Revelation 21:3

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God.

And {G2532} I heard {G191} a great {G3173} voice {G5456} out of {G1537} heaven {G3772} saying {G3004}, Behold {G2400}, the tabernacle {G4633} of God {G2316} is with {G3326} men {G444}, and {G2532} he will dwell {G4637} with {G3326} them {G846}, and {G2532} they {G846} shall be {G2071} his {G846} people {G2992}, and {G2532} God {G2316} himself {G846} shall be {G2071} with {G3326} them {G846}, and be their {G846} God {G2316}.

I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “See! God’s Sh’khinah is with mankind, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and he himself, God-with-them, will be their God.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and betheir God:

Revelation 21:3 is a pivotal verse in John's apocalyptic vision, announcing the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan: His permanent, intimate dwelling with humanity. It is a declaration of profound hope and the culmination of centuries of divine interaction with mankind.

Context

This verse is part of a grand unveiling of the new heaven and new earth, a renewed creation where the former things have passed away. Following intense prophecies of judgment and conflict, John's vision shifts to a scene of perfect peace and restoration. The "great voice out of heaven" signifies a divine, authoritative pronouncement. This vision directly addresses the ancient longing for God's presence, echoing the Old Testament tabernacle and Temple, which were earthly shadows of God's desire to dwell among His people. Now, that desire is fully and eternally realized.

Key Themes

  • God's Permanent Dwelling: The central message is that God will literally "tabernacle" with humanity. The phrase "the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them" signifies the end of any separation or temporary presence. This is the ultimate realization of "Immanuel," meaning "God with us," in its fullest, eternal sense.
  • Restored Relationship: The promise "they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God" is the quintessential covenant formula found throughout Scripture. It signifies a perfect, unbroken fellowship where humanity is fully reconciled to God, and God is fully present among His redeemed. This relationship is one of complete intimacy and belonging.
  • Divine Intimacy and Comfort: God's direct presence means the eradication of all evil, sorrow, and pain. As elaborated in the very next verse, God's dwelling brings about a state of ultimate comfort, joy, and peace for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tabernacle" is skēnē (σκηνή), which refers to a tent or temporary dwelling. The verb "dwell" is skēnoō (σκηνόω), meaning "to pitch a tent" or "to tabernacle." This choice of words is highly significant. It deliberately recalls the Old Testament tabernacle, a movable tent where God's presence resided temporarily among Israel during their wilderness journey. In Revelation 21:3, this temporary "tenting" of God among His people is transformed into a permanent, eternal dwelling. The imagery emphasizes that God is no longer merely visiting or temporarily residing, but has established His eternal, unchanging residence with His redeemed creation.

Practical Application

Revelation 21:3 offers profound implications for believers today:

  • Ultimate Hope: This verse provides the ultimate hope for all who trust in God. It assures us that beyond the struggles and suffering of this present world, there awaits a glorious future of perfect communion with our Creator.
  • Assurance and Comfort: Knowing that God's ultimate plan is to dwell with His people provides immense comfort in times of adversity. Our present trials are temporary, but His presence is eternal, leading to a state where "God shall wipe away all tears."
  • Motivation for Godly Living: The promise of such intimate fellowship should motivate us to live lives that honor God now, anticipating the day when we will fully and eternally dwell in His presence. It reminds us of the incredible value God places on His relationship with humanity.
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.

  • Ezekiel 37:27

    My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:16

    And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

  • Leviticus 26:11

    And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

  • Leviticus 26:12

    And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

  • Zechariah 8:8

    And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

  • John 14:23

    Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

  • Hebrews 8:10

    For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
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