Revelation 21:22 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:22 mean?

Revelation 21:22 describes how, in the vision of the new Jerusalem, there is no physical temple building because God Himself—the Lord God Almighty—and the Lamb (Jesus) are present and serve as the temple. The verse means that God’s presence is so direct and complete that no separate sacred space is needed.

John, the author of Revelation, is describing what he sees in his vision of the future city where God dwells with His people. In ancient Jerusalem, the temple was the center of worship and God’s presence, but here, John notes its absence and explains why: God and the Lamb themselves are the source of holiness and worship in this new reality. This marks a dramatic shift from the old way of worship to a new, immediate relationship with God.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:22

• ναός (naos, G3485): This word means "temple," specifically the inner sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell. The use of ναός highlights that what was once a physical place is now fulfilled by God and the Lamb themselves.
• παντοκράτωρ (pantokratōr, G3841): Translated as "Almighty," this word emphasizes God's all-powerful nature, underlining why no other temple is needed.
• ἀρνίον (arnion, G721): This word means "Lamb" and refers to Jesus in Revelation. The pairing of God and the Lamb as the temple stresses their unity and shared role in the new creation.

Why Revelation 21:22 matters

• Revelation 21:22 clarifies that, in the vision of the new Jerusalem, worship and access to God are no longer tied to a building or location but are found directly in God and the Lamb.
• The verse shifts the focus from religious structures to a relationship with God Himself, which would have been a striking idea for readers familiar with the central role of the temple in Jewish life.
• This statement connects to the wider passage by showing how everything in the new creation is transformed, including the way people relate to God and experience His presence.