Revelation 22:3-4
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The verse highlights a powerful shift: the removal of anything accursed is directly tied to the establishment of God's throne, signifying that His presence and rule are the ultimate antidote to curse and sin. Furthermore, the "service" of God's people here uses a word often associated with temple worship, suggesting their eternal activity will be a sacred, unbroken communion with Him, not merely labor.
No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse arrives at the climax of Revelation, describing the eternal state of God's people in the New Jerusalem. Following the vision of the pure river of water of life and the tree of life, this passage emphasizes the complete removal of sin's curse and the unending presence and worship of God and the Lamb among His redeemed servants. It's the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence dwelling with His people, free from all evil and opposition.
Imagine a world where everything that causes pain, sorrow, and decay is simply... gone. Revelation paints a picture of such a place, starting with a radical declaration.
The first thing John highlights about the New Jerusalem is its utter freedom from curse. This isn't just a removal of bad luck; it's the elimination of everything connected to sin and its consequences.
The End of Accursed Things
The original Greek hints at anything 'devoted to destruction' or 'doomed.' This means no more sin, no more suffering, no more death, and no more anything that goes against God's perfect will. Think of the ancient Israelites who had to remove 'accursed things' from their camp when they sinned (Joshua 7:12). In this new reality, there's no need for such removal because sin itself is gone.
God's Presence Replaces the Curse
Where the curse once held sway, God's presence now reigns supreme. This is the ultimate victory: the Almighty God and the Lamb are dwelling within the city, making it holy and secure.
The heart of heaven isn't just a place; it's about who sits on the throne. Revelation reveals a profound unity in divine rule.
The verse declares that 'the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it.' This is a powerful statement about the nature of God's eternal reign and the central role of Jesus Christ.
Divine Unity in Governance
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It's not two separate thrones, but one unified throne. This emphasizes the absolute oneness of God the Father and God the Son (the Lamb). Jesus Himself said, 'I and the Father are one' (John 10:30). In the New Jerusalem, this unity is visibly expressed through their shared rule.
The Foundation of Worship
This unified throne is the source of all true worship. Because God and the Lamb are perfectly one in purpose, holiness, and love, their reign is one of perfect justice and peace. All the servants in the city direct their worship and service to this singular, divine authority.
What does it truly mean to 'serve' God? In the light of eternity, it's more than just duty; it's our ultimate fulfillment.
The final phrase of the verse, 'and his servants will worship him,' points to the highest calling and greatest joy of God's redeemed people.
The Nature of Service
The word used for 'serve' often refers to temple or priestly service – a dedicated, holy occupation. It speaks of devotion, reverence, and offering all that we are to God. In the New Jerusalem, this service is no longer hindered by sin, fatigue, or opposition. It's pure, unhindered worship and devotion, performed in the very presence of God and the Lamb.
Experiencing God's Presence
This service is intrinsically linked to beholding God. As the commentators note, seeing God leads to becoming like Him, and serving Him means experiencing His presence directly. It's a constant, joyful engagement with the divine, where our lives become an act of worship.
A Glimpse of Fulfillment
This isn't a chore; it's the ultimate expression of our redeemed identity. To serve and worship God in His perfect kingdom is the destiny for which we were created.
Understand the original words
katathema · Greek Noun
That which is under God's judgment or separated from His blessing due to sin; it signifies total destruction or exclusion from the holy presence of God.
doulos · Greek Noun
Those who willingly submit to God's authority, serving Him with devotion, obedience, and reverence as His possession.
latreuō · Greek Verb
The act of showing profound reverence, adoration, and service to God, acknowledging His supreme worthiness and sovereign position.
prosōpon · Greek Noun
An expression of intimacy and direct access to God, representing the fullness of communion and the beatific vision available to the redeemed.
onoma · Greek Noun
Represents God's character, authority, reputation, and presence; to have His name on them signifies that they are His exclusive property and are under His protection.
This passage speaks of the removal of any curse or devastation from Jerusalem, echoing Revelation's promise of an end to all things accursed.
Romans 8:21It describes creation groaning under a curse, making Revelation's assurance of no more curse a powerful contrast and fulfillment of this longing for redemption.
John 10:30Jesus declares His unity with the Father ('I and the Father are one'), directly connecting to Revelation's vision of the unified throne of God and the Lamb.
1 Corinthians 13:12This verse speaks of knowing fully even as we have been fully known, which parallels the intimate knowledge and sight of God promised to His servants in the New Jerusalem.
Psalm 17:15The psalmist's desire to 'behold God's likeness' finds its ultimate fulfillment in Revelation's vision of His servants seeing Him as He is and being like Him.
ellicottRevelation 22:3: "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:"
(3) And there shall be no more curse . . . Better, And every curse, or accursed thing, shall not be any longer. There may be an allusion to Joshua 7:12 ; there is certainly a borrowing, of language from Zechariah ( Zechariah 14:11 ). All accursed things are removed, and with them passes the curse. The blessing of God’s presence, and the blessing of God’s r…
pulpitRevelation 22:3: "And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:"
Verse 3. - And there shall be no more curse; and there shall be no accursed thing any more. Nothing accursed exists in that city, because there is no sin there. The narrative here passes into the future tense (cf. Revelation 20:7). But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him; and the throne, etc. This is the conse…
The verse highlights a powerful shift: the removal of anything accursed is directly tied to the establishment of God's throne, signifying that His presence and rule are the ultimate antidote to curse and sin. Furthermore, the "service" of God's people here uses a word often associated with temple worship, suggesting their eternal activity will be a sacred, unbroken communion with Him, not merely labor.
This verse arrives at the climax of Revelation, describing the eternal state of God's people in the New Jerusalem. Following the vision of the pure river of water of life and the tree of life, this passage emphasizes the complete removal of sin's curse and the unending presence and worship of God and the Lamb among His redeemed servants. It's the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence dwelling with His people, free from all evil and opposition.
This verse arrives at the climax of Revelation, describing the eternal state of God's people in the New Jerusalem. Following the vision of the pure river of water of life and the tree of life, this passage emphasizes the complete removal of sin's curse and the unending presence and worship of God and the Lamb among His redeemed servants. It's the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence dwelling with His people, free from all evil and opposition.
"No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads." — The verse highlights a powerful shift: the removal of anything accursed is directly tied to the establishment of God's throne, signifying that His presence and rule are the ultimate antidote to curse…
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Last reviewed October 2026
