And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

REVELATION 21:14KJV
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Revelation 21:14 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:14 mean?

Revelation 21:14 describes the wall of the New Jerusalem as having twelve foundations, and each foundation is inscribed with the name of one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Jesus). This verse highlights the special role and honor given to the apostles in the eternal city described in John's vision.

In this part of Revelation, John is being shown a vision of the New Jerusalem by an angel. The city is described in rich, symbolic detail to show its perfection and holiness. The mention of the apostles’ names on the foundations connects the city’s stability and permanence to the foundational role the apostles played in spreading Jesus’ message and establishing the early church.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:14

  • ἀπόστολοι (apostoloi): This word means "apostles," referring to those specially chosen and sent by Jesus. The verse emphasizes their foundational importance by naming them as the literal foundations of the city.
  • θεμέλιος (themelios): This word means "foundation." In ancient cities, strong foundations were essential for stability. Here, it symbolizes the lasting impact and authority of the apostles in the new creation.
  • ἀμνός (amnos): This word means "Lamb," a title for Jesus in Revelation. Linking the apostles to the Lamb shows their connection to Jesus’ mission and sacrifice.

Why Revelation 21:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the apostles are honored in a unique and lasting way in God’s eternal plan, not just as early leaders but as foundational to the new creation itself.
  • The detail about the names being written on the foundations shows a personal and permanent recognition, not just a symbolic one.
  • By tying the apostles to the Lamb, the verse connects the authority of the apostles directly to Jesus, reinforcing that their significance comes from their relationship with him.

Where else these words appear

“wall” Greek G5038 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
  • Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
  • Revelation 21:17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

“foundations” Greek G2310 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

“Lamb” Greek G721 · used in 28 verses

  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
  • Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
  • Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

“twelve” Greek G1427 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
  • Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.