Definition: And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and evocative verse from Revelation 21:2. It's a really powerful image! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse describes a future vision of heaven – a brand new city called “New Jerusalem.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Revelation 21:2” : This is the title of the passage. It's a prophecy from the book of Revelation, which is a part of the Bible that talks about the end times – when God is working to bring about His plan for the world. “And I John…” : This refers to the "I John" – a specific group of people mentioned in the Bible. It’s important because it emphasizes the divine nature of this vision. “saw the holy city…” : This is the core of the verse. The writer, "John," (a prophet) saw something incredibly special – a city that's perfect and divine. He calls it “the holy city.” The word “holy” means pure and set apart. “new Jerusalem…” : This is the name of the city. It’s not just any city; it's a brand new creation, built by God. “coming down from God…” : This tells us the city isn't just existing ; it’s actively being created! God is bringing this city into being. “…out of heaven…” : This shows that the city isn’t on Earth; it’s in Heaven, a place above and beyond our world. “…prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” : This is the most beautiful part! The verse describes the city as being exquisitely decorated – adorned . It's not just any building; it's a magnificent wedding gift to God. The "husband" is often interpreted as Jesus Christ, but it’s more than that – it represents God and His plan for humanity. So, what does this mean in a nutshell? It suggests that after the time of trouble and suffering we see in the Bible, God will create a perfect, eternal city – “New Jerusalem” – where He lives with His people forever. It's a vision of ultimate peace, joy, and divine perfection. Important Note: This is a symbolic image. It’s not meant to be taken literally as a place we’ll see in the future. Instead, it represents God’s ultimate plan for humanity – a world where He dwells with us in eternal bliss. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Talk about what “New Jerusalem” symbolizes in relation to other biblical stories? Give you a quick summary of the key themes of Revelation 21?