Revelation 21:1
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον
I saw
G1492
εἶδον
I saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 22
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οὐρανὸς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
3 of 22
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καινήν
a new
G2537
καινήν
a new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
4 of 22
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γῆ
earth
G1093
γῆ
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 22
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καινήν
a new
G2537
καινήν
a new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
7 of 22
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οὐρανὸς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
11 of 22
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
earth
G1093
γῆ
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
15 of 22
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
παρῆλθεν
were passed away
G3928
παρῆλθεν
were passed away
Strong's:
G3928
Word #:
16 of 22
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Peter 3:13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.Isaiah 66:22For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.Revelation 21:5And 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.2 Peter 3:10But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.Revelation 20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Historical Context
John wrote from exile on Patmos (c. AD 95) during Domitian's persecution. This vision of cosmic renewal would profoundly comfort churches facing the Roman Empire's oppressive might—reminding them that Caesar's 'eternal' Rome would pass away, but God's new creation endures forever. The sea's absence held special meaning for island exile John and landlocked Asian churches who viewed seas as threatening barriers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of a renewed creation (not mere escape to heaven) affect your view of physical existence, work, and caring for the present earth?
- What 'seas' of chaos or separation in your life does Christ promise to ultimately remove in the new creation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth (καινὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ γῆν καινήν)—John uses kainos (new in quality, fresh) not neos (new in time), indicating not mere replacement but transformation and renewal. This fulfills Isaiah 65:17's prophecy: 'I create new heavens and a new earth.' Peter likewise describes heavens and earth renewed by fire (2 Peter 3:10-13).
For the first heaven and the first earth were passed away (ὁ πρῶτος οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ πρώτη γῆ ἀπῆλθαν)—The verb apēlthan (departed, passed away) indicates not annihilation but transformation. The creation cursed by sin (Genesis 3:17-19, Romans 8:20-22) gives way to restored glory, the 'regeneration' Jesus promised (Matthew 19:28).
And there was no more sea (καὶ ἡ θάλασσα οὐκ ἔστιν ἔτι)—In Hebrew cosmology, the sea symbolized chaos, danger, and separation (the primordial deep of Genesis 1:2). In Revelation, the sea yields the dead (20:13) and births the beast (13:1). Its absence signifies complete order, safety, and unhindered access to God—no barrier between the nations and the Lamb's throne.