Revelation 21:22

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Revelation 21:22 (KJV)

Context

The book of Revelation is a prophetic book written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It contains visions and messages from Jesus Christ concerning the end times and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. In this verse, John describes the New Jerusalem, the holy city that comes down from heaven. It is a symbol of the eternal dwelling place of God’s people and the consummation of God’s redemptive plan.

Meaning

The absence of a physical temple signifies that God Himself, along with the Lamb (referring to Jesus Christ), is the dwelling place, and His presence fills the entire city. In the Old Testament, the temple was the central place of worship and the symbolic dwelling place of God among His people. Its absence in the New Jerusalem signifies a profound change: the need for a designated sacred space is no longer necessary because the entire city is infused with the presence of God. The verse explicitly states that the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of the city. This means God Himself, along with Jesus Christ, is the dwelling place, and His presence fills the entire city. The entire city is one great temple, not a place with a temple in it.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes the words of several Old Testament prophecies. In Ezekiel 48:35 it says, “The name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.” The absence of a temple in Revelation 21:22 confirms that God’s presence is the defining feature of the New Jerusalem. The phrase “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb” emphasizes the unity and deity of both God the Father and Jesus Christ. They are both divine and together constitute the temple. This verse highlights the inseparable nature of God and Jesus in the new heavenly city.

Application

The absence of a temple in the New Jerusalem suggests that there will no longer be a need for a physical place of worship because God’s presence will be fully manifest. Believers will have direct and intimate access to God without any intermediaries. It symbolizes the complete restoration of fellowship between God and His people. Revelation 21:22 encourages believers to fix their eyes on the ultimate hope of eternity. It reminds us that our true worship and communion with God will be unhindered in the New Jerusalem. As we anticipate the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, we should seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and experience His presence even now.