Steven Ow Kam Toi 1

Introduction to NT
Assignment 6:
Q: Do you think that the language of Revelation 21 which describes the heavenly
Jerusalem should be taken literally or figuratively?

1. Definition
• Literal is defined as the basic or original meaning of the word or expression.
• Figurative is defined as a word or expression being used in a different way
from the usual meaning or literal meaning of a word or expression.

2. Description of the Heavenly Jerusalem (Rev 21)

2.1. Description of the New Jerusalem
• The Holy City coming down from heaven from God (v2, v10). The
New Jerusalem coming down from heaven cannot be literal.
• ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man’ (v3).
• Bride of the Lamb (v2, v9). The Bride is the church, the people of
God.
• The city is lighted by the glory of God and there is no night (v11, v23).
• Radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper and clear as crystal
(v11). Symbolizing God’s glory and holiness
• Streets are made of pure gold and transparent as glass (v18, v21).
Walls were made of jasper and the city was pure gold, clear as glass
(v18). Pure gold and transparent clear glass is a symbol of purity.
• The temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb (v22).

2.2. Numerical description

2.2.1. Twelve is the numerical symbol for governmental perfection or
completeness of organization or nation.
• 12 gates, guarded by 12 angels, with the names of the 12
tribes of the sons of Israel inscribed on the gates (v12, v21).
• 12 gates made from 12 pearls, each gate is made of a single
pearl (v21).
• 12 foundations of the wall were inscribed with the 12 names
of the apostles of the Lamb (v14). The Bible recorded more
than 14 apostles. Therefore the number 12 is figurative and
may be a symbol of the completeness of the Church. The 12
apostles were the founding members of the early church.
• The wall measurement was 144 cubits (v17). 144 = 12 x 12, a
symbol of completeness of strength or protection (wall).
• The length, width and height of the city was12,000 stadia
(v16). 12,000 =12 x 1000. Again 12, the complete number,
multiply by 1000, one millennium.
• 12 types of jewels adorned the 12 foundation of the wall (v19,
v20). Archetypal of Aaron’s breastplate with 12 stones. A
symbol to show that the apostles are high priests of the
Church (foundation of the walls of the New Jerusalem).
Steven Ow Kam Toi 2

2.2.2. Three is the numerical symbol for divine perfection.

• The 3 gates on the north, 3 gates on the east, 3 gates on the
south and 3 gates on west (v13).
• The 4 directions is a symbol of the 4 corners of the earth.
• Again: 12 gates = 3 gates x 4 directions. Probably means
divine perfection everywhere (omnipresence maybe)

2.2.3. Four is the numerical symbol for the earthly or creation

completeness.
• The city lies foursquare. Its length, width and height are equal
(v16). Maybe foursquare symbolized creation completeness.

2.2.4. Seven is the numerical symbol for the spiritual perfection.

• ‘Then came one of the 7 angels who had the 7 bowls full of
the 7 last plaques...’ (v9).

3. Other Symbols in Rev 21

3.1. Lamb
• Lamb is the OT type of Jesus Christ (v9, v14, v22, v23, v27)
• Husband of the Bride (v2, v9). A picture of the perfect union of Christ
and the church.
• As the lamp for God’s light (glory) (v23). The physical revelation of
God’s glory.

3.2. Light
• Glory of God (v23). Light and radiance symbolize God’s glory.
• No night (v25)
• Nation kings walks by it on the earth (v24). Light in this verse could
mean ‘truth’.

3.3. Alpha and Omega

• Beginning and the last (v6).
• Symbol of everlasting, eternity.

3.4. Sea
• The sea was no more (v1). There is no more evil in the heavenly
Jerusalem.
• The sea represents unceasing turmoil. The beast came out of the
sea. Therefore the sea is the symbol of evil and death.

3.5. Water of life

• ‘To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without
payment (v6).
• ‘Water of life’ is the symbol of salvation.

4. Conclusion
• The language of Revelation 21 which describes the heavenly Jerusalem
should be taken figuratively.