Revelation 21:1

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The narrator records a visionary moment following the preceding judgments, observing a transformed cosmic order. The text does not address the seven churches but presents a standalone apocalyptic sight.

The words — εἶδον (eidon) = I saw; καινὸν/καινὴν (kainon/kainēn) = new. These terms mark the visual confirmation of a replacement order.

The thread — The motif appears in Isaiah 65:17 and Isaiah 66:22 regarding God’s promised creation, and is explicitly linked to this vision in 2 Peter 3:13.

Why it lands — The text asserts the first heaven and earth have passed away and the sea is gone, requiring the reader to acknowledge the finality of the old creation and the reality of the renewed cosmos.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Isaiah 65:17 For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
2 Peter 3:13 But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Isaiah 66:22 “For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me,” declares the LORD, “so your descendants and your name will endure.
Revelation 21:5 And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.”
2 Peter 3:10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.
Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them.
Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent—Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.
Daniel 7:3 Then four great beasts came up out of the sea, each one different from the others:
Isaiah 57:20 But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck.
Revelation 13:1 Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.