Revelation 21:4

KJV

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} God {G2316} shall wipe away {G1813} all {G3956} tears {G1144} from {G575} their {G846} eyes {G3788}; and {G2532} there shall be {G2071} no {G3756} more {G2089} death {G2288}, neither {G3777} sorrow {G3997}, nor {G3777} crying {G2906}, neither {G3777}{G3756} shall there be {G2071} any more {G2089} pain {G4192}: for {G3754} the former things {G4413} are passed away {G565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will no longer be any death; and there will no longer be any mourning, crying or pain; because the old order has passed away.”

Berean Standard Bible

‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

American Standard Version

and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:4 offers a profound vision of the new creation, describing God's intimate act of comforting His redeemed people by personally removing all vestiges of sorrow and suffering. It paints a picture of an eternal state where death, grief, crying, and pain are utterly abolished, signifying a complete and irreversible transformation of reality where the former, fallen order has definitively passed away, ushering in an era of perfect peace and divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a central declaration within John's vision of the new heaven and new earth, immediately following the description of the New Jerusalem's descent and the profound promise of God's dwelling among humanity in [Revelation 21:1-3](/revelation/21-1-3 "Revelation 21:1-3 - The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem"). It serves as the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan, providing the glorious outcome of the cosmic struggle detailed throughout the book. The subsequent verses in [Revelation 21:5-8](/revelation/21-5-8 "Revelation 21:5-8 - God's Declaration and the Fate of the Wicked") further elaborate on God's declaration, emphasizing the finality of these promises and contrasting the blessed state of the redeemed with the judgment of the unrighteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written to a persecuted church in the late first century, the Book of Revelation was intended to provide hope and encouragement amidst severe trials, Roman oppression, and the threat of martyrdom. Believers faced immense suffering, including physical pain, loss of loved ones, social ostracization, and the anguish of witnessing injustice. In this context, the promise of a future free from tears, death, sorrow, crying, and pain would have resonated deeply, offering a powerful antidote to their present realities. It speaks to a universal human longing for an end to suffering, a longing exacerbated by the harsh realities of the ancient world where life was often brutal and short.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 21:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **New Creation and Restoration**, where God does not merely patch up the old but creates an entirely new reality, as foreshadowed in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and a New Earth"). The verse also underscores **Divine Presence and Intimacy**, as God Himself is depicted as actively wiping away tears, fulfilling the promise of God dwelling with His people found in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity"). Most prominently, it proclaims the **Ultimate End of Suffering and Evil**, providing a comprehensive list of all forms of human anguish that will be abolished, echoing the prophetic vision in [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death and Wipes Away Tears"). This comprehensive abolition signifies God's complete victory over the consequences of sin and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wipe away (Greek, _exaleíphō_):** This verb, from G1813, means "to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)." It implies a complete and permanent removal, not merely a drying or temporary cessation. God doesn't just comfort; He eradicates the very source and memory of the tears, signifying a profound and lasting restoration.
* **Death (Greek, _thánatos_):** Derived from G2288, this term refers to death in its literal and figurative senses. In this context, it signifies the absolute cessation of physical death, but by extension, also the spiritual death and separation from God that are consequences of sin. Its abolition is the ultimate victory over the "last enemy" ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy")).
* **Pain (Greek, _pónos_):** From G4192, this word denotes "toil" or "anguish." It encompasses physical suffering, distress, and the laborious effort associated with a fallen world. Its removal signifies an existence free from all forms of physical and emotional hardship, a state of perfect ease and well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes":** This opening clause presents a deeply personal and tender act by God Himself. The active verb "wipe away" (exaleíphō) suggests a complete obliteration, not just a drying. "All tears" emphasizes the totality of grief, sorrow, and suffering that will be removed from the redeemed. This is a direct, intimate comfort from the Divine.
* **"and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain":** This is a comprehensive list, systematically dismantling every major form of human suffering. "No more death" signifies the ultimate victory over mortality. "Neither sorrow (pénthos)" refers to deep grief or mourning. "Nor crying (kraugḗ)" denotes an outcry of distress or anguish. "Neither shall there be any more pain (pónos)" encompasses all physical and emotional suffering. The repeated "no more" (ou...éti) underscores the absolute and permanent absence of these elements.
* **"for the former things are passed away":** This concluding clause provides the theological rationale for the preceding promises. "The former things" (ta prōta) refers to the old order—the fallen world, marked by sin, decay, suffering, and death. The phrase "are passed away" (apérchomai) indicates a definitive and complete departure or cessation. This signifies a radical, irreversible transformation, where the old creation has been superseded by the new, perfect reality.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:4 is rich with literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, seen in the repeated negation "no more" (`οὐκ ἔτι`) before "death," "sorrow," "crying," and "pain." This repetition emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive abolition of suffering, creating a powerful, rhythmic declaration of finality. There is also strong **Parallelism** in the listing of negative conditions ("death," "sorrow," "crying," "pain"), which collectively represent the full spectrum of human anguish, all of which are systematically removed. The image of God personally "wiping away" tears employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action to God to convey His tender, intimate care and active intervention in comforting His people. Finally, the verse presents a stark **Contrast** between "the former things" (the old, fallen creation characterized by suffering) and the new reality where these things have "passed away," highlighting the radical transformation of the eschatological state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:4 stands as a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, offering ultimate hope and comfort by revealing God's final triumph over all the consequences of sin and the curse. It underscores the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, demonstrating that God's ultimate purpose is to dwell with His people in a perfect, renewed creation, free from all that mars the present world. This promise is not merely a cessation of negatives but the establishment of a positive, glorious reality where God's presence is the source of all joy and peace. It affirms God's sovereignty over all things, including death itself, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

* [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death and Wipes Away Tears")
* [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy Destroyed")
* [Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Wipes Away Tears")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:4 offers profound solace and a vital eternal perspective for believers navigating the inevitable trials and tribulations of this present life. It reminds us that our current sufferings—whether physical pain, emotional grief, or the sorrow of loss—are temporary and do not have the final word. This verse anchors our hope in God's ultimate plan of restoration, assuring us that a future awaits where His personal, tender comfort will eradicate every tear and every source of pain. It encourages resilience in the face of adversity, knowing that our afflictions are "light and momentary" compared to the "eternal weight of glory" ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Light and Momentary Afflictions")). This promise should motivate us to endure faithfully, to find comfort in God even now, and to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing the imperishable over the transient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God personally wiping away tears impact your understanding of His character and love?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you long for the "former things" to pass away, and how does this verse offer you hope?**
* **How can the assurance of "no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain" transform your perspective on present suffering and loss?**
* **What practical steps can you take today to live more fully in light of this glorious future hope?**

### FAQ
**What does "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a deeply personal and complete act of divine comfort and restoration. It's not merely a drying of tears, but a permanent removal of the very sources of sorrow and grief. The Greek word for "wipe away" (exaleíphō) implies a blotting out or complete erasure. This means that in the new heaven and new earth, not only will there be no new causes for tears, but the pain and memory of past sorrows will also be fully healed and eradicated by God's direct intervention. It speaks to a profound intimacy between God and His redeemed people, where He actively ministers to their deepest wounds, as also seen in [Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Wipes Away Tears").

**Why is there such an explicit list of things that will be no more (death, sorrow, crying, pain)?**

Answer: The explicit and comprehensive list ("no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain") serves to assure believers that *every* form of suffering and negative consequence of the fall will be utterly abolished. This detailed enumeration leaves no room for doubt or lingering fear that some form of anguish might remain. It covers physical death, emotional grief, audible expressions of distress, and all forms of physical and mental torment. This absolute negation emphasizes the perfection and completeness of the new creation, demonstrating God's total victory over the curse of sin and the power of death, the "last enemy" ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death, the Last Enemy")).

**What does "for the former things are passed away" refer to?**

Answer: "The former things" refers to the entire old order of existence, the present fallen creation that is marred by sin, decay, suffering, and death. This includes all the systems, experiences, and realities that are imperfect, broken, or subject to the curse. The phrase "are passed away" (apérchomai) signifies a complete and irreversible cessation or departure. It means that the old has been replaced by the new; there is no continuity between the suffering of this age and the glory of the age to come. This aligns with the biblical theme of a new creation, where God makes "all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Make All Things New")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:4, while a vision of the future, finds its ultimate foundation and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise of the abolition of death, sorrow, crying, and pain is made possible only through Christ's atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), addressing the root cause of all suffering. By His death, Christ conquered the power of death and the devil, delivering those who were held in bondage by the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). His resurrection is the guarantee that death, the "last enemy," will indeed be "swallowed up in victory" ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ")). The "former things" passing away is a direct consequence of Christ's redemptive work, which initiates the new creation. It is because He holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")) that these promises can be made. In the new heaven and new earth, where the throne of God and the Lamb will be present ([Revelation 22:3-5](/revelation/22-3-5 "Revelation 22:3-5 - The Throne of God and the Lamb")), His continuous presence will be the source of all comfort and the eternal absence of all sorrow, fulfilling the very essence of this glorious promise.

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 25:8

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

1 Corinthians 15:26

The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death.

Isaiah 60:20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

Isaiah 35:10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

1 John 2:17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.