The New Heaven and New earth
A new heaven and a new earth appear. The holy city, the New Jerusalem, descends from heaven — God's dwelling is now with humanity.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
[⇒ 21:1-⇒ 22:5] A description of God's eternal kingdom in heaven under the symbols of a new heaven and a new earth; cf ⇒ Isaiah 65:17-25; ⇒ 66:22; ⇒ Matthew 19:28. [1] Sea . . . no more: because as home of the dragon it was doomed to disappear; cf ⇒ Job 7:12.
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
[2] New Jerusalem . . . bride: symbol of the church (⇒ Gal 4:26); see the note on ⇒ Rev 19:7.
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God).
[3] People: other ancient manuscripts read a plural, "peoples." ⇒ Rev 21:3-4: Language taken from ⇒ Ezekiel 37:27; ⇒ Isaiah 25:8; ⇒ 35:10; cf ⇒ Rev 7:17.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away."
The one who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Then he said, "Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true."
[5] The one . . . on the throne: God himself; cf ⇒ Rev 4:1-11.
He said to me, "They are accomplished. I (am) the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water.
[6] They are accomplished: God's reign has already begun; see the note on ⇒ Rev 20:1-6. Alpha . . . Omega: see the note on ⇒ Rev 1:8. Life-giving water: see the note on ⇒ Rev 7:17.
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
[22] Christ is present throughout the church; hence, no temple is needed as an earthly dwelling for God; cf ⇒ Matthew 18:20; ⇒ 28:20; ⇒ John 4:21.
The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.
[23] Lamp . . . Lamb: cf ⇒ John 8:12.