Revelation 21 26

Revelation 21:26 kjv

And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

Revelation 21:26 nkjv

And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.

Revelation 21:26 niv

The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.

Revelation 21:26 esv

They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations.

Revelation 21:26 nlt

And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city.

Revelation 21 verses

Revelation 21 26 Meaning

Revelation 21:26 describes a future reality within the New Jerusalem, where all the nations of the redeemed Earth will willingly bring their distinct glory and honor into the holy city. This signifies the universal acknowledgment of God's supremacy and the ultimate dedication of all human accomplishments, talents, and cultural expressions to Him. It portrays a scene of worship and tribute from a unified, multicultural humanity, recognizing that all true value and majesty originate from and belong to the Almighty.

Revelation 21 26 Context

Revelation 21:26 is part of John's vision of the New Heavens and New Earth, focusing specifically on the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with humanity. This chapter describes the eradication of all sorrow, pain, and death, replaced by God's perfect presence. The New Jerusalem is depicted as a luminous, divinely designed city, without need for sun or moon because God's glory illuminates it (Rev 21:23). Preceding this verse, Rev 21:24 explicitly states that "the nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory and honor into it," setting the immediate stage for verse 26 as a continuation and expansion of this inclusive, worshipful reality. Historically, this vision provided profound hope to early Christians enduring persecution under the Roman Empire, where earthly powers demanded loyalty and glory. The New Jerusalem's nature contrasts sharply with the idolatrous and oppressive empires of John's day, presenting an alternative, redeemed kingdom where all honor is willingly given to the true King.

Revelation 21 26 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - kai): A conjunction, serving to connect this statement to the preceding description of the New Jerusalem, particularly the nations walking in its light (Rev 21:24). It implies a continuous and complementary action within the new creation.
• they (οἴσουσιν - oisousin): From the verb φέρω (pherō), meaning "to bear," "to carry," "to bring." The future active indicative form suggests a definite, ongoing action. In context with Revelation 21:24, "they" refers to the "nations" (τῶν ἐθνῶν), implying all peoples of the redeemed earth. It denotes an active, voluntary submission and presentation of their best.
• shall bring (οἴσουσιν - oisousin): Reinforces the future and intentional act of the nations. It's not about passive reception, but active giving.
• the glory (τὴν δόξαν - tēn doxan): From δόξα (doxa). This term encapsulates praise, honor, splendor, renown, majesty, and inherent brilliance. In a biblical sense, it often refers to God's manifest presence or the brilliance that accompanies His essence (Shekinah). Here, it implies that the very best aspects, achievements, and unique expressions of each nation, whatever defines their excellence, will be brought forth. It signifies their worship and reverence.
• and honor (καὶ τὴν τιμὴν - kai tēn timēn): From τιμή (timē). This means worth, value, respect, esteem, or reverence. Paired with "glory," it emphasizes the comprehensive offering: not only the visible brilliance but also the intrinsic value and the respectful homage that nations render to God. It highlights the recognition of God's inherent dignity and supreme worth by all peoples.
• of the nations (τῶν ἐθνῶν - tōn ethnōn): From ἔθνος (ethnos). While "ethnos" can refer broadly to peoples, in a biblical context it frequently refers to Gentiles, or non-Jewish peoples. Its repeated use here (and in Rev 21:24) is highly significant, demonstrating the universal scope of God's redemptive plan beyond any single ethnicity. It underlines that people from every background will be included in the worship of the New Jerusalem.
• into it (εἰς αὐτήν - eis autēn): "It" refers to the New Jerusalem, the holy city described throughout the chapter. This signifies the destination of their tribute. The nations are not merely admiring the city from afar, but are active participants within it, integrating their contributions into the ultimate dwelling place of God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And they shall bring": This phrase immediately sets the tone of action and contribution from the nations. It underscores that the redeemed nations are not passive recipients but active worshippers. Their presence and offering are essential to the fulfillment of God's universal plan.
• "the glory and honor": This combination is an expression of worship and tribute. It represents the sum total of human excellence, dignity, accomplishments, and praise. It means not just material wealth (though that's not excluded) but spiritual, cultural, and moral excellence — everything worthy of value from human civilization — consecrated and dedicated to God. This stands in stark contrast to pagan nations who offered their glory and honor to idols or their rulers; here, it is offered solely to the Creator and Redeemer.
• "of the nations into it": This pivotal phrase confirms the New Jerusalem as an inclusive, international, and ultimately God-centered destination. It visualizes the convergence of all diverse peoples, each bringing their unique, sanctified contributions into the very heart of God's redeemed cosmos, where it all finds its ultimate purpose and dedication to the Lamb. This negates any ethnocentric or exclusionary view of the new creation, celebrating the unity in diversity found in Christ.

Revelation 21 26 Bonus section

• This verse signifies the ultimate triumph over all forms of nationalism and worldly empires that demand allegiance. In the New Jerusalem, all earthly "kingdoms" defer their ultimate loyalty and "glory and honor" to the Divine King.
• The inclusion of the "glory and honor of the nations" also highlights that the new creation is not an annihilation of culture or human creativity, but a transformation and purification of it. Righteous cultural expressions, art, music, discoveries, and even ethical societal structures developed by nations throughout history find their sanctified place in the New Jerusalem as offerings to God.
• This act of bringing glory and honor is not just a passive tribute; it suggests an active contribution to the splendor of the heavenly city, enriching its fabric with the diversity of redeemed humanity. It's a cooperative bringing of varied excellence into unity around the throne of God.
• The contrast with Rev 21:27, which states "nothing unclean will ever enter it," underscores that only the redeemed and purified aspects of human endeavor will be welcomed. It implies a sifting and sanctification process, where only what is truly "glory and honor" in God's eyes remains.

Revelation 21 26 Commentary

Revelation 21:26 offers a breathtaking vision of the eschatological inclusion and ultimate purpose of all humanity. It's a powerful statement against the fragmentation and divisions of earthly nations, proclaiming a redeemed future where every tribe and tongue unitedly gives their best to God. The "glory and honor of the nations" is not their earthly pride or accomplishments as ends in themselves, but those elements which are truly noble, good, beautiful, and reflective of divine potential within diverse cultures, now purified and directed back to their source. This verse echoes ancient prophetic hopes, particularly Isaiah 60, of Gentiles flowing into Zion, bringing their wealth and tribute. It assures believers that God's salvation is universal and that in the new creation, all legitimate aspects of human identity and achievement will find their consummation in worshipping and serving Him. It suggests that our God-given talents, cultural distinctives, and any good work accomplished on earth will not be discarded, but rather perfected and presented as offerings to God within the New Jerusalem, fulfilling humanity's intended role as worshippers.