Revelation 21:10

KJV

And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he carried {G667} me {G3165} away {G667} in {G1722} the spirit {G4151} to {G1909} a great {G3173} and {G2532} high {G5308} mountain {G3735}, and {G2532} shewed {G1166} me {G3427} that great {G3173} city {G4172}, the holy {G40} Jerusalem {G2419}, descending {G2597} out of {G1537} heaven {G3772} from {G575} God {G2316},

Complete Jewish Bible

He carried me off in the Spirit to the top of a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city, Yerushalayim, coming down out of heaven from God.

Berean Standard Bible

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,

American Standard Version

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:10 presents the apostle John's profound vision of the New Jerusalem, the holy city of God, as he is spiritually transported by an angel to a majestic mountain. From this elevated vantage point, John beholds the glorious capital of the new creation, not built by human hands but divinely prepared and descending from heaven, signifying its sacred origin and God's direct initiative in establishing His eternal dwelling place with humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, following the dramatic announcement of a [new heaven and a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "The New Creation") and the definitive declaration that God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear and ending all suffering ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "God Dwells with Humanity")). Specifically, Revelation 21:10 picks up directly from the angel's invitation in [Revelation 21:9](/revelation/21-9 "The Bride, the Lamb's Wife") to show John "the bride, the Lamb's wife." The vision of the New Jerusalem that follows is thus presented as the ultimate embodiment of this "bride," the redeemed community of God, prepared for eternal union with Christ. It marks the culmination of God's redemptive plan, transitioning from the previous chapters' judgments and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John, exiled on the island of Patmos, was receiving these visions during a period of intense Roman persecution of Christians. The concept of a "holy city" or a "new Jerusalem" would have resonated deeply with his Jewish-Christian audience, who were familiar with prophetic traditions envisioning a restored and glorified Jerusalem (e.g., [Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "The Future Glory of Zion")). However, John's vision transcends an earthly, rebuilt city, presenting a heavenly, divine reality. The motif of being carried "in the spirit" to a "high mountain" for divine revelation is a common biblical trope, seen in figures like Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "The Giving of the Law at Sinai")) or Ezekiel receiving visions of the temple on a very high mountain ([Ezekiel 40:2](/ekiel/40-2 "Ezekiel's Temple Vision")). This method underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of the revelation.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 21:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Guidance**, emphasizing that John's experience is not a dream or human imagination but a divinely orchestrated encounter, ensuring the authenticity and authority of the eschatological realities being revealed. Secondly, the central focus on "the great city, the holy Jerusalem" introduces the theme of **The New Jerusalem as God's Consummated Dwelling**, portraying it as both a literal place and a symbolic representation of the redeemed people of God, prepared as a bride for her husband ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem as a Bride")). Its "great" and "holy" nature speaks to its immense significance, glory, and purity. Finally, the phrase "descending out of heaven from God" underscores the theme of **Heavenly Origin and Divine Initiative**, signifying that this ultimate dwelling place is entirely a work of God, perfect, pure, and untouched by human sin, thereby fulfilling God's ancient desire to dwell fully and eternally with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shewed (Greek, _deiknýō'_):** This verb signifies to "show" or "display," literally or figuratively. In this context, it emphasizes the direct, visual nature of the revelation given to John. It's not merely a verbal description but a divine unveiling, allowing John to witness the New Jerusalem firsthand, thereby lending powerful authenticity and vividness to the vision.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** Refers to a "current of air," "breath," or "spirit." Here, "in the spirit" (ἐν πνεύματι) denotes a state of prophetic ecstasy or spiritual transport, where John's human faculties are supernaturally enabled to perceive divine realities. This indicates that the experience is not physical but a profound spiritual encounter orchestrated by the Holy Spirit, allowing John to transcend ordinary perception and receive direct divine communication.
* **descending (Greek, _katabaínō'_):** Meaning "to come down" or "to descend," this word is crucial as it describes the movement of the New Jerusalem. Its descent "out of heaven from God" clearly communicates its divine origin and its status as a gift from God, rather than a human construction. It signifies God's active, sovereign bringing forth of His perfected dwelling place, emphasizing its purity, holiness, and the fact that it is entirely God's initiative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain,"**: This clause describes the supernatural means and setting of John's vision. The "he" refers to one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, as indicated in the preceding verse ([Revelation 21:9](/revelation/21-9 "The Angel's Invitation")). Being "carried away in the spirit" signifies a divinely orchestrated visionary experience, a common prophetic mode in Scripture where the prophet's consciousness is elevated to receive revelation. The "great and high mountain" provides a symbolic vantage point, often associated with divine encounters and elevated perspectives from which grand truths are revealed (e.g., [Ezekiel 40:2](/ezekiel/40-2 "Ezekiel's Temple Vision")).
* **"and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem,"**: Following the transport, the angel immediately "shewed" John the primary object of the vision. This "great city" is identified as "the holy Jerusalem." The descriptor "great" indicates its immense significance, grandeur, and scope, while "holy" emphasizes its consecrated, pure, and set-apart nature, fit for God's presence and the dwelling of His redeemed people. This is not the earthly Jerusalem, but its transcendent, perfected counterpart.
* **"descending out of heaven from God,"**: This final phrase is profoundly significant, establishing the origin and nature of the New Jerusalem. Its "descending" motion signifies that it is not built by human effort or earthly means but is a divine creation. The phrase "out of heaven from God" unequivocally declares its celestial, divine source, underscoring its perfection, purity, and the fact that it is a direct gift and manifestation of God's sovereign will and grace. It is the ultimate realization of God's desire to dwell with His creation.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:10 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "great and high mountain" symbolizing a place of divine revelation and a superior vantage point from which to perceive spiritual truths. The "great city, the holy Jerusalem" is a rich **symbol** for the perfected dwelling place of God, representing not only a physical reality but also the redeemed community of believers, the "bride" of Christ, purified and made ready for eternal fellowship. The entire passage functions as an **Apocalyptic Vision**, a characteristic literary form of the book of Revelation, using vivid imagery and supernatural events to convey eschatological truths. The description of the city as "great" and the mountain as "great and high" also utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Magnification** to emphasize the unparalleled grandeur, significance, and divine majesty of the New Jerusalem and the vision itself. Furthermore, the direct showing by the angel functions as a form of **Divine Manifestation** or **Theophany**, where God's ultimate reality is made visible through an intermediary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:10 serves as a theological cornerstone, vividly portraying the culmination of God's redemptive plan and His ultimate desire to dwell with humanity. The descent of the New Jerusalem from heaven signifies that the eschatological hope for a perfect world is not a human achievement but a divine gift, wholly initiated and brought to fruition by God. This city, holy and great, represents the perfected relationship between God and His people, where the barriers of sin are removed, and His presence is fully realized. It is the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, where God's presence was localized, now expanded to encompass an entire city, demonstrating His universal and intimate dwelling among the redeemed. This vision assures believers of a glorious and secure future, where God's holiness and glory will fully permeate His creation, establishing an eternal reality of peace, justice, and unhindered fellowship.

