Revelation 21:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:5 captures a profound declaration from God, who is enthroned in glory, unveiling His ultimate promise of radical renewal for all creation. This pivotal verse marks a dramatic shift in John's apocalyptic vision, transitioning from the judgments of the old order to the establishment of a perfectly transformed existence, sealed by God's own unwavering affirmation of the truth and reliability of His words.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic vision of the new heaven and new earth, immediately following the passing away of the old cosmos and the descent of the New Jerusalem from God out of heaven, as described in [Revelation 21:1-2](/revelation/21-1-2 "Revelation 21:1-2 - The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem"). It directly follows the comforting assurance that God Himself will dwell among His people, wiping away every tear, and that death, sorrow, crying, and pain will be no more ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")). The declaration "I make all things new" serves as the divine pronouncement validating and initiating this glorious reality, while the subsequent command to "Write" emphasizes the authoritative and immutable nature of these final eschatological truths.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision was given to churches facing intense persecution and tribulation under the Roman Empire, a reality that often led to despair and questioning of God's sovereignty. The imagery of a "throne" (Gk. _thronos_) would resonate with imperial power, but here it is God's throne, signifying ultimate, unchallenged authority, contrasting with earthly rulers. The concept of "new" (Gk. _kainos_) was not merely a superficial change but a qualitative transformation, a common hope in Jewish eschatology for a renewed creation. The command to "write" was a standard practice for authoritative pronouncements, ensuring the message's preservation and dissemination, akin to prophetic or legal decrees in the ancient Near East, solidifying the divine origin and trustworthiness of the revelation for a suffering church.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, as the declaration emanates directly from "He who sat upon the throne," underscoring God's absolute control over history and destiny. Another crucial theme is **Radical Renewal and Restoration**, encapsulated in the phrase "I make all things new," which speaks to a complete, qualitative transformation of creation, surpassing the initial creation in glory and permanence, and fulfilling earlier prophetic promises of a new covenant and a new creation found in passages like [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Does a New Thing") and [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Finally, the theme of **The Certainty and Trustworthiness of God's Word** is paramount, as the command "Write: for these words are true and faithful" serves as a divine seal of authenticity, assuring believers that these ultimate promises are utterly reliable and will unfailingly come to pass, echoing the character of Christ Himself as "Faithful and True" in [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ, Faithful and True").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Greek, _kainós'_):** This word (G2537) signifies "new" in quality, freshness, and superiority, rather than merely new in time or recent (which would be _neos_). It implies a profound, qualitative transformation, a complete renovation that makes something better than its previous state. In this context, it speaks to a creation that is not just repaired but fundamentally re-created, surpassing the original in its perfection and freedom from decay.
* **true (Greek, _alēthinós'_):** This term (G228) means "truthful, genuine, real." It emphasizes the absolute veracity and authenticity of God's words, indicating that they are not deceptive, false, or merely symbolic, but are grounded in ultimate reality and divine faithfulness. It assures the reader that these promises are not wishful thinking but certain realities.
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** This word (G4103) denotes trustworthiness, reliability, and dependability. When applied to God's words, it means they are utterly dependable, will certainly come to pass, and can be fully relied upon. It highlights God's unwavering character, ensuring that what He promises, He will perform.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he that sat upon the throne said,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the speaker's identity and authority. The one "sitting upon the throne" is God Almighty, the sovereign ruler of the universe. His position on the throne signifies His supreme power, control, and ultimate authority over all creation, history, and destiny. The declaration that follows is therefore a divine, authoritative pronouncement.
* **"‹Behold, I make all things new.›"**: This is the central, breathtaking declaration. "Behold" (Gk. _idoú_) serves as an imperative, drawing immediate attention to a profound and awe-inspiring truth. The "I" is emphatic, highlighting God as the singular agent of this transformation. The promise to "make all things new" (Gk. _poiéō pas kainós_) signifies a comprehensive, qualitative, and radical renovation of the entire cosmos, not merely a superficial change or a return to a previous state. It encompasses not just the physical creation but also the spiritual and moral order, removing all traces of sin, suffering, and decay.
* **"And he said unto me, ‹Write:"**: Following the grand declaration, God issues a direct command to John. The instruction to "write" (Gk. _gráphō_) underscores the importance and permanence of the message. John is to record these words for posterity, ensuring that this divine revelation is preserved and transmitted to all generations of believers. This act of writing authenticates the prophecy, making it an enduring testimony.
* **"for these words are true and faithful.›"**: This concluding phrase provides the divine imprimatur, a solemn affirmation of the absolute reliability of the preceding declaration. The words are "true" (Gk. _alēthinós_), meaning they are genuine, real, and correspond to ultimate reality. They are also "faithful" (Gk. _pistós_), meaning they are trustworthy, dependable, and will unfailingly come to pass. This assures the reader of the immutable character of God and the certainty of His promises, providing a solid foundation for hope and faith.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 21:5 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Divine Monologue**, as the entire verse is a direct quotation from God Himself, lending immense authority and weight to the declaration. The use of the **Imperative** "Behold" (Gk. _idoú_) serves as an attention-grabbing device, signaling the profound significance of the statement that follows. **Symbolism** is evident in "the throne," which universally symbolizes supreme authority, power, and sovereignty. The phrase "I make all things new" employs **Hyperbole** or **All-encompassing Language**, using "all things" to convey a complete and total transformation, leaving no aspect of creation untouched by God's renewing power. Finally, the concluding phrase "true and faithful" functions as a powerful **Affirmation** and **Emphasis**, doubling down on the reliability and certainty of God's promises through the use of two closely related adjectives, reinforcing their immutable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:5 stands as a cornerstone of biblical eschatology, offering a profound glimpse into God's ultimate redemptive purpose for creation. The declaration "I make all things new" speaks to a divine act of recreation that transcends mere renovation, pointing to a qualitative transformation of reality where sin, suffering, and death are permanently abolished. This promise is rooted in God's unchanging character as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer, who is also the Re-Creator. It assures believers that the brokenness of the present world is temporary and that a glorious, perfected future awaits, fulfilling the deepest longings for justice, peace, and wholeness. This divine promise provides immense hope and a framework for understanding the trajectory of salvation history, culminating in God's direct presence among His people in a renewed cosmos.

