And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

REVELATION 21:5KJV
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Revelation 21:5 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:5 mean?

Revelation 21:5 describes God, seated on His throne, declaring that He is making everything new and instructing John to write these words down because they are trustworthy and true. This verse emphasizes God's authority to renew all things and the certainty of His promises.

In this scene, the speaker is God Himself, addressing John during his vision of the new heaven and new earth. The command to "Write" highlights the importance and reliability of what is being revealed. The focus is on God's power to completely transform creation and the assurance that His words can be fully trusted.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:5

  • θρόνος (thronos): This word means "throne" and points to the authority and kingship of the one speaking. The image is of God ruling over all things from His throne.
  • καινός (kainos): Translated as "new," this word often means something fresh or of a new kind, not just recently made. Here, it suggests a complete renewal, not just a restoration.
  • πιστός (pistos): This word means "faithful" or "reliable." When God says His words are "faithful," it assures the reader that what is promised will truly happen.
  • ἀληθινός (alēthinos): Translated as "true," this word emphasizes the genuineness and dependability of God's words, reinforcing that they are not just hopeful ideas but reality.

Why Revelation 21:5 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about whether the renewal of creation is just symbolic or wishful thinking; God Himself declares it as a certain reality.
  • The command to "Write" shows that this message is not just for John but for all who will read it, underlining its ongoing importance.
  • Revelation 21:5 connects to the whole theme of the chapter, which is about the ultimate hope and restoration God promises, giving assurance that His plans are both trustworthy and final.

Where else these words appear

“true” Greek G228 · used in 25 verses

  • Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
  • John 19:35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.
  • Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

“new” Greek G2537 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.
  • Hebrews 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

“throne” Greek G2362 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
  • Revelation 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

“faithful” Greek G4103 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Galatians 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
  • 2 Timothy 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: