The term "The Great Street" is primarily associated with the eschatological vision found in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 21 and 22. This imagery is part of the Apostle John's apocalyptic vision of the New Jerusalem, a central theme in Christian eschatology.

Biblical Context

In Revelation 21:21, the Apostle John describes the New Jerusalem, saying, "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, as transparent as glass" . This description emphasizes the unparalleled beauty and purity of the heavenly city, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Further elaboration is found in Revelation 22:1-2, where John writes, "Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On either side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations" . Here, the great street is depicted as the central thoroughfare of the New Jerusalem, highlighting its significance as a place of divine provision and eternal life.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The Great Street of the New Jerusalem is rich in symbolic meaning. The use of gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, signifies the holiness and eternal nature of the city. The transparency of the gold suggests purity and the absence of anything hidden or impure, reflecting the perfect righteousness of God’s kingdom.

The river of the water of life flowing down the great street symbolizes the life-giving presence of God, accessible to all inhabitants of the New Jerusalem. This imagery echoes the prophetic visions of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 47:1-12) and Zechariah (Zechariah 14:8), where water represents divine blessing and sustenance.

The presence of the tree of life on either side of the river further underscores the theme of eternal life and healing. The tree's twelve kinds of fruit, yielding monthly, symbolize the abundance and continual provision of God. The healing leaves for the nations suggest the restoration and reconciliation of all creation under God's sovereign rule.

Theological Significance

The Great Street in the New Jerusalem represents the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It is a place where God's people will dwell in His presence, free from sin, death, and suffering. The imagery of the great street serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and promise of eternal life for believers, as well as the ultimate restoration of creation.

In Christian theology, the vision of the New Jerusalem and its great street is often interpreted as a metaphor for the church's future glory and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. It serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in faith, looking forward to the day when they will walk the great street in the presence of their Savior.