* [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Does a New Thing")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")
* [Hebrews 8:13](/hebrews/8-13 "Hebrews 8:13 - A New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 21:5 offers a profound wellspring of hope and encouragement for believers navigating the complexities and brokenness of the present world. In a reality often marked by decay, disappointment, and despair, the divine declaration "Behold, I make all things new" serves as a powerful antidote, reminding us that our God is actively at work, not merely patching up the old but fundamentally transforming it into something gloriously new and perfect. This promise calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, enabling us to endure present sufferings with patience and perseverance, knowing that they are temporary in light of the coming glory. It invites us to trust implicitly in the "true and faithful" words of God, allowing His unwavering promises to anchor our faith and shape our expectations. Furthermore, this verse should inspire us to live as agents of renewal in our current context, reflecting the values of the coming kingdom and participating in God's redemptive work, even as we eagerly anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of His promise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise "I make all things new" challenge your perspective on present difficulties or brokenness in the world?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you long for God's "newness," and how does this verse encourage you in those longings?**
* **What does it mean for you personally that God's words are "true and faithful," and how does this assurance impact your trust in Him?**
* **How can the hope of a renewed creation motivate you to live differently today, reflecting the values of God's coming kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "I make all things new" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "I make all things new" signifies a comprehensive and qualitative transformation of the entire cosmos, not merely a superficial renovation or a return to a previous state. The Greek word for "new" (Gk. _kainos_) implies new in quality, fresh, and superior, rather than new in time (Gk. _neos_). This means God is not just repairing the old creation, which is marred by sin and decay, but is fundamentally re-creating it into a perfect, incorruptible, and glorious reality, free from all evil, suffering, and death ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")). It encompasses both the physical universe (a new heaven and new earth, [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")) and the spiritual and moral order, establishing a perfect environment for God's eternal dwelling with humanity ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the agent and embodiment of God's radical renewal. It is through Christ that "all things" are indeed made new, for He is the one by whom and for whom all things were created ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")), and through whom God reconciles all things to Himself ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The "newness" declared by God on the throne is initiated in the believer's life through spiritual regeneration, where "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Christ Himself is presented throughout Revelation as "the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" ([Revelation 21:6](/revelation/21-6 "Revelation 21:6 - Alpha and Omega")), the one who guarantees this ultimate renewal. Furthermore, the command to "Write: for these words are true and faithful" resonates deeply with Christ's own character, for He is repeatedly called "Faithful and True" ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ, Faithful and True")) and is the very "Word" (Gk. _Logos_) of God made flesh ([John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1, 14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose promises are utterly reliable and will surely come to pass. Thus, the new heaven and new earth are not merely a future hope but the glorious culmination of Christ's redemptive work, a testament to His victory over sin and death, and the eternal establishment of His kingdom where He reigns supreme.

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

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.