Revelation 21:5

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

And {G2532} he that sat {G2521} upon {G1909} the throne {G2362} said {G2036}, Behold {G2400}, I make {G4160} all things {G3956} new {G2537}. And {G2532} he said {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Write {G1125}: for {G3754} these {G3778} words {G3056} are {G1526} true {G228} and {G2532} faithful {G4103}.

Then the One sitting on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new!” Also he said, “Write, ‘These words are true and trustworthy!’”

And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.”

And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true.

Revelation 21:5 presents a pivotal declaration from God Himself, seated on His glorious throne, unveiling the ultimate promise of renewal and the certainty of His divine word. This verse marks a dramatic turning point in John's vision, moving from judgment to the promise of a completely transformed existence.

Context

This powerful verse follows the vision of the old heaven and earth passing away (Revelation 21:1) and the descent of the New Jerusalem. It is spoken by God, who is the central figure in this new cosmic order, bringing an end to sorrow, pain, and death (Revelation 21:4). The direct command to John to "Write" underscores the authoritative and immutable nature of these divine pronouncements, meant for all generations to understand and trust.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The declaration comes directly from "he that sat upon the throne," emphasizing God's supreme power, control, and ultimate authority over all creation and its destiny. This reinforces His role as the sovereign Creator and Re-Creator.
  • Radical Renewal and Transformation: The central promise, "Behold, I make all things new," signifies not just a superficial renovation but a fundamental, qualitative transformation of reality. It speaks to a fresh, superior, and perfect state of being, where the imperfections of the old order are completely removed.
  • The Certainty of God's Promises: The instruction to John, "Write: for these words are true and faithful," assures the reader of the absolute reliability and trustworthiness of God's prophetic declarations. His word is immutable, dependable, and will surely come to pass.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "new" is kainos, which denotes new in quality, fresh, and superior, rather than neos, which would mean new in time or recent. This distinction is crucial, as it implies a complete qualitative transformation of creation, not merely a chronological replacement. The phrase "true and faithful" uses the Greek words alēthinoi (true, genuine, real) and pistoi (faithful, trustworthy). This combination strongly reinforces the absolute veracity and dependability of God's promises, echoing descriptions of Christ as "Faithful and True" in other parts of Revelation.

Practical Application

Revelation 21:5 offers immense hope and comfort to believers facing the challenges, suffering, and brokenness of this present world. It reminds us that God is actively working towards a future of perfect restoration and renewal. This promise provides a solid foundation for our faith, encouraging us to trust in God's unfailing word and to live with an eternal perspective. It assures us that our present sufferings are temporary and that a glorious, renewed existence awaits those who belong to Him. This divine declaration inspires patience, perseverance, and a deep sense of anticipation for the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for a new heaven and a new earth.

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.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

  • Isaiah 42:9

    Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

  • Isaiah 43:19

    Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.

  • Revelation 19:9

    And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

  • Revelation 22:6

    ¶ And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

  • Revelation 4:2

    And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne.

  • Revelation 20:11

    ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
← Back