Revelation 21:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} a new {G2537} heaven {G3772} and {G2532} a new {G2537} earth {G1093}: for {G1063} the first {G4413} heaven {G3772} and {G2532} the first {G4413} earth {G1093} were passed away {G3928}; and {G2532} there was {G2076} no {G3756} more {G2089} sea {G2281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had passed away, and the sea was no longer there.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

American Standard Version

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:1 unveils a breathtaking vision of cosmic renewal, presenting the culmination of God's redemptive plan for creation. Following the final judgments and the defeat of all evil, the Apostle John is granted a glimpse into the eternal state where a qualitatively new heaven and a new earth replace the former, fallen creation. This verse signifies a radical, divine act of recreation, establishing a perfect and harmonious environment utterly free from the vestiges of sin, suffering, and chaos, thus ushering in an era of unblemished peace and direct divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 21:1 marks a pivotal transition in the book of Revelation, immediately following the description of the Great White Throne Judgment in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Having witnessed the final defeat of Satan, the resurrection of the dead, and the judgment of humanity, John now turns from scenes of cosmic conflict and divine retribution to a glorious vision of cosmic restoration. This verse sets the stage for the detailed portrayal of the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with humanity, described in the subsequent verses of [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem") and [Revelation 22](/revelation/22 "Revelation 22 - The River of Life and Christ's Return"). It serves as the grand culmination of the biblical narrative, moving from creation to new creation, from the Garden of Eden to the eternal city.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision was received during a time of intense persecution for early Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian, who demanded emperor worship. The apocalyptic genre, characteristic of Revelation, provided hope and encouragement to a suffering community, assuring them of God's ultimate triumph over evil and the establishment of His perfect kingdom. The imagery of "heaven and earth" passing away and being replaced by "new" ones resonates with Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly those found in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth") and [Isaiah 66:22](/isaiah/66-22 "Isaiah 66:22 - Enduring New Creation"), which promised a future era of divine renewal and peace. The concept of the "sea" also carried significant cultural weight; in ancient Near Eastern cosmology and Jewish thought, the sea often symbolized chaos, evil, separation, and the abode of monstrous forces, as seen in passages like [Daniel 7:3](/daniel/7-3 "Daniel 7:3 - Beasts from the Sea") and [Psalm 74:13-14](/psalms/74-13-14 "Psalm 74:13-14 - God's Victory over the Sea Monsters"). Its absence in the new creation would therefore signify the complete eradication of all sources of disorder and threat.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes central to the eschatological vision of Revelation. The primary theme is **Divine Renewal and Recreation**, emphasizing God's sovereign power not merely to repair the old creation but to bring forth a fundamentally new one, free from the pervasive effects of sin and decay. This speaks to the **Consummation of God's Redemptive Plan**, where the long history of salvation culminates in a perfect, eternal dwelling for His people. The concept of the "first heaven and first earth" passing away highlights the **Irreversibility of God's Judgment and Transformation**, indicating a complete removal of all that is fallen, corrupt, and temporary. Finally, the symbolic declaration "and there was no more sea" underscores the theme of **Perfect Peace and Order**, signifying the eradication of all chaos, separation, and evil, ensuring a unified and secure existence in God's eternal presence. This vision offers profound **Eschatological Hope** for believers, pointing to a future where God's promises of restoration are fully realized.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Greek, _kainós'_):** This word, G2537, signifies "new in quality or kind," emphasizing a qualitative transformation rather than merely "new in time" (which would be _neos_). The new heaven and new earth are not simply a refurbished version of the old, but fundamentally superior, embodying a fresh, unprecedented reality created by God, free from the corruption and limitations of the former.
* **passed away (Greek, _parérchomai'_):** G3928 means "to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert." In this context, it denotes a definitive and complete departure or going away, indicating a permanent cessation and irreversible end to the former state of creation. It implies not just a change, but an absolute removal and replacement.
* **sea (Greek, _thálassa'_):** G2281 refers to "the sea." In the biblical and ancient Near Eastern worldview, the sea often symbolized chaos, disorder, the dwelling place of evil, and a barrier or source of separation. Its absence in the new creation is highly symbolic, representing the complete eradication of all forms of chaos, evil, separation, and anything that might threaten God's perfect order and the harmonious fellowship of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth":** This clause introduces John's visionary experience, emphasizing the divine origin of this revelation. The "new heaven and new earth" signify a complete cosmic renewal, a creation that is qualitatively superior and fundamentally different from the present fallen world. It points to a fresh, unblemished reality where God's glory will fully dwell.
* **"for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away":** This provides the reason and necessity for the new creation. The "first heaven and first earth" refer to the current cosmos, which, due to the pervasive effects of sin and the curse, is subject to decay and imperfection. Their "passing away" indicates a definitive and irreversible end, a complete removal, rather than a mere renovation, making way for God's perfect, eternal dwelling.
* **"and there was no more sea":** This highly symbolic phrase signifies the complete absence of chaos, disorder, and separation. In ancient thought, the sea was often associated with evil, rebellion, and the unknown depths from which threats could emerge. Its removal symbolizes perfect peace, security, and unity, where all barriers and sources of unrest have been eternally eliminated, ensuring an environment of absolute harmony and direct access to God.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:1 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. **Visionary Language** is paramount, as the verse opens with "And I saw," immediately immersing the reader in John's apocalyptic experience and emphasizing the divine origin of this future reality. The use of **Contrast** is central, juxtaposing the "first heaven and first earth" with the "new heaven and new earth," highlighting the radical transformation from the old, fallen creation to the new, perfected one. This contrast underscores the theme of divine recreation. **Symbolism** is heavily at play, particularly with the phrase "no more sea." As discussed, the sea often represents chaos, evil, and separation in biblical thought, so its absence symbolically conveys the complete eradication of all disorder and disruption in the eternal state. The cosmic scale of the vision, encompassing "heaven and earth," also lends an element of **Hyperbole** or grandiosity, emphasizing the immense and all-encompassing nature of God's final redemptive act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:1 stands as a profound theological statement on God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to a redeemed creation. It affirms that God's plan extends beyond merely saving individuals; it encompasses the complete restoration of the cosmos, purging it of all sin's effects and establishing a perfect environment for His eternal dwelling with humanity. This vision underscores the biblical narrative's trajectory from creation to new creation, demonstrating that the fall did not thwart God's original purpose for a perfect fellowship with His people in a perfect world. It is the consummation of all redemptive history, where the temporary yields to the eternal, and the brokenness of the present age gives way to unblemished glory. The new heaven and earth are the ultimate expression of God's faithfulness, power, and love, providing an eternal home free from the curse.

* [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth Prophecy")
* [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - Looking for New Heavens and New Earth")
* [Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26-27 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Shaking of Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:1 offers immense comfort and a powerful anchor for Christian hope in a world often marked by suffering, injustice, and decay. This vision assures believers that the present trials and the imperfections of this age are temporary. God's ultimate plan is not merely to rescue us from the world but to recreate the very environment in which we will dwell eternally with Him. This profound truth should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our present struggles are fleeting in comparison to the glorious reality that awaits. It calls us to endure faithfully, knowing that God is actively working towards a future where all tears will be wiped away, and there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death, as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Tears"). This hope fuels our perseverance, shapes our values, and motivates us to live in a way that reflects the values of the coming kingdom, even now.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of a "new heaven and new earth" impact your perspective on current global issues and personal struggles?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "no more sea" (symbolizing the absence of chaos and separation) offer you comfort or challenge your understanding of ultimate peace?**
* **How might living with an "eternal perspective," grounded in Revelation 21:1, influence your daily choices and priorities?**

### FAQ
**Is the "new heaven and new earth" a literal replacement or a renovation of the current creation?**

Answer: The Greek word used for "new" is _kainós_ (G2537), which signifies "new in quality or kind," rather than _neos_, which means "new in time" or merely recent. This strongly suggests a qualitative transformation and a fundamental recreation, not just a renovation or purification of the existing cosmos. While some continuity may exist (e.g., the redeemed saints will inhabit it), the emphasis is on a radical, divine act that produces a superior, unblemished reality, free from the curse of sin and decay that affects the current creation. The phrase "the first heaven and the first earth were passed away" (G3928, _parérchomai_) further supports a complete removal and replacement, indicating a definitive end to the former state.

**Why is there "no more sea" in the new creation? What is the significance of this detail?**

Answer: The absence of the sea is highly symbolic and carries significant meaning within the biblical and ancient Near Eastern worldview. In many ancient cultures, including Jewish thought, the sea was often associated with chaos, disorder, danger, and the dwelling place of monstrous evils (e.g., [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - Leviathan")). It could also represent separation and barriers between peoples or lands. Therefore, the declaration "no more sea" in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - No More Sea") symbolizes the complete eradication of all forms of chaos, evil, rebellion, and anything that might threaten God's perfect order. It signifies absolute peace, security, and unity, where all barriers are removed, and there is unhindered access and fellowship in God's presence. It points to a world of perfect harmony and tranquility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:1, while a vision of the future, finds its ultimate foundation and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "new heaven and new earth" are not merely a cosmic reset but the eschatological outcome of Christ's redemptive mission. He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), and it is through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection that the power of sin and death, which corrupted the first creation, is decisively broken. His resurrection is the "firstfruits" of this new creation ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits")), inaugurating the new era and guaranteeing the future renewal of all things. As the "last Adam," Christ undoes the curse brought by the first Adam, making it possible for humanity to dwell perfectly with God once more. The new creation is therefore a Christ-centered reality, purchased by His blood, sustained by His power, and ultimately serving as the eternal dwelling place where God's people, redeemed by Christ, will forever enjoy His presence. Indeed, in Christ, "the old has passed away; behold, the new has come" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), a spiritual reality now that will be cosmically realized in the new heaven and new earth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 65:17

¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Isaiah 65:19

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Isaiah 66:22

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

Revelation 21:5

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.

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Revelation 20:11

¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.