Revelation 21:14
What does Revelation 21:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 21:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 21:14 means
The city’s wall rests on twelve foundations inscribed with the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This shows that the eternal community is built on the apostolic testimony to Jesus Christ. The Lamb—Jesus—remains central; even the city’s supporting structures honor His saving work. With tribes on the gates and apostles on the foundations, the people of God are one: Old and New Covenant united, Israel and the church fulfilled together in the Messiah. Stability and permanence rest on God’s revelation and redemption, not human wisdom. The city stands because the Lamb’s witnesses laid its foundation.
Revelation 21:14 in context
Revelation 21 — A New Heaven and a New Earth
John's final vision. The first heaven and earth pass away, and the New Jerusalem comes down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. God himself dwells with his people; he wipes away every tear; there is no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The former things are passed away. The light of the city is the glory of God; its lamp is the Lamb. The story that began in the garden of Genesis ends in the city of Revelation, and the gates are never shut.
- New creation
- God dwelling with man
- End of death and sorrow
- Eternal worship
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the wall of the town had twelve bases, and on them the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the wall of the city had twelve foundations: And in them, the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Context
Having described gates linked to Israel’s tribes, the vision adds apostolic foundations, completing the picture of covenant continuity and unity. This sets the stage for measurement in verses 15–17, which will emphasize divine order and perfection. The angel’s golden reed will quantify what the names symbolize: a community precisely shaped by God’s plan, vast yet harmonious, with security and beauty joined.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:10
for he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
- Matthew 10:2
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James thesonof Zebedee, and John his brother;
- Ephesians 3:5
which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;
- Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets; for God hath judged your judgment on her.
- 1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon.
- Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Sermon ideas from Revelation 21:14
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Revelation 21:14 teaches us about new creation
What Revelation 21:14 teaches us about god dwelling with man
What Revelation 21:14 teaches us about end of death and sorrow
What Revelation 21:14 teaches us about eternal worship
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