By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Revelation 21:24
What does Revelation 21:24 mean?
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Revelation 21:24
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Instead of just people walking in the light, the verse emphasizes that "nations" themselves, and the "kings of the earth," will bring their glory and honor into this divine light. This isn't about diminished earthly status, but about recognizing that all true glory and honor will ultimately find its source and highest expression in God's presence.
By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes the glorious, eternal city of God, the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven. It follows the description of the city's divine light source, emphasizing that this light is what sustains and guides its inhabitants. The redeemed people and their leaders will find their ultimate fulfillment and purpose within its divine radiance.
Imagine a world where every nation, every culture, walks together. What does this look like in God's eternal kingdom?
Revelation 21:24 paints a picture of the redeemed nations finding their way not by earthly guides, but by the divine light emanating from God and the Lamb. This isn't about geographical nations on a new earth, but rather the totality of God's people, drawn from every tongue and tribe.
A Universal Community
The text echoes ancient prophecies, like Isaiah 60:3, where Gentiles and kings are drawn to Israel's divine light. Here, it's the redeemed humanity itself, united and guided by God's presence. The 'nations' are those 'saved,' signifying a community chosen and purified by God, now dwelling in perfect fellowship.
Beyond Earthly Borders
This light isn't just illumination; it's the source of life, truth, and holiness. The nations 'walk' in it, meaning they live, thrive, and are guided by its presence. It signifies a complete transformation, where all who are saved now live in the very radiance of the Almighty.
What happens when earthly rulers and all their prestige are brought into God's presence?
The verse speaks of 'the kings of the earth' bringing their 'glory' into the city. This imagery, drawn from ancient Near Eastern customs where conquered kings would bring tribute to their victor, is re-purposed here.
Acknowledging Supreme Authority
In the New Jerusalem, there are no kings reigning in opposition to God. Instead, all earthly authority and honor, represented by the kings' glory, are willingly surrendered and laid at the feet of the ultimate King. This isn't about literal crowns or treasures being deposited, but a profound acknowledgment that all true honor and glory belong to God alone.
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The Ultimate Treasure
What earthly kings considered their greatest achievements—their power, wealth, and influence—pale in comparison to the glory of God's presence. Their 'glory' becomes a testament to God's ultimate sovereignty, highlighting that true and eternal glory is found only in Him.
Understand the original words
ethnos · Greek Noun
Large ethnic or linguistic groups of people; in the Old Testament, it often refers to those outside the covenant, but in the New Testament, it refers to all peoples to whom the gospel is extended.
This vision echoes Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah, portraying a redeemed people and humbled earthly powers bringing their splendor to God's eternal city, signifying the ultimate sovereignty of the Lamb.
c. 6th century BC
Exile and Return from Babylon
The Jewish people experienced exile in Babylon, a period marked by loss and a longing for Jerusalem. The return from exile saw a renewed focus on rebuilding the temple and the city, symbolizing God's presence and a restored people.
c. 5th century BC
Post-Exilic Rebuilding Efforts
Following the return, efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and its walls were met with opposition and setbacks. This era emphasized the people's reliance on God's promises for protection and completion of His work.
c. 2nd century BC
Maccabean Revolt
A period of intense struggle for religious and political freedom against foreign oppression. This conflict highlighted the theme of God's people overcoming adversity and reclaiming their heritage.
c. 1st century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea was under Roman occupation, with local kings often acting as client rulers. This political reality shaped the understanding of earthly kingdoms and their ultimate subservience to divine authority.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central event of Christian faith, signifying redemption and the inauguration of a new spiritual kingdom, transcending earthly powers and glories.
c. AD 60s-90s— this verse
John's Vision of the New Jerusalem
The Book of Revelation was written during a time of persecution for early Christians. John's vision of the New Jerusalem offered hope and a vision of ultimate divine triumph over worldly powers.
This passage directly echoes Revelation 21:24, speaking of nations and kings coming to the light and brightness of God's glory, highlighting the theme of global recognition and submission to divine presence.
Psalm 72:11This Psalm speaks of all kings falling down before God and all nations serving Him, paralleling the idea in Revelation 21:24 of earthly rulers and peoples bringing their glory into the presence of God.
Isaiah 49:23This verse foretells kings and queens becoming nursing fathers and mothers to God's people, reflecting the concept of earthly authority being redirected and submitted to God's purposes in the New Jerusalem.
Zechariah 14:16-17This passage describes nations coming up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and mentions those who do not come will have no rain, reinforcing the idea of global pilgrimage and worship in the eschatological city.
pulpitRevelation 21:24: "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
Verse 24. - And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it; and the nations shall walk by means of her light. Omit "of them which are saved." The description, following that of Isaiah, makes use of earthly symbolism; but it is not, therefore, to be supposed (as Afford) that there will be hereafter a real earth with…
pooleRevelation 21:24: "And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
And the nations of them, which are saved shall walk in the light of it; all that go to heaven shall be thus happy. And the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it; and such kings of the earth as shall come into heaven, shall see all their honour and glory swallowed up in the glory and honour of that place and state; and…
Instead of just people walking in the light, the verse emphasizes that "nations" themselves, and the "kings of the earth," will bring their glory and honor into this divine light. This isn't about diminished earthly status, but about recognizing that all true glory and honor will ultimately find its source and highest expression in God's presence.
This passage describes the glorious, eternal city of God, the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven. It follows the description of the city's divine light source, emphasizing that this light is what sustains and guides its inhabitants. The redeemed people and their leaders will find their ultimate fulfillment and purpose within its divine radiance.
This passage describes the glorious, eternal city of God, the New Jerusalem, descending from heaven. It follows the description of the city's divine light source, emphasizing that this light is what sustains and guides its inhabitants. The redeemed people and their leaders will find their ultimate fulfillment and purpose within its divine radiance.
"By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it," — Instead of just people walking in the light, the verse emphasizes that "nations" themselves, and the "kings of the earth," will bring their glory and honor into this divine light. This isn't ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026