And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

REVELATION 21:24KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 21:24 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:24 mean?

Revelation 21:24 describes how, in the vision of the new Jerusalem, people from all nations who are saved will live by its light, and the rulers of the earth will bring their splendor and honor into the city. This verse paints a picture of a redeemed world where the glory of different peoples and their leaders is welcomed into God's restored creation.

John, the author of Revelation, is sharing a vision given to him about the future after God has made all things new. The scene is the holy city, the new Jerusalem, which shines with God's light. The verse emphasizes that salvation is not limited to one group but is open to people from every nation, and that the best of human culture and achievement, represented by the "kings" and their "glory and honour," will be brought into God's presence.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:24

  • ἔθνη (ethnē) — "nations": This word refers to groups of people or ethnicities, highlighting the global scope of salvation and the diversity present in the new Jerusalem.
  • βασιλεῖς (basileis) — "kings": The mention of "kings" suggests that even those with authority and power on earth will recognize the greatness of God and bring their achievements into His city.
  • δόξα (doxa) — "glory": This word often means honor, splendor, or the best of what someone has. Here, it points to the idea that the good and honorable things from every culture are welcomed in the new creation.
  • τιμή (timē) — "honour": This word means value or respect. Its use alongside "glory" shows that what is truly valuable from the nations is brought into the city, not just material wealth but what is worthy and good.

Why Revelation 21:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God's future kingdom is inclusive, welcoming people from every nation rather than being limited to a single group or ethnicity.
  • The verse highlights that human achievements and cultures have a place in God's new creation, as long as they are honorable and glorify God.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing the fulfillment of God's promise to bring light to all peoples, and it sets the stage for the unity and peace that characterize the new Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“honour” Greek G5092 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
  • Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
  • Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

“bring” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
  • Acts 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

“light” Greek G5457 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
  • Acts 26:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

“walk” Greek G4043 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • John 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
  • Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,