Revelation 21:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Revelation 21:27 describes the absolute purity and exclusive entry requirements for the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God and His redeemed people. This verse provides a clear demarcation between the holy and the unholy, emphasizing that only those who belong to Christ will inherit eternal life in the glorious city.

Context

This verse is found within the magnificent description of the New Jerusalem descending from heaven (Revelation 21:2-27), following the vision of a new heaven and a new earth. Having witnessed the final judgment and the defeat of all evil, John is now shown the perfect, unblemished habitation where God's presence will fully reside among humanity. The preceding verses highlight the city's divine light, precious materials, and open gates, but verse 27 sets the crucial condition for entry, underscoring its sacredness and the complete absence of sin.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purity and Holiness: The primary message of this Revelation 21:27 commentary is the absolute sanctity of God's eternal city. Nothing impure or morally corrupt will ever be permitted to enter, reflecting God's own perfect character. This reinforces the idea that heaven is a place utterly free from the stain of sin and its consequences.
  • Exclusion of Evil: The verse explicitly lists categories of those who will be excluded: "any thing that defileth," "whatsoever worketh abomination," or "maketh a lie." This encompasses all forms of sin, moral corruption, idolatry, and deliberate falsehood, demonstrating God's unwavering opposition to evil and the inherent incompatibility of sin with His holy presence.
  • Salvation by Grace through Christ: 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 by God's sovereign choice and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb. It points to a deep, personal relationship with the Savior, establishing the only way to eternal life.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Defileth" (Greek: koinoō - κοινόω): This word means to make common, unclean, or profane. In a religious context, it refers to that which renders something unfit for sacred use or presence. Its exclusion signifies the New Jerusalem's absolute sacredness and separation from all that is unholy.
  • "Abomination" (Greek: bdelugma - βδέλυγμα): This term denotes something utterly detestable or abhorrent, particularly in a spiritual sense. It often refers to idolatrous practices or actions that are a profound affront to God's holiness, emphasizing the severe nature of the sins that cannot enter.
  • "Maketh a lie" (Greek: pseudē poiōn - ψευδῆ ποιῶν): More than just telling an occasional falsehood, this phrase implies a lifestyle characterized by deceit, spiritual falsehood, or rejection of truth. It can refer to those who embrace and promote spiritual deception, aligning with the "father of lies," Satan (John 8:44).

Practical Application

For believers, Revelation 21:27 offers profound assurance of a secure, pure, and eternal home free from the presence of evil, sin, and sorrow. It underscores the preciousness of being "written in the Lamb's book of life" and encourages a life lived in anticipation of this glorious future. For those who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, it serves as a solemn warning about the definitive separation between the righteous and the unrighteous in eternity. This verse calls all to examine their lives, repent of sin, and place their faith in Jesus Christ, the only one through whom their names can be inscribed in the book of life, ensuring their entry into God's holy city.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;
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