Revelation 21:7
What does Revelation 21:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 21:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 21:7 means
The promise narrows to the individual: the one who overcomes will inherit all these blessings. God pledges covenant intimacy—“I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Overcoming means persevering faith that holds to God and His Christ despite trials. The reward is not partial; it is full inheritance as a beloved child. Adoption language underscores belonging, security, and likeness to the Father. This verse dignifies the believer’s struggle by connecting it to a royal destiny. Eternal life is not merely escape from loss but the positive, familial enjoyment of God Himself forever.
Revelation 21:7 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 · 2000He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who overcomes will have these things for his heritage; and I will be his God, and he will be my son.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he who is overcoming shall inherit all things, and I will be to him--a God, and he shall be to me--the son,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that shall overcome shall possess these things. And I will be his God: and he shall be my son.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be to himGod, and he shall be to me son.
Context
Placed after the offer of the water of life, this promise clarifies who receives it: those who overcome. It anticipates the sobering contrast in verse 8, where the impenitent are excluded and judged. Together, verses 7–8 set the moral boundary around the city described later: only the conquerors-enter, while the unrepentant do not. This also echoes earlier messages to the seven churches, reminding John’s audience that endurance in faith is the path to inheritance.
v.6And he said unto me, They are come to pass. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
v.7This passage
v.8But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 21:3
And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and betheir God:
- 1 Peter 3:9
not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
- Matthew 19:29
And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.
- Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
- 1 Peter 1:3
Blessedbethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
- Proverbs 3:35
The wise shall inherit glory; But shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Sermon ideas from Revelation 21:7
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Revelation 21:7 teaches us about new creation
What Revelation 21:7 teaches us about god dwelling with man
What Revelation 21:7 teaches us about end of death and sorrow
What Revelation 21:7 teaches us about eternal worship
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