New Jerusalem

A new heaven and a new earth

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

— Isaiah 65:17

Isaiah foresaw it; Peter wrote that “we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13); and John saw it: “a new heaven and a new earth… and I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:1–2).

The city in the text

Gates and tribes

Ezekiel’s vision of a restored city also had twelve gates named for the tribes of Israel, three on each side, and ended with the city’s name: “The LORD is there” (Ezekiel 48:31–35). On the high priest’s breastplate, twelve precious stones bore the names of the twelve tribes (Exodus 28:17–21) — an echo many readers hear in the twelve foundations.

The foundations

The foundation stones of Revelation 21:19–20, in order: jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth and amethyst. The exact identity of some ancient gem names is uncertain, and the colors shown in the diagram above are approximate.

Possible interpretations

Speculation

The Jerusalem above and the city to come

“Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all” (Galatians 4:26). Believers have already “come unto mount Sion… the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12:22).

Come

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

— Revelation 22:17