What does Revelation 21:4 mean?

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. Revelation 21:4

Explanation

Revelation 21:4 encapsulates the promise of a future where suffering and death are no longer part of the human experience. In a literal sense, the verse speaks to the eventual elimination of all forms of grief and pain. This assertion suggests a transformation of reality as known, indicating an end to the current human condition marked by mortality and sorrow. On a deeper level, the verse implies a restoration or redemption of creation, where the brokenness of the world is healed. This future state is frequently interpreted as the coming of a new heaven and a new earth where God’s presence ensures that the afflictions of the current world have ceased.

Historical Context

Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, is traditionally attributed to John of Patmos and is dated to the late 1st century CE. It was a time of political turmoil and persecution for many early Christians within the Roman Empire. Revelation is apocalyptic literature, characterized by symbolic and allegorical language, often describing the ultimate victory of good over evil and the establishment of God’s kingdom. The specific context of Revelation 21:4 is a vision of a new Jerusalem descending from heaven, indicative of a new order where God dwells with humanity.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant to Christian eschatology, the study of end times. For many Christians, it represents the ultimate hope and culmination of God’s redemptive plan. Diverse perspectives exist within Christianity regarding the interpretation of this promise. Some approach it as a literal prophecy, anticipating a physical new creation. Others interpret it allegorically, perceiving it as a representation of spiritual realities or the internal experience of salvation. Preterists believe this prophecy to have been fulfilled symbolically with the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE, while futurists see it as a yet-to-be-fulfilled physical event.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, Revelation 21:4 offers comfort and hope to those suffering or grieving, providing a spiritual perspective that transcends current pain and loss. It encourages believers to persevere through hardships with the assurance that pain is temporary and will be overcome. This verse can also inspire acts of compassion, as aspiring to a world without tears leads to efforts to alleviate suffering now. Furthermore, it challenges individuals to reflect on the temporality of life and prioritize what is believed to be eternal and of ultimate importance.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 25:8: “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces…”
• 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.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:26: “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
• Revelation 21:1: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away…”

Language Study

The key Greek terms in Revelation 21:4 offer deeper understanding of the text:

• “wipe away” (ἐξαλείψει, exaleipsei): To obliterate or do away with, suggesting a thorough removal of tears.
• “death” (θάνατος, thanatos): Refers to the cessation of life; in Christian theology, also indicative of spiritual death or separation from God.
• “sorrow” (πένθος, penthos): Generally signifies mourning or grief, pointing to deep emotional pain.
• “crying” (κλαυθμός, klauthmos): Wailing or loud expressions of grief.
• “pain” (πόνος, ponos): Physical or emotional suffering or toil.
• “former things” (πρῶτα, prōta): Indicates things that were before, suggesting a contrast with a new order of existence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures, visions of an idyllic afterlife or a return to a paradisiacal state can be found in various myths and religious narratives. For instance, the concept of an eternal life without suffering has parallels in the Elysian Fields of Greek mythology. In Zoroastrianism, a promise of renewal and the making of all things perfect is articulated in the concept of Frashokereti. While different in details and scope, such concepts reflect a universal human desire for an existence free from suffering and death.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the concept of eradicating death and suffering as described in Revelation 21:4 is largely symbolic, as mortality and pain are fundamental aspects of biological life. However, with advances in medicine and technology, efforts are continuously made to alleviate suffering and extend human life spans, mirroring in part the aspirations of this apocalyptic hope. The verse serves as a metaphor for ultimate healing and restoration, which transcends the current scientific understanding of human existence.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators and theologians have offered interpretations of Revelation 21:4:

• Matthew Henry views the verse as descriptive of the blessed state of the faithful after the resurrection and final judgement, emphasizing the complete removal of all causes of sorrow.
• John Gill interprets the wiping away of tears as the removal of all things that produce mourning, citing the presence of God and the Lamb as central to this transformation.
• Craig S. Keener in his NIV Application Commentary sees the passage as offering profound hope for the future, reminding readers that the sufferings of this present world will not have the last word.
• G.K. Beale in “The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text” suggests that the language points to a reversal of the curse found in Genesis, signifying new creation and complete redemption.
• The “ESV Study Bible” notes the fulfillment of God’s promises and indicates that the new creation will be a place where the damaging effects of sin are no longer present.