Revelation 21:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:3 is a profound declaration of God's eternal and intimate presence with humanity in the new creation. It unveils the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where the separation caused by sin is completely overcome, and God establishes His permanent dwelling among His redeemed people. This verse signifies the culmination of all biblical promises regarding divine fellowship, ushering in an era of unbroken communion, comfort, and joy for all who belong to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within John's apocalyptic vision, immediately following the majestic unveiling of [the new heaven and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The Vision of a New Creation") and the descent of the New Jerusalem. It marks a dramatic shift from the preceding chapters, which detail intense judgments, cosmic battles, and the destruction of evil. Revelation 21:3 serves as the foundational declaration of the new order, explaining *why* the new creation is glorious: because God Himself is present within it. It sets the stage for the subsequent descriptions of the New Jerusalem's splendor and the eradication of all sorrow and pain, as detailed in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of God dwelling among His people has deep roots in Israel's history. From the portable [Tabernacle in the wilderness](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle") to Solomon's Temple, these structures served as physical representations of God's presence, albeit limited and conditional. The Old Testament prophets, such as [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/37-26-28 "Ezekiel 37:26-28 - God's Covenant of Peace and Dwelling"), also foretold a future time when God's dwelling would be permanent and perfect. The Jewish people, having experienced periods of exile and the destruction of the Temple, deeply longed for the restoration of God's manifest presence. Revelation 21:3 speaks directly to this ancient longing, declaring its ultimate and eternal fulfillment, transcending any earthly temple or temporary dwelling.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **God's Permanent Dwelling** with humanity, a concept echoed throughout Scripture as the ultimate goal of redemption. The phrase "the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them" signifies the end of any temporary or mediated presence, culminating in the fullest realization of "Immanuel," meaning "[God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Prophecy of Immanuel")" in an eternal sense. This leads directly to the theme of **Restored Relationship**, articulated by the ancient **Covenant Formula**: "they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." This formula, found in passages like [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promise"), signifies a perfect, unbroken fellowship where humanity is fully reconciled to God, and God is fully present among His redeemed. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Intimacy and Comfort**, as God's direct presence means the eradication of all evil, sorrow, and pain, leading to a state of ultimate peace and joy for His people, as further elaborated in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - The Promise of No More Tears").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tabernacle (Greek, _skēnḗ'_):** (G4633) This noun refers to a tent or a cloth hut, often implying a temporary dwelling. Its deliberate use here, recalling the Old Testament Tabernacle, highlights the contrast between God's temporary, veiled presence in the wilderness and His permanent, unveiled dwelling in the new creation. It emphasizes the direct, unhindered access and communion that will characterize the relationship between God and His people.
* **dwell (Greek, _skēnóō'_):** (G4637) Derived from _skēnḗ_, this verb means "to pitch a tent" or "to encamp." In a figurative sense, it means to occupy as a mansion or to reside, particularly as God did in the Tabernacle of old, symbolizing protection and communion. The future tense "he will dwell" underscores the certainty and permanence of God's indwelling, signifying a complete and eternal cessation of separation.
* **people (Greek, _laós'_):** (G2992) This term denotes a people in general, often referring to a specific nation or group, particularly God's chosen people, Israel. In the New Testament, it expands to include all who are redeemed by Christ, forming a new spiritual Israel. Its use here reinforces the covenantal relationship, emphasizing that those with whom God dwells are His specially chosen, beloved community, distinct from humanity in general.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and cosmic significance of the declaration. The "great voice" (mégas phōnḗ) signifies a powerful, authoritative pronouncement, not from an angel or human, but directly "out of heaven" (ek ouranós), indicating its origin in God's throne room and its absolute certainty. It is a revelation from the highest authority.
* **"Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men":** The imperative "Behold" (idoú) calls for immediate attention to a momentous truth. The "tabernacle of God" refers not to a physical structure but to God's very presence, His dwelling place. The phrase "is with men" (metá ánthrōpos) signifies a profound shift: God's presence is no longer confined to a sacred space or a specific nation but is now directly and permanently among all redeemed humanity, emphasizing intimacy and accessibility.
* **"and he will dwell with them":** This reiterates and clarifies the previous statement, emphasizing the active, personal nature of God's presence. The verb "dwell" (skēnóō) reinforces the idea of God pitching His tent among His people, but now eternally. This is not a temporary visit but an everlasting habitation, signifying a deep, personal, and abiding relationship.
* **"and they shall be his people":** This clause articulates the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship. It signifies that humanity, once alienated by sin, is now fully restored to a position of belonging and identity as God's own. This is the fulfillment of the ancient covenant promise, where God claims a people for Himself, and they respond in worship and obedience.
* **"and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God":** This final clause provides the ultimate culmination of the covenant. The emphatic "God himself" (theós autós) stresses the direct, unmediated presence of the Almighty. The repetition of "with them" underscores the intimacy, while "and be their God" is the quintessential covenant formula (ésomai theós), signifying a perfect, complete, and eternal relationship where God is fully present for His people, and they are fully devoted to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. **Symbolism** is central, particularly with the "tabernacle of God." This image evokes the Old Testament Tabernacle, which symbolized God's presence among Israel, but here it is transformed from a temporary, earthly structure into God's eternal, direct presence with His people. The "great voice out of heaven" is a symbol of divine authority and the absolute truth of the declaration. The verse also utilizes **Covenant Language**, specifically the repeated formula "they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." This echoes ancient Near Eastern treaty language and biblical covenant promises, signifying a restored, unbreakable relationship of mutual belonging and fidelity. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Repetition** in the phrase "with them," which serves to emphasize the profound intimacy and permanence of God's dwelling among humanity. This repetition creates a rhythmic, reassuring cadence, underscoring the central truth of the passage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:3 represents the climactic fulfillment of the entire biblical narrative of redemption. From the moment humanity was separated from God's direct presence in Eden, the divine plan has been to restore that broken fellowship. The Tabernacle and Temple in the Old Testament were earthly shadows and temporary provisions for God's dwelling among His people, always pointing forward to a more perfect reality. This verse declares that the long-awaited day has arrived: God's desire to dwell with His creation is perfectly and eternally realized, not in a building, but in direct, unmediated communion with His redeemed people. It signifies the ultimate victory over sin and death, establishing a new heavens and new earth where God's glorious presence is the central reality, bringing an end to all sorrow and pain.

* [Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")
* [Ezekiel 37:27](/ezekiel/37-27 "Ezekiel 37:27 - God's Dwelling Place Among Them")
* [Revelation 22:4](/revelation/22-4 "Revelation 22:4 - Seeing God's Face")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:3 offers a profound wellspring of hope, comfort, and motivation for believers today. In a world marked by transience, suffering, and a pervasive sense of alienation, this verse provides an anchor: the promise of an eternal, intimate dwelling with the very God of the universe. This future reality should shape our present perspective, reminding us that our ultimate home is not here, and our deepest longing for connection will be fully satisfied in His presence. It encourages us to endure present trials with joy, knowing that every tear will be wiped away by God Himself. Furthermore, this glorious future should motivate us to live lives that honor God now, cultivating a relationship with Him through Christ and the Holy Spirit, who already dwells within us. Our present experience of God's presence is a foretaste of the perfect communion to come, calling us to holiness and faithful witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's permanent dwelling with humanity challenge or comfort your current understanding of God's presence in your life?**
* **In what ways does this vision of ultimate restoration provide hope amidst the struggles and brokenness of the present world?**
* **Knowing that God desires such intimate fellowship, how might this truth motivate you to pursue a deeper relationship with Him today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "great voice out of heaven" in this verse?**

Answer: The "great voice out of heaven" signifies a divine, authoritative, and undeniable pronouncement. In apocalyptic literature like Revelation, voices from heaven often convey messages directly from God or His heavenly court, emphasizing the absolute truth and certainty of the declaration. It ensures that the message of God's permanent dwelling with humanity is understood as a direct, unalterable decree from the highest authority, not a mere human speculation or a lesser angelic announcement.

**How does the "tabernacle of God" in Revelation 21:3 relate to the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple?**

Answer: The "tabernacle of God" in Revelation 21:3 signifies the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple. In the Old Covenant, the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) was a physical structure where God's presence symbolically resided among His people ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle")). These were temporary and limited, requiring rituals and sacrifices to maintain fellowship due to sin. Revelation 21:3 declares that in the new creation, God's dwelling is no longer confined to a building or a specific place but is direct, personal, and permanent with all redeemed humanity. It is the reality to which the earthly structures pointed, a direct, unveiled, and eternal communion, where God Himself is the "temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:3 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple, which prefigured God's desire to dwell with humanity, were ultimately shadows of Christ Himself. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and **dwelt** among us," using the Greek verb _skēnoō_, directly linking Jesus to the concept of God "tabernacling" with humanity. Jesus is the true Immanuel, "[God with us](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Prophecy of Immanuel")," embodying God's presence in human form. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ removed the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God, making direct, intimate fellowship possible. His resurrection and ascension paved the way for the Holy Spirit to indwell believers, making each Christian and the collective Church a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and a "dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church, a Holy Temple")). Thus, the promise of Revelation 21:3 – God's permanent dwelling with His people – is a glorious consummation of the redemptive work initiated by Christ, secured by His blood, and realized in the new creation where the Lamb is central to God's eternal presence ([Revelation 22:3-4](/revelation/22-3-4 "Revelation 22:3-4 - The Throne of God and of the Lamb")).

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

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: