And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

REVELATION 21:27KJV
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Revelation 21:27 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:27 mean?

Revelation 21:27 says that nothing impure, shameful, or deceitful will ever be allowed to enter the New Jerusalem, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. This verse draws a clear line between those who belong to God and those who do not, emphasizing the absolute purity of God’s eternal city.

The speaker is John, describing his vision of the New Jerusalem at the end of Revelation. He is writing to early Christian communities, painting a picture of the future dwelling place of God with His people. The verse highlights that entry into this city is not based on human effort or status, but on being recorded in the Lamb’s book of life—a symbol for those who truly belong to Christ.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:27

  • "Defileth" (κοινόω, koinoō): This Greek word often means to make something common or unclean. In this context, it refers to anything that would pollute or corrupt the holiness of the city.
  • "Abomination" (βδέλυγμα, bdelugma): This word points to something especially detestable or morally revolting, often used in the Bible for idolatry or deeply offensive acts.
  • "Lie" (ψεῦδος, pseudos): This term means a falsehood or deception, highlighting that dishonesty has no place in God’s presence.
  • "Lamb's" (ἀρνίον, arnion): The Lamb refers to Jesus, emphasizing that the book of life belongs to Him and that He is central to salvation.

Why Revelation 21:27 matters

  • Revelation 21:27 clarifies that access to God’s eternal city is not automatic or open to everyone, but only to those who are truly His, countering the idea that all paths lead to the same end.
  • The verse underscores the seriousness of moral and spiritual purity, connecting it directly to the presence of God and the nature of the New Jerusalem.
  • By mentioning the Lamb’s book of life, the verse ties the hope of eternal life directly to Jesus, reinforcing a major theme throughout Revelation about the centrality of Christ in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“abomination” Greek G946 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)
  • Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not,(let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
  • Revelation 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

“lie” Greek G5579 · used in 9 verses

  • John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
  • Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
  • 1 John 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

“defileth” Greek G2840 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
  • Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
  • Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

“Lamb's” 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.