Revelation 21:26
What does Revelation 21:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 21:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 21:26 means
The flow of redeemed culture continues: “they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.” Whatever is excellent, true, and beautiful in human endeavor is not discarded but consecrated. The city is enriched not by exploiting the nations but by receiving their worshipful tribute. All gifts find their proper end in God. This honors the Creator’s diversity while affirming that every glory must be purified and offered to Him. The life of the eternal city is not static; it is vibrant, full of holy procession and praise.
Revelation 21:26 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 they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the glory and honour of the nations will come into it:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they shall bring the glory and the honour of the nations into it;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they shall bring the glory and the honour of the nations to it.
Context
Reinforcing verse 24, this statement emphasizes the ongoing movement of homage into the city. It sets up the final boundary marker in verse 27: though the gates are open and the nations’ honor flows in, nothing unclean enters. The flow of the chapter thus ends by balancing inclusion (open gates, gathered nations) with holiness (only the pure, those written in the Lamb’s book of life, may enter).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 21:24
And the nations shall walk amidst the light thereof: and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it.
Sermon ideas from Revelation 21:26
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Revelation 21:26 teaches us about new creation
What Revelation 21:26 teaches us about god dwelling with man
What Revelation 21:26 teaches us about end of death and sorrow
What Revelation 21:26 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.