Revelation 21:24-26
By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's striking here is the reversal: instead of nations bringing something to the city, the text suggests kings and nations bring their glory into it. This highlights that in God's coming kingdom, all earthly renown and power aren't abolished but are transformed and dedicated to His eternal glory.
The vision has just described the glorious New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with His people. Now, the prophet highlights how this divine city will be the source of light and life for all redeemed humanity. This passage echoes Old Testament prophecies, like those in Isaiah, which spoke of nations and kings coming to God's light and bringing their treasures.
Imagine a world where nations aren't defined by borders or conflicts, but by their shared journey toward God's brilliance. What does it mean for entire peoples to 'walk in the light' of the New Jerusalem?
Revelation 21:24 paints a stunning picture of the eternal state. While some older translations include the phrase 'of them which are saved,' the most reliable ancient texts suggest we read it as: 'The nations shall walk by means of its light.' This emphasizes that 'nations' here refers to all the redeemed peoples of the earth, brought together into one glorious whole.
A People, Not Just Individuals
It's a profound shift from individual salvation to the salvation of peoples. Every 'kindred, and nation, and tribe, and tongue' (Revelation 7:9) will be represented.
Guided by Divine Radiance
They won't be walking in their own strength or by their own wisdom. Instead, they will be guided and sustained by the very light emanating from God and the Lamb, who are the temple of the city. This is a light of truth, holiness, and unending joy. It's a light that illuminates their path and their purpose for all eternity.
What happens to earthly power and prestige in the face of ultimate glory? This verse offers a powerful image of kings bringing their 'glory' into God's eternal city.
The second part of the verse speaks of 'the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.' While some ancient manuscripts omit 'and honour,' the core idea remains potent.
Redefined Treasures
This isn't about literal crowns and earthly riches being transported. Instead, it signifies that everything kings once valued – their power, their achievements, their wealth, their very crowns – will be recognized as ultimately belonging to God.
Ultimate Devotion
These earthly glories are now seen in their proper context, subordinate to the supreme glory of God and the Lamb. The kings, rather than hoarding their prestige, will joyfully lay it all down, acknowledging that true honor and lasting glory are found only in God's presence. It's a profound act of submission and recognition of God's supreme sovereignty.
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.
nyx · Greek Noun
The absence of light, often symbolizing sin, separation from God, ignorance, or judgment; conversely, the absence of night signifies perpetual communion with God.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God's majesty, excellence, and splendor. In this context, it refers to the transformed cultural and material riches of humanity offered to God in the new creation.
timē · Greek Noun
The high respect, dignity, or prestige accorded to someone. It implies value and worth attributed to an individual or group.
Revelation 21:24 echoes ancient prophecies from Isaiah, promising a future where redeemed nations and humbled kings bring their glory to God's dwelling place, transforming earthly power dynamics into divine worship.
c. 8th century BC
Isaiah's Prophecies of Zion's Restoration
Prophets like Isaiah foretold a future when Jerusalem and its light would draw nations and kings, signifying a restored glory and international recognition for God's people.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people marked a low point, making prophecies of future glory and return deeply significant for the remnant.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
The decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple offered a partial fulfillment of prophetic hopes, though on a smaller scale than initially envisioned.
c. 1st century AD
Early Church Persecution
The early Christian church faced intense persecution and marginalization, making visions of ultimate triumph and glory especially poignant.
This passage directly parallels Revelation 21:24, foretelling that nations and their kings will come to the light and glory of God's people, echoing the vision of the New Jerusalem.
Psalm 72:10-11This psalm speaks of kings from distant lands bringing gifts and bowing down to a future ruler, aligning with the concept of earthly rulers submitting their glory to God's ultimate reign.
Romans 15:9-12This New Testament passage quotes Old Testament prophecies, including references to nations rejoicing and praising God, highlighting the fulfillment of God's plan to include all peoples in His kingdom.
Philippians 3:20-21This verse reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven and anticipates Christ transforming our humble bodies to be like His glorious body, connecting to the idea of earthly glory being transcended by heavenly splendor.
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…
What's striking here is the reversal: instead of nations bringing something to the city, the text suggests kings and nations bring their glory into it. This highlights that in God's coming kingdom, all earthly renown and power aren't abolished but are transformed and dedicated to His eternal glory.
The vision has just described the glorious New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with His people. Now, the prophet highlights how this divine city will be the source of light and life for all redeemed humanity. This passage echoes Old Testament prophecies, like those in Isaiah, which spoke of nations and kings coming to God's light and bringing their treasures.
The vision has just described the glorious New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with His people. Now, the prophet highlights how this divine city will be the source of light and life for all redeemed humanity. This passage echoes Old Testament prophecies, like those in Isaiah, which spoke of nations and kings coming to God's light and bringing their treasures.
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ethnē · Greek Noun
A term referring to the various people groups (ethnē) of the world. In the eschatological context, it signifies the inclusion of redeemed humanity from every background.
c. AD 90-100— this verse
Writing of Revelation
The Book of Revelation was written during a time of significant pressure on Christian communities, likely during or shortly after the Roman persecution under Emperor Domitian.
"By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations." — What's striking here is the reversal: instead of nations bringing something to the city, the text suggests kings and nations bring their glory into it. This highlights that in God's coming…
