Revelation 21:14

KJV

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the wall {G5038} of the city {G4172} had {G2192} twelve {G1427} foundations {G2310}, and {G2532} in {G1722} them {G846} the names {G3686} of the twelve {G1427} apostles {G652} of the Lamb {G721}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wall of the city was built on twelve foundation-stones, and on these were the twelve names of the twelve emissaries of the Lamb.

Berean Standard Bible

The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

American Standard Version

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:14 offers a profound glimpse into the architectural and theological significance of the New Jerusalem, the eternal city of God. It describes the city's massive wall as resting upon twelve distinct foundations, each inscribed with the name of one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This imagery powerfully conveys the secure and divinely ordered nature of God's dwelling place, underscoring the foundational role of the apostles in God's redemptive plan and the continuity of His covenant with humanity, all centered on the person and work of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of John's detailed vision of the New Jerusalem, which begins in [Revelation 21:9](/revelation/21-9 "Revelation 21:9 - The Bride, the New Jerusalem"). Following the establishment of the [new heaven and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Creation"), the city is presented as the glorious dwelling place of God with humanity, described in terms of its immense size, precious materials, and radiant glory. Prior to verse 14, [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The Gates of the New Jerusalem") mentions the city's twelve gates, each bearing the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This immediately sets up a deliberate parallel, where the gates represent the Old Covenant people of God, and the foundations (in verse 14) represent the New Covenant people, unified in the ultimate city. The description continues with the city's dimensions, materials, and lack of a temple, all contributing to a picture of divine perfection and direct communion with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, foundations were critical for the stability and longevity of any significant structure, especially a city wall. They symbolized permanence, strength, and the underlying basis upon which everything else rested. Walled cities, or `pólis` (G4172), were the norm for security and defense, and the grandeur of a city's walls and foundations often reflected its importance and power. The practice of inscribing names on public structures, monuments, or even city gates was a common way to honor individuals, commemorate significant events, or denote ownership and authority. For the early Christian audience, the concept of "apostles" as authoritative delegates of Christ, entrusted with the foundational message of the gospel, would have been well understood. This vision draws upon both Jewish apocalyptic traditions, which often used symbolic numbers and imagery, and the burgeoning Christian understanding of the church's unique identity rooted in Christ and His chosen witnesses.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 21:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. **The Apostolic Foundation of the Church:** The explicit mention of the "twelve apostles of the Lamb" on the foundations powerfully underscores the indispensable role of these chosen witnesses in God's redemptive plan. They were divinely appointed to proclaim the gospel, establish the early church, and transmit the authoritative teachings of Christ. This aligns perfectly with the New Testament teaching that the church is "built on the foundation of the [apostles and prophets](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - The Church's Foundation"), Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone." **Divine Order and Completeness:** The pervasive use of the number twelve (twelve foundations, twelve gates, twelve tribes, twelve apostles) throughout the description of the New Jerusalem signifies divine government, completeness, and perfection. This numerical symbolism emphasizes the meticulous and perfect design of God's eternal dwelling and His comprehensive plan for His people. **Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan:** The deliberate juxtaposition of the twelve tribes of Israel on the gates ([Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The Gates of the New Jerusalem")) and the twelve apostles on the foundations highlights the seamless continuity between God's Old Covenant and New Covenant people. Both are integral components of God's singular, unfolding plan of salvation, culminating in the unified people of God dwelling eternally with Him. **The Authority and Centrality of the Lamb:** The phrase "apostles of the Lamb" is crucial, emphasizing that the apostles' authority and mission were not self-derived but flowed directly from Jesus Christ, the sacrificial [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This reinforces the Lamb's supreme authority and worthiness, as celebrated throughout Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Worthiness of the Lamb")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **foundations (Greek, _themélios_):** G2310, from a derivative of τίθημι; something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively):--foundation. This term denotes the underlying, supporting structure upon which a building rests. In [Revelation 21:14](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - The Foundations of the New Jerusalem"), it refers to the literal base of the city wall, but carries profound figurative meaning, signifying the fundamental principles or persons upon which the spiritual reality of the New Jerusalem, and by extension the church, is built.
* **apostles (Greek, _apóstolos_):** G652, from ἀποστέλλω; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers):--apostle, messenger, he that is sent. This word describes those specifically "sent out" by Christ with His authority to preach the gospel and establish His church. The twelve apostles were unique eyewitnesses to Christ's life, death, and resurrection, entrusted with the foundational revelation and mission.
* **Lamb (Greek, _arníon_):** G721, diminutive from ἀρήν; a lambkin:--lamb. This term is John's favorite designation for Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation, appearing 29 times. It consistently evokes imagery of Christ's sacrificial death (like a lamb led to slaughter) and His subsequent triumph and sovereign authority. The "apostles of the Lamb" are those whose authority and message are derived directly from this crucified and risen Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations":** This phrase introduces a key structural element of the New Jerusalem. The "wall" (G5038, _teîchos_) signifies protection and demarcation, while the "twelve foundations" (G2310, _themélios_) speak to its immense stability and divine design. The number twelve immediately signals completeness and divine order, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel and setting the stage for the revelation of the apostles' names. The verb "had" (G2192, _échō_) denotes possession, indicating that these foundations are an inherent and essential part of the city's structure.
* **"and in them the names":** This clause specifies the content of the foundations. The preposition "in" (G1722, _en_) indicates that the names are inscribed within or upon these foundations, making them an intrinsic part of their identity. The "names" (G3686, _ónoma_) are not merely labels but represent the identity, authority, and enduring legacy of those inscribed. This practice of inscribing names on foundational elements signifies honor, remembrance, and the permanent association of the individuals with the structure.
* **"of the twelve apostles of the Lamb":** This final clause identifies whose names are inscribed: the "twelve apostles" (G652, _apóstolos_). This refers specifically to the original disciples chosen by Jesus to be His authoritative witnesses. The crucial qualifier "of the Lamb" (G721, _arníon_) emphasizes that their apostolic office and authority are derived directly from Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord. It highlights that their mission and message are entirely centered on Him, and their foundational role is in service to His ultimate redemptive work.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:14 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "wall" itself symbolizes security and the separation of the holy city from the profane, while its "foundations" symbolize the underlying truths and authoritative figures upon which God's eternal dwelling place (and by extension, the church) is built. The "names" inscribed on these foundations are not just identifiers but represent the enduring legacy, authority, and identity of the apostles. The number **Numerology** plays a significant role, with the repeated use of "twelve" (twelve foundations, twelve apostles) emphasizing divine completeness, governmental order, and the totality of God's covenant people, both Old and New. This verse also employs **Juxtaposition** or **Parallelism** when read in conjunction with [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The Gates of the New Jerusalem"), which speaks of the twelve gates bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. This parallel structure highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan, showing how the Old Covenant (tribes) and New Covenant (apostles) are integrated into the single, glorious reality of the New Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:14 profoundly articulates the theological truth that the church, in its ultimate, perfected form as the New Jerusalem, is built upon the historical and authoritative witness of the apostles. This does not suggest that the apostles are the ultimate object of faith, but rather that they were God's chosen instruments for laying the foundational truths of the gospel, which are preserved in Scripture and continue to guide the church. Their names on the foundations symbolize the enduring validity and divine origin of the apostolic teaching, ensuring the church's stability and authenticity. This verse also beautifully illustrates the unity of God's people across all ages, showing how the Old Testament promises (represented by the tribes on the gates) find their fulfillment and continuity in the New Testament reality (represented by the apostles on the foundations), all centered on Christ, the Lamb.

* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone")
* [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10-11 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Christ, the Only Foundation")
* [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vision of the New Jerusalem's foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb offers profound hope and assurance for believers today. It reminds us that the church, despite its earthly imperfections and struggles, has an eternal and unshakeable foundation laid by God Himself through His chosen witnesses. This imagery affirms the enduring value and divine authority of apostolic teaching, which is preserved for us in the pages of the New Testament. For those seeking spiritual understanding and a firm grounding for their faith, this vision reinforces the meticulous and perfect nature of God's plan for His people, culminating in a glorious, secure, and divinely ordered eternal home. It encourages us to appreciate the historical roots of our faith, to cling to the foundational truths proclaimed by the apostles, and to live in light of the secure hope that our ultimate dwelling is with God, built on the solid rock of Christ and His faithful messengers. It calls us to recognize the unity of God's people throughout history and to honor the legacy of those who faithfully proclaimed the [Gospel of Christ](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the New Jerusalem's foundations impact your understanding of the church's stability and divine origin?**
* **In what ways does recognizing the apostolic foundation of our faith strengthen your trust in the biblical message that has been handed down through the ages?**
* **How does the continuity between the twelve tribes (on the gates) and the twelve apostles (on the foundations) inform your view of God's overarching plan for humanity and the unity of His people?**

### FAQ
**Does Revelation 21:14 suggest that the apostles are more important than Christ in the foundation of the church?**

Answer: No, absolutely not. While the verse highlights the foundational role of the apostles, it is crucial to understand this within the broader biblical context. The apostles are "of the Lamb," meaning their authority and very existence as apostles are derived directly from Jesus Christ. [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation") explicitly states, "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Similarly, [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone") teaches that the church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone." The apostles are foundational in the sense that they were the divinely appointed, eyewitness conduits of the gospel and the initial builders of the church upon Christ, the ultimate and indispensable foundation. Their names on the foundations signify their unique historical role in receiving and transmitting the revelation of Christ, not their superiority to Him.

**Why are there "twelve" foundations, and what is the significance of the number?**

Answer: The number twelve is highly symbolic in biblical literature, representing divine government, completeness, and the totality of God's covenant people. In the Old Testament, there were twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the entirety of God's chosen nation. In the New Testament, Jesus chose twelve apostles to be the authoritative witnesses and foundational leaders of His new covenant community, the church. Therefore, the "twelve foundations" bearing the names of the "twelve apostles" in [Revelation 21:14](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - The Foundations of the New Jerusalem") signifies the perfect and complete nature of God's eternal city, which encompasses both Old and New Covenant believers. It emphasizes the divine order and the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive plan, bringing together all His people into one glorious, unified dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the Lamb. The very phrase "apostles of the Lamb" underscores that their authority, mission, and indeed their very identity as apostles flow directly from Christ. He is the one who called them, empowered them, and sent them forth to lay the initial foundation of His church through their witness to His life, death, and resurrection. While the apostles are foundational in a secondary sense, Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone and the ultimate foundation upon which everything rests, as affirmed in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone") and [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation"). The entire New Jerusalem, with its glorious wall and foundations, is a testament to the Lamb's victory and His eternal reign. It is the Lamb who is its light ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Lamp")), its temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are its Temple")), and the one who makes all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")). Thus, the foundations bearing the apostles' names ultimately point to Christ as the divine architect and builder of His church, the one who purchased His people with His own blood, and the glorious Lamb who will dwell eternally with them in perfect communion ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")).

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

Hebrews 11:10

For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.

Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

Revelation 21:19

And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

Revelation 21:21

And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Matthew 10:4

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.