And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

REVELATION 21:3KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 21:3 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:3 mean?

Revelation 21:3 describes a moment when God will live closely among people, making His presence known in a direct and personal way. The verse promises that God Himself will be with humanity, and they will belong to Him in a special relationship, with God as their God.

In this scene, John, the writer of Revelation, hears a loud voice from heaven announcing this new reality. The setting is the vision of a renewed world, after the old order has passed away. The language points to a future where the separation between God and people is gone, highlighting a deep closeness and belonging.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:3

  • "Tabernacle" (σκηνή, skēnē): This word means a tent or dwelling place. In this context, it often points back to the Old Testament tent where God’s presence was with Israel, now showing that God’s presence will be with all people in a lasting way.
  • "Dwell" (σκηνόω, skēnoō): This verb means to live or take up residence. The Greek here carries the sense of God making His home among people, not just visiting but staying with them.
  • "People" (λαός, laos): This word means a group belonging together, often used for God’s chosen people. Here, it expands to include all who are with God in this new creation, not just one nation.

Why Revelation 21:3 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God is distant or only occasionally present; it emphasizes God’s desire to be with people in a close, ongoing way.
  • The announcement connects to the wider passage about a new heaven and new earth, showing that God’s presence is the central blessing of this renewed creation.
  • The language of belonging (“they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them”) highlights a restored relationship, echoing promises made throughout the Bible but now shown as fully realized.

Where else these words appear

“dwell” Greek G4637 · used in 5 verses

  • John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
  • Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
  • Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

“tabernacle” Greek G4633 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
  • Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

“voice” Greek G5456 · used in 129 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
  • Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

“people” Greek G2992 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
  • Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.