What does Revelation 21:5 mean?

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:5

Explanation

Revelation 21:5 is a profound verse that lies within a vision described by the apostle John, conveying a message of restoration and hope. The speaker in this verse is God, seated upon the throne, declaring the renewal of all things. The passage is rich in symbolic language and reflects the ultimate purification and transformation of the world as we know it. It emphasizes the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God’s words – that what is being promised will assuredly come to pass. The command to write underscores the importance and permanence of the message.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is believed to have been written toward the end of the first century A.D., during a time of persecution of Christians under Roman rule. The historical context suggests it was written to provide hope and encouragement to Christians who were under intense distress. Revelation uses apocalyptic language, which is highly symbolic, to unveil the ultimate victory of God and the establishment of His kingdom.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Revelation 21:5 is significant to eschatology, the study of the end times. God’s pronouncement indicates a time when sin and death will be eradicated, and a new creation will emerge – a new heaven and a new earth, first mentioned in Revelation 21:1.

• From a premillennial standpoint, this passage describes events after Christ’s second coming and the subsequent millennium.
• Amillennial readers interpret this as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan, not necessarily after a literal thousand-year reign.
• Postmillennial interpretation might see this as the climax of a golden age brought about by the spread of the Gospel in the current world.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, Revelation 21:5 can inspire individuals to reflect on the transient nature of the current world and to live in anticipation of the new world that God has promised. It encourages faithfulness and perseverance through trying times, reminding believers that suffering and evil are temporary conditions. It also serves as an invitation to participate in the renewal God promises by engaging in actions that reflect the values of the coming Kingdom.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 43:19 – “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
• 2 Peter 3:13 – “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
• Revelation 21:1 – “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

Language Study

• “Behold” (Greek: ἰδού, idou): An imperative form often used in Revelation as a command to pay attention to what follows, emphasizing the significance of the message.
• “I make” (Greek: ποιέω, poieō): Present tense indicating a continuous or ongoing action, suggesting the renewal is both an event and a process.
• “All things new” (Greek: καινά πάντα, kaina panta): A phrase that signifies not just refurbishing the old but creating something completely transformed and fresh.
• “True and faithful” (Greek: ἀληθινός καὶ ἀληθής, alēthinos kai alēthēs): The terms highlight the reliability of God’s promises; “true” suggests real and genuine, while “faithful” underscores trustworthiness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be compared to themes found in other religious and ancient mythologies that speak of cyclic renewals or rebirths of the world, such as in Hinduism (cycles of creation and destruction) or in Norse mythology (Ragnarök followed by a new world). However, the biblical concept of renewal is linear, leading to an everlasting, uncorrupted creation rather than cyclical.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concept of making “all things new” can be paralleled with the idea of transformation and the life cycle of matter. While science does not confirm a complete renewal or creation event as described in Revelation, the principles of energy conservation and matter cycles echo the transformative aspect on a very different scale and context.

Commentaries

Commentary on Revelation 21:5 varies:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the perfect renewal of heaven and earth, suggesting that the former state of things is passed away, and the new state of righteousness will be established.

• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges suggests this phrase assures the complete trustworthiness of this prophecy, so much so that people are told to write it down as a permanent record.

• The Pulpit Commentary elaborates on the phrase “I make all things new,” noting that it does not only refer to the current heaven and earth but also to the inhabitants, indicating a moral and spiritual renewal in addition to the physical one.