The New Jerusalem, as described in the King James Bible, is a celestial city of unparalleled beauty, holiness, and divine perfection. Foretold in the Book of Revelation (Chapters 21-22), this magnificent city is the eternal dwelling place of God and His people—a place where righteousness dwells, where sorrow and death are no more, and where the glory of the Almighty illuminates all.
Unlike any earthly city, the New Jerusalem is not built by human hands but is a heavenly creation, descending from God out of Heaven. It is a city of gold, precious stones, and pure light, resting upon twelve foundations and guarded by twelve great gates of pearl, each inscribed with the name of an Israelite tribe. Its streets are of pure gold, transparent as glass, and at its center flows the River of Life, emerging from the throne of God and the Lamb. The Tree of Life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, flourishes along its banks, offering healing to the nations.
With no need for the sun or moon, the city is bathed in divine radiance, for the glory of God is its everlasting light. The redeemed of all ages walk in white robes, basking in eternal peace, free from pain, suffering, and sin. This is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise—a city where He will dwell with His people forever.
The following imagery brings to life this heavenly city, capturing the grandeur and awe-inspiring majesty of the New Jerusalem as revealed in God’s Holy Word.
Overall Scene & Setting
- A glorious, radiant city descending from Heaven to Earth, bathed in golden light.
- The New Earth beneath is lush, with rivers, trees, and an ethereal glow.
- The sky is illuminated by the glory of God—no need for the sun or moon (Revelation 21:23).
- The city rests on a great high mountain (Revelation 21:10), symbolizing its divine majesty.
City Walls & Foundations
- The city is foursquare (Revelation 21:16), with each side measuring 12,000 furlongs (~1,500 miles).
- The walls are 144 cubits high (~216 feet) and made of jasper, shimmering with heavenly brightness (Revelation 21:17-18).
- The foundations of the walls are adorned with twelve precious stones (Revelation 21:19-20):
- Jasper (clear or greenish)
- Sapphire (deep blue)
- Chalcedony (sky blue with layers)
- Emerald (bright green)
- Sardonyx (red and white layers)
- Sardius (deep red)
- Chrysolite (golden yellow)
- Beryl (sea-green)
- Topaz (golden)
- Chrysoprasus (apple-green)
- Jacinth (reddish-orange)
- Amethyst (purple)
View from inside the New Jerusalem, based on the King James Bible description.
Twelve Gates & Streets
- There are twelve gates, three on each side, each made of a single pearl (Revelation 21:21).
- The gates bear the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12).
- The city has streets of pure gold, transparent like glass (Revelation 21:21).
The Throne of God & The River of Life
- At the city’s center is the throne of God and the Lamb (Revelation 22:1-3).
- From the throne flows the River of Life, clear as crystal, watering the city.
- The river is lined with the Tree of Life, which bears twelve kinds of fruit each month (Revelation 22:2).
- The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
Light & Glory
- The city is illuminated by God’s presence, with a soft, divine radiance (Revelation 21:23).
- No shadows or artificial light—pure, holy brilliance fills the air.
People & Activity
- The redeemed of all nations walk in white robes, radiating joy and holiness (Revelation 7:9, 21:24).
- They are praising God, fellowshipping, and partaking of the Tree of Life.
- The nations bring their glory into the city, signifying peace and unity.
Atmosphere & Symbolism
- A heavenly ambiance with a sense of eternal peace and holiness.
- The city radiates divine order, symmetry, and perfection.
- A perfect fusion of nature and divine architecture—no decay, no imperfection.