* [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "The Heavenly Jerusalem")
* [Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Jerusalem Above")
* [Isaiah 60:1-3](/isaiah/60-1-3 "The Future Glory of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:10 offers a profound source of hope and inspiration for believers navigating the complexities and trials of the present age. The vision of the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, reminds us that our ultimate destiny is not tied to the fleeting realities of this world, but to a glorious, eternal city prepared by God Himself. This should instill in us a deep sense of security and purpose, knowing that God's plan for His creation culminates in perfect fellowship and an unblemished dwelling place. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual realities and heavenly values over earthly pursuits. Furthermore, the "holy" nature of this city challenges us to pursue holiness in our daily lives, striving to reflect the purity of the God who will dwell among us. This vision encourages perseverance in faith, reminding us that every tear will be wiped away in the presence of our God, and that our citizenship is truly in heaven, spurring us on to live as ambassadors of that coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of the New Jerusalem, descending from God, shape your understanding of God's faithfulness and ultimate plan for humanity?**
* **In what ways does knowing that our ultimate dwelling place is "holy Jerusalem" influence your pursuit of personal holiness and purity today?**
* **Considering John was "carried away in the spirit" to receive this vision, how does this emphasize the divine origin and certainty of our future hope?**

### FAQ
**Is the New Jerusalem a literal city, a symbolic representation, or both?**

Answer: The New Jerusalem is best understood as both literal and symbolic. While the detailed descriptions in Revelation 21-22 suggest a real, tangible city with specific dimensions and materials, it also profoundly symbolizes the perfected, redeemed people of God—the Church—as the "bride, the Lamb's wife" ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem as a Bride")). Its divine origin, "descending out of heaven from God," ensures its perfection and purity, making it fit as the eternal dwelling place where God will fully reside with His people. Therefore, it is a real place where God's presence is fully manifested, and it simultaneously represents the glorious community of those who are in Christ.

**Why is John taken to a "great and high mountain" to see this vision?**

Answer: The motif of being taken to a "great and high mountain" is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy and apocalyptic literature, serving as a symbolic setting for profound divine revelation. Mountains in Scripture are often places where humanity encounters God's majesty and receives His truth. For instance, Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "The Giving of the Law at Sinai")), and Ezekiel received visions of the new temple on a very high mountain ([Ezekiel 40:2](/ezekiel/40-2 "Ezekiel's Temple Vision")). This elevated vantage point provides a comprehensive perspective, allowing the prophet to grasp the grandeur and scope of the divine plan being unveiled. For John, it emphasizes that this vision of the New Jerusalem is not earthly or human-derived, but a divinely granted, authoritative glimpse into the ultimate future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:10 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. At its heart, the New Jerusalem represents the consummation of God's desire to dwell with humanity, a desire perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. He is the true tabernacle, the Word who "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Incarnation of the Word")), literally "tabernacling" with humanity. The New Jerusalem, descending from God, is the ultimate expression of this divine indwelling, made possible only through Christ's redemptive work. He is the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose sacrifice purifies the "holy Jerusalem," making it fit for God's presence. Furthermore, the city needs no temple or sun because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" and "the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22-23 "God and the Lamb are the Temple and Light")). Christ is the very essence and light of this new creation, the cornerstone upon which the entire spiritual edifice is built ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Christ as the Cornerstone")). His reign, alongside the Father, is the central reality of this eternal city, as "the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city" ([Revelation 22:3-5](/revelation/22-3-5 "The Throne of God and the Lamb")). Thus, the New Jerusalem is not merely a place but the eternal realm where Christ's redemptive work is fully realized, and God's presence is perfectly enjoyed through Him.

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

Revelation 21:2

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Ezekiel 11:24

Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me.

Ezekiel 11:1

¶ Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD'S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.

Ezekiel 8:3

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

Acts 8:39

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Revelation 1:10

I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Revelation 17:3

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.