, naos), which often referred to the inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, in a physical temple where God’s presence was believed to dwell. “Lord God Almighty” (Greek: Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ὁ Παντοκράτωρ, Kyrios ho Theos ho Pantokrator) depicts God’s sovereign power, and “the Lamb” (Greek: τὸ Ἀρνίον, to Arnion) is a title for Jesus that connotes the idea of sacrifice and salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of God or gods dwelling in physical temples is widespread in ancient religions. The ancient Israelites, Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all built elaborate temples for their deities. In contrast, the vision in Revelation parallels certain strands of Jewish and Christian thought that emphasize God’s omnipresence and the idea of believers themselves being a spiritual temple.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not directly intersect with the visionary and symbolic content of Revelation 21:22, as science typically does not address metaphysical claims about divine presence or spiritual temples. However, psychology might explore the impact of such beliefs on human behavior and the sociological significance of moving away from centralized, physical places of worship.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse draw attention to its eschatological nature and its place within Christian doctrine. Matthew Henry interprets it as the perfect communion with God that believers will enjoy in the afterlife, where external ceremonies will be unnecessary. The Cambridge Bible Commentary suggests that the presence of God and the Lamb replace the temple’s function. Many scholars agree that this vision intends to comfort and inspire hope in its readers by portraying the ultimate destiny for believers as one of eternal and direct fellowship with God and Christ.