Bible Strands
Revelation 21:14
The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The visionary John records a description of the New Jerusalem as an angel reveals its structure. The account follows a survey of the city's twelve gates and precedes the measurement of its dimensions.
The words — The text highlights θεμέλιους (themelious), meaning foundations, which support the city wall. These foundations bear the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The thread — The foundation motif echoes Hebrews 11:10’s city built by God and Ephesians 2:20’s structure raised upon the apostles and prophets, while Isaiah 54:11 parallels the divine act of laying city foundations.
Why it lands — The text states that the city's structural integrity depends on foundations inscribed with the apostles' names. A reader must recognize that the community of the Lamb derives its identity and stability from their authoritative witness.
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 the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 11:10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
- Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
- Isaiah 54:11 “O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires.
- Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
- Revelation 21:19 The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,
- Matthew 10:2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;
- 1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.
- Ephesians 3:5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
- Jude 1:17 But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ
- Revelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.