What does Revelation 21:26 mean?

And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. Revelation 21:26

Explanation

Revelation 21:26, “And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it,” is a verse from the final book of the New Testament. In the Book of Revelation, John describes visions that represent the future culmination of Christian eschatology: the end of the current world and the establishment of a new, divine reality. This verse specifically belongs to a passage that depicts the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city where God dwells among His people. The “it” in this verse refers to this New Jerusalem.

In a literal sense, the verse implies that the best of what the nations have to offer—their glory and honor—will be brought into the holy city. The deeper meaning could be understood as the diverse peoples of earth bringing their unique cultures, achievements, and praises to contribute to the richness of eternal life with God. The inclusion of “nations” also signifies that the salvation and blessings of the New Jerusalem are not limited to a single group but are extended to all peoples of the world.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was likely written towards the end of the 1st century AD. The early Christian community faced various challenges, including persecution under Roman authority. Written by John of Patmos, Revelation provided hope and encouragement to these early Christians. Given the cultural diversity of the Roman Empire, the verse reflects the universal scope of the message, indicating that all nations, not just Israel or Rome, will be part of God’s kingdom.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be viewed through multiple lenses. For some, it emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s salvation; it is not restricted by earthly borders or ethnicities. For others, the glory and honor could symbolize the righteous deeds or the worshipful acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty by all peoples. Predominant themes include redemption, consummation of history, and the triumph of good over evil.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse inspires believers to value and respect different cultures and peoples, highlighting the importance of inclusivity within the faith community. It suggests that individual and collective virtues, achievements, and sincere worship are precious to God. Furthermore, Christians might be encouraged to work toward unity and peace among nations, anticipating their eventual union in the New Jerusalem.

Cross-References

• Revelation 7:9-10: “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”
• Isaiah 60:3: “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
• Revelation 21:24: “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• “doxa” (δόξα): often translated as “glory,” which means renown, an opinion, or a most apparent condition.
• “timē” (τιμή): translated as “honor,” which can refer to a value, esteem, or the manifestation of respect.

These words in their original language convey a sense of esteem and splendor that is brought into the presence of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient myths often describe the gathering of nations or tribute-bearing processions to honor gods or deified rulers, such as in Egyptian or Mesopotamian texts. In these cultures, bringing gifts to a deity was a common practice to show allegiance and reverence. The depiction of nations bringing glory to God might resonate with these ancient practices, while also transforming them with a uniquely Christian interpretation of God’s relationship with humanity.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not immediately interact with scientific perspectives, as it deals more with eschatological and theological concepts. However, it touches on the idea of a harmonized society, a concept that could be informed by sociological and anthropological research into how different cultures can coexist peacefully and with mutual respect.

Commentaries

Commentators on the Book of Revelation provide various interpretations:

• Some see this verse as a promise of cultural pluralism within God’s kingdom, emphasizing that diversity of nations is not erased but honored in the New Jerusalem.
• Others focus on the eschatological symbolism, interpreting the import of glory and honor as the ultimate submission of earthly powers to God’s authority.
• Still, others might highlight the missiological aspect, suggesting that the verse encourages missionary work with the belief that all nations will eventually acknowledge God.

Overall, commentaries on Revelation 21:26 recognize both the verse’s immediate encouragement to the early church and its ongoing relevance for discussions on unity, diversity, and the culmination of Christian hope.