Revelation 21:5
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The emphasis isn't just on a new creation, but on a renewed one, using a Greek word that signifies a qualitative change from the old, not just something that's recently made. This hints that God's ultimate plan is not to discard His original creation entirely, but to profoundly transform it into something far better and pure.
This verse immediately follows John's vision of the new heaven and new earth, emphasizing God's ultimate victory over sin and death. The voice speaking, identified as "he who was seated on the throne," is none other than God himself, assuring John that he is actively bringing about this new creation. John is then commanded to "write" these words because they are utterly dependable, setting the stage for the detailed description of the New Jerusalem that follows.
We often think of creation as something that happened long ago. But what if God's work of making things new is a continuous, unfolding process?
Revelation 21:5 presents God, 'he who sat on the throne,' as actively engaged in a cosmic renovation. The phrase 'I am making all things new' uses a present tense that emphasizes this ongoing activity. It’s not just a future event, but a process already underway. Just as God brought order out of the formless void in Genesis, He is now bringing about a new creation, transforming the old one despite its sin and decay. This gives us hope, knowing that God's redemptive work is not static but dynamic, constantly moving towards completion.
When life feels overwhelming and the world seems broken, where can we find solid ground? This verse offers a powerful anchor.
The instruction to 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true' is crucial. These aren't just hopeful wishes; they are divine guarantees. The One speaking is identified as 'he who sat on the throne' – the ultimate authority. The repetition of 'true and faithful' (or 'faithful and true' in some translations) underscores the absolute reliability of God's promises. This assurance was vital for the early Christians facing immense suffering and persecution. Knowing that a new, perfect reality was coming, guaranteed by God Himself, provided the strength to endure present hardships with steadfast hope.
Understand the original words
pistos · Greek Adjective
The quality of being reliable, dependable, and worthy of full confidence. Used of God’s words, it confirms that His promises regarding the future and redemption are absolute and binding.
This passage directly echoes the promise of God making all things new, urging us to not dwell on the past but to look forward to His new creation. It highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the culmination in Revelation.
2 Corinthians 5:17Paul uses the concept of newness in Christ, stating that believers become 'new creation' when they are in Him. This connects to Revelation 21:5 by showing that the transformation begins inwardly in individuals before the ultimate cosmic renewal.
Genesis 1:1The creation account in Genesis serves as the foundational parallel to God's promise to make all things new in Revelation. Just as God brought order from chaos in the beginning, He will bring a perfect new order out of the current one.
John 3:16While not a direct quote, the essence of John 3:16 speaks to God's profound love that motivates His redemptive actions. This deep love is the underlying reason for His promise to make all things new – an act of ultimate grace for humanity.
Revelation 1:8This verse also emphasizes God's eternal nature and sovereignty ('Alpha and Omega'). It reinforces the trustworthiness of His promises, connecting to the statement in Revelation 21:5 that His words are 'trustworthy and true.'
ellicottRevelation 21:5: "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."
THE SECOND VOICE.—The voice of Him who sitteth on the Throne ( Revelation 21:5-8 ). (5) And he that sat upon the throne . . .—Better, And he who sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. And he saith (the words “unto me” should be omitted) write; because these words are faithful and true. It is the Throned one, the One w…
bengelRevelation 21:5: "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."
Revelation 21:5 . Καινὰ πάντα ποιῶ [226]) A more ancient reading is, καινὰ ποιῶ πάντα ; and καινὰ ποιῶ answers to the single word חַדֵּשׁ , and ought not to be separated. This is a word implying publication, and not command. [226] A h Vulg. Iren. read καινὰ ποιῶ πάντα : B and Syr. πάντα καινὰ ποιῶ : Rec. Text, καινὰ πάντα ποιῶ , without good…
The emphasis isn't just on a new creation, but on a renewed one, using a Greek word that signifies a qualitative change from the old, not just something that's recently made. This hints that God's ultimate plan is not to discard His original creation entirely, but to profoundly transform it into something far better and pure.
This verse immediately follows John's vision of the new heaven and new earth, emphasizing God's ultimate victory over sin and death. The voice speaking, identified as "he who was seated on the throne," is none other than God himself, assuring John that he is actively bringing about this new creation. John is then commanded to "write" these words because they are utterly dependable, setting the stage for the detailed description of the New Jerusalem that follows.
This verse immediately follows John's vision of the new heaven and new earth, emphasizing God's ultimate victory over sin and death. The voice speaking, identified as "he who was seated on the throne," is none other than God himself, assuring John that he is actively bringing about this new creation. John is then commanded to "write" these words because they are utterly dependable, setting the stage for the detailed description of the New Jerusalem that follows.
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"And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”" — The emphasis isn't just on a new creation, but on a renewed one, using a Greek word that signifies a qualitative change from the old, not just something that's recently made. This hints that God'…
