Revelation 21:26 – “The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues John’s description of the New Jerusalem—the eternal city where God will dwell with His people forever. It tells us that “the glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.” In other words, everything that is truly good, beautiful, and worthy from every people and culture will be welcomed into God’s everlasting kingdom.
This is not about earthly pride or power. It’s about how all the good gifts from around the world—music, art, wisdom, skill, beauty, and the best of human culture—will be laid down before God as worship. These are not taken for personal credit or fame, but offered back to the One who gave every good thing in the first place.
This verse paints a picture of worship, unity, and celebration—nations from all over the world bringing what they have in joyful surrender to God.
Historical Context
In ancient times, when a powerful king conquered another nation, the defeated people would bring tribute—treasures, goods, or signs of respect—to the king’s city. This verse flips that picture. Here, the “nations” are not being crushed or forced into submission. Instead, they joyfully bring their finest things to God’s city as a form of worship and gratitude.
To early Christians, many of whom were poor or persecuted, this was a powerful image. They lived in a world ruled by the Roman Empire, where emperors demanded honor and took what they wanted. But in God’s eternal kingdom, all honor is freely given to the rightful King—God and the Lamb. And everyone who belongs to Him, regardless of their earthly status, shares in the glory of that day.
Theological Implications
This verse shows the completeness of God’s redemptive plan. He doesn’t just save individuals—He redeems people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. He also redeems cultures, transforming the best parts of human creativity and expression into lasting praise in His eternal city.
It also teaches us that God is glorified in diversity and unity. The New Jerusalem is not a bland or uniform place—it is alive with the richness of the nations, all honoring the same God, all focused on the same Savior.
Ultimately, this is a verse about worship. All human achievement, when surrendered to God, becomes part of the beauty and glory of His kingdom.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses simple but powerful language—“glory and honor”—to describe the offerings of the nations. These words speak of what is valuable, noble, and excellent. The fact that they are brought into the city emphasizes movement, purpose, and celebration.
This is not a forced tribute; it is voluntary and joyful. It’s the fulfillment of earlier verses in this chapter that spoke