Revelation 21:24
What does Revelation 21:24 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 21:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 21:24 means
The nations walk in the city’s light, and the earth’s kings bring their glory into it. This portrays redeemed peoples—distinct yet united—living by God’s illumination. Nothing in their cultural glory competes with God; all honor is offered to Him. The vision corrects narrow views: salvation does not erase nations but purifies and harmonizes them under God’s reign. Authority and achievement, once prone to pride, now serve worship. The city draws in everything true and good from human history, transfigured by grace and gladly submitted to the Lamb’s lordship.
Revelation 21:24 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 nations shall walk amidst the light thereof: and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the nations shall walk amidst the light thereof: and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the nations will go in its light: and the kings of the earth will take their glory into it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the nations of the saved in its light shall walk, and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the nations shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honour into it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the nations shall walk by its light; and the kings of the earth bring their glory to it.
Context
Following the declaration about divine light, this verse shows its global impact: the gathered nations and willing homage of kings. Verse 25 will add that the gates never close because there is no night, reinforcing safety and welcome. Then verse 26 will repeat that the nations’ glory and honor are brought in, before verse 27 closes the chapter by stating the moral qualification for entry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 21:26
and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it:
- Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
- Isaiah 2:2
And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
- Romans 15:16
that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
- Jeremiah 4:2
and thou shalt swear, As Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.
- Isaiah 60:3
And nations shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Sermon ideas from Revelation 21:24
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Revelation 21:24 teaches us about new creation
What Revelation 21:24 teaches us about god dwelling with man
What Revelation 21:24 teaches us about end of death and sorrow
What Revelation 21:24 teaches us about eternal worship
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 21.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Glorification
Glorification is the final stage of salvation, where believers receive perfect, incorruptible bodies and are made completely like Christ.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Light
Exploring how God reveals Himself as light, symbolizing His holiness, truth, and presence in scripture
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.