What is the meaning of Revelation 21:24? By its light • Revelation 21:23 explains the source: “The city has no need for sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp”. • The “light” is literal—God’s unveiled glory radiating from the New Jerusalem. Isaiah foresaw this day: “The LORD will be your everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:19). • This light signals the completed work of salvation. Just as Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), His presence now saturates every corner of the eternal city. • No shadows remain—sin, sorrow, and night are gone forever (Revelation 21:25; 22:5). God’s light is not merely illumination; it is perfect holiness, joy, and security (Psalm 27:1; 1 John 1:5). the nations will walk • The phrase pictures redeemed peoples from every ethnicity (Revelation 7:9) enjoying unhindered fellowship with God. • “Walk” speaks of daily life and purposeful movement (Psalm 89:15; Micah 4:2). In eternity, life continues—with worship, service, learning, and exploration—always guided by the Lamb’s light. • God promised Abraham that “all nations” would be blessed through his Seed (Genesis 12:3). Revelation shows the promise fulfilled: the nations actively participate in the New Jerusalem’s life. • Isaiah foresaw this inclusion: “Nations will come to your light” (Isaiah 60:3). Zechariah pictured annual pilgrimages of the peoples to honor the King (Zechariah 14:16). These prophecies find their climax here—literally, not symbolically. and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory • “Kings” represent the leaders of those redeemed nations—no longer rebellious (Psalm 72:11; Revelation 1:5-6), but gladly submitting to Christ. • They “bring their glory” —their honor, treasures, and cultural achievements—into the city (Isaiah 60:5-11). Everything of worth in human history, now purged of corruption, is laid before God in worship (Revelation 21:26-27). • This is perpetual, not a one-time parade. Ongoing tribute underscores that all excellence ultimately belongs to the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31). • The scene fulfills Psalm 72: “The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores will bring tribute… all kings will bow down to Him.” Perfect harmony between divine sovereignty and human stewardship marks the eternal order. summary Revelation 21:24 paints a literal picture of life in the eternal New Jerusalem. God’s own glory is the city’s constant light; redeemed peoples live and move in that radiance; their leaders continually honor the Lamb with every vestige of purified human achievement. The verse declares the completion of God’s plan: unbroken fellowship, worldwide inclusion, and everlasting worship—forever illuminated by the glory of God and the Lamb. |
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