Revelation 21:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →John sees no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are themselves its temple.
What Does Revelation 21:22 Mean?
In a vision so steeped in temple imagery, John now notes a startling absence: there is no temple in the city. Throughout Scripture the temple was the appointed place to meet God, the structure that both granted and guarded access to His presence.
The reason no temple is needed is breathtaking: the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Where God dwells fully and openly among His people, no building is required to mediate His presence, for He is directly and everywhere accessible. The Lamb, the crucified and risen Christ, stands here together with the Almighty as the very sanctuary of the city. For the reader, the message is that the long aim of every temple, to bring people near to God, is at last completely fulfilled in unmediated communion with Him.
Revelation 21:22 in the Original Language
naos (ναός), 'temple' -- the inner sanctuary where God's presence dwelt, the holiest part of the temple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 21:22
What does Revelation 21:22 mean?
John sees no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are themselves its temple.