Revelation 21:27

KJV

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there shall {G1525} in no wise {G3364} enter {G1525} into {G1519} it {G846} any thing {G3956} that defileth {G2840}, neither {G2532} whatsoever worketh {G4160} abomination {G946}, or {G2532} maketh a lie {G5579}: but {G1508} they which are written {G1125} in {G1722} the Lamb's {G721} book {G975} of life {G2222}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nothing impure may enter it, nor anyone who does shameful things or lies; the only ones who may enter are those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Berean Standard Bible

But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

American Standard Version

and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:27 serves as a definitive statement regarding the absolute purity and exclusive entry requirements for the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God and His redeemed people. This verse unequivocally declares that nothing impure, abominable, or deceitful will ever gain admittance, establishing a clear demarcation between the holy and the unholy, and emphasizing that only those whose names are divinely inscribed in the Lamb's book of life will inherit the glorious, unblemished city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound declaration in [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Entry Requirements for New Jerusalem") is situated within the climactic vision of the New Jerusalem, described in [Revelation 21:9-27](/revelation/21-9-27 "Revelation 21:9-27 - Description of the New Jerusalem"). Following the grand unveiling of a [new heaven and a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Creation") and the final judgment of all evil, John is granted a detailed glimpse of the perfect, unblemished habitation where God's presence will fully reside among humanity. The preceding verses ([Revelation 21:10-26](/revelation/21-10-26 "Revelation 21:10-26 - The Glory and Splendor of the New Jerusalem")) meticulously describe the city's divine light, its precious materials, its twelve gates, and its open, unceasing access. However, [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Exclusivity of God's City") serves as the crucial qualifier, setting forth the non-negotiable conditions for entry and underscoring the city's sacredness as a place utterly devoid of sin and its defiling effects.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a holy city, distinct and set apart from the defilement of the world, has deep roots in ancient Near Eastern thought and particularly in Israelite theology. Old Testament cities, even Jerusalem, were often subject to ritual and moral defilement, necessitating purification and exclusion of the unclean. The New Jerusalem, however, transcends all earthly limitations, representing a perfected reality where such defilement is utterly absent. Culturally, the idea of a 'book of life' or 'book of remembrance' was familiar, appearing in various forms from ancient administrative records to biblical references like [Exodus 32:32](/exodus/32-32 "Exodus 32:32 - Moses' Plea for Israel") and [Psalm 69:28](/psalms/69-28 "Psalm 69:28 - A Prayer for Justice"). These books typically listed citizens or those destined for life or blessing. In the context of Revelation, this concept is elevated to a divine, eternal register, underscoring God's sovereign knowledge and pre-ordained plan for His people. The contrast between light and darkness, purity and defilement, was also a common motif in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought, making the stark distinctions of [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Holy City's Gates") immediately understandable to its original audience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Purity and Holiness**, emphasizing that God's eternal dwelling is absolutely sanctified and incompatible with any form of sin or moral corruption. This reinforces the consistent biblical portrayal of God as 'holy, holy, holy' ([Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Seraphim's Cry of Holiness"); [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - The Four Living Creatures' Worship")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Exclusion of Evil**, explicitly listing categories of those who will be denied entry—'anything that defileth,' 'whatsoever worketh abomination,' or 'maketh a lie.' This encompasses all forms of moral corruption, idolatry, and deliberate falsehood, demonstrating God's unwavering opposition to evil and the inherent incompatibility of sin with His holy presence. Finally, and most significantly, it champions the theme of **Salvation by Grace through Christ**, as the sole criterion for entry is to be 'written in the Lamb's book of life.' This emphasizes that access to God's eternal presence is not earned by human merit or works, but is a divine gift, secured by God's sovereign choice and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). It points to a deep, personal relationship with the Savior, establishing Him as [the only way to eternal life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **defileth (Greek, _koinóō_):** This verb signifies to make common, unclean, or profane. In a religious context, it refers to that which renders something unfit for sacred use or presence, particularly in a ceremonial sense. Its exclusion from the New Jerusalem emphasizes the city's absolute sacredness and its complete separation from anything that would render it impure or unfit for God's holy presence.
* **abomination (Greek, _bdélygma_):** This noun denotes something utterly detestable or abhorrent, especially in a spiritual sense. It frequently refers to idolatrous practices or actions that are a profound affront to God's holiness and covenant. Its presence in the list of exclusions underscores the severe nature of sins that are fundamentally antithetical to God's character and cannot coexist with His pure dwelling.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō_):** This primary verb means to "grave" or, more commonly, to write. Figuratively, it means to describe. In this context, it refers to the permanent inscription of names in a divine record. The passive voice ("are written") highlights that this action is performed by God, emphasizing divine sovereignty and predestination in the salvation of those who will inhabit the New Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth":** This opening clause establishes an absolute prohibition. The phrase "in no wise" (Greek: _ou mḗ_, a double negative) provides the strongest possible denial, indicating that absolutely nothing impure or profaned will be permitted entry into the New Jerusalem. This sets the fundamental standard of divine holiness for the city.
* **"neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie":** This expands upon the initial prohibition, specifying categories of moral and spiritual impurity. "Worketh abomination" refers to those who practice or commit acts that are detestable to God, often linked to idolatry or severe moral perversion. "Maketh a lie" refers not merely to telling a falsehood, but to those whose character or actions are fundamentally characterized by deceit, spiritual falsehood, or a rejection of divine truth, aligning themselves with the "father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil as the Father of Lies")). These two categories cover both overt sinful actions and a pervasive state of spiritual deception.
* **"but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life":** This final clause introduces the sole condition for entry, presenting a stark contrast to the preceding exclusions. The conjunction "but" (Greek: _ei mḗ_) introduces the exception. Entry is granted exclusively to those whose names are "written in the Lamb's book of life." This "book" symbolizes God's eternal register of those redeemed through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb. It signifies a divine election and a personal, saving relationship with Christ, making salvation by grace the prerequisite for dwelling in the holy city.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:27 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Contrast** is central, starkly juxtaposing the defiling elements of sin and falsehood with the absolute purity and holiness of the New Jerusalem. This creates a vivid picture of the ultimate separation between good and evil, light and darkness. **Symbolism** is also prominent; the "Lamb's book of life" is a potent symbol of divine election, redemption through Christ's sacrifice, and eternal security. It represents God's sovereign knowledge and the definitive record of His chosen people. The city itself is a **symbol** of God's perfected dwelling with humanity, free from all corruption. The use of the double negative "in no wise enter" (Greek: _ou mḗ_) serves as a form of **hyperbole** or **emphatic negation**, underscoring the absolute and unyielding nature of the city's purity requirements. This strong language leaves no room for ambiguity regarding who can or cannot enter, reinforcing the sanctity of God's eternal presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:27 stands as a powerful testament to the uncompromised holiness of God and the ultimate triumph of His redemptive plan. It underscores the biblical truth that sin, in all its forms—defilement, abomination, and falsehood—is utterly incompatible with God's presence and His perfected kingdom. The verse highlights the definitive nature of the final judgment, where a clear and eternal separation is made between those who have rejected God's truth and those who have embraced His salvation. Crucially, it emphasizes that access to eternal life in God's holy city is not based on human merit or works, but solely on being divinely chosen and redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb. This truth provides immense assurance for believers, knowing their eternal dwelling is secure and eternally pure, while simultaneously serving as a solemn call to repentance and faith for all humanity.

* [Psalm 5:4-6](/psalms/5-4-6 "Psalm 5:4-6 - God Hates Wickedness")
* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Book of Life Reference")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:27 offers profound spiritual nourishment and practical implications for believers today. It provides a glorious vision of our eternal home, a place utterly free from the stain and consequences of sin that plague our present world. This assurance should fill us with hope and motivate us to live lives that reflect the purity and holiness of the city we are destined to inhabit. Knowing that our entry is secured by being "written in the Lamb's book of life" deepens our gratitude for Christ's atoning sacrifice and reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by our own efforts. This verse also serves as a powerful call to examine our lives, to confess and repent of any "defilement," "abomination," or "lie" that might characterize our thoughts, words, or deeds. While our salvation is secure, our daily walk should align with the character of the God we serve and the city we anticipate. It urges us to pursue truth, integrity, and holiness, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a joyful response to the incredible grace we have received, living as citizens of heaven even now.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absolute purity of the New Jerusalem described in this verse challenge or comfort your understanding of God's holiness?**
* **In what ways might "defilement," "abomination," or "making a lie" manifest in our lives today, and how can we actively resist them?**
* **What does it mean to you personally to have your name "written in the Lamb's book of life," and how does this truth impact your daily living?**
* **How can the hope of an eternally pure dwelling motivate you to pursue greater holiness and truth in your present circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Lamb's book of life" mentioned in Revelation 21:27?**

Answer: The "Lamb's book of life" is a symbolic reference to God's divine register containing the names of all those who have been redeemed through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as "the Lamb" in Revelation due to His role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb with Seven Horns and Seven Eyes")). It signifies God's sovereign knowledge and eternal election of those who belong to Him. This book is mentioned multiple times in Revelation ([Revelation 3:5](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - Names Not Blotted Out"), [Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - Names Not Written in the Book of Life"), [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books Opened"), [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - The Book of Life and Final Judgment")) as the definitive record determining who will inherit eternal life and enter the New Jerusalem, in contrast to those whose names are not found there and face eternal judgment.

**Does this verse imply that good works are required for entry into the New Jerusalem?**

Answer: No, [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Entry into the Holy City") does not imply that good works are the basis for entry. Instead, it explicitly states that entry is granted to "they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." This emphasizes that salvation and access to God's eternal presence are a result of God's grace and the atoning work of Jesus Christ, not human merit. While genuine faith will inevitably produce good works ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works")), these works are the fruit of salvation, not the root of it. The exclusion of "anything that defileth" or "worketh abomination" refers to those who are fundamentally characterized by sin and have not received Christ's cleansing, rather than implying that perfect sinlessness is achievable by human effort to earn entry. The emphasis is on a transformed nature and a divinely secured identity in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:27 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of the purity and truth required for entry into God's eternal dwelling. It is through His perfect life, His atoning death as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and His resurrection that humanity can be cleansed from all "defilement" and "abomination." Jesus declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Only Way to the Father")." He is the exclusive "gate" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate")) through whom one enters eternal life. Those whose names are "written in the Lamb's book of life" are precisely those who have placed their faith in Him, receiving His righteousness by imputation ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) and being cleansed by His blood ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed by His Blood")). The exclusion of all that defiles or lies ultimately points to Christ as the one who conquers sin and deception, establishing a kingdom where [righteousness dwells](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth where Righteousness Dwells") because He, the Holy One, is its King and its light ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Light")).

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 52:1

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Revelation 22:14

Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 3:5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Isaiah 35:8

And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein].

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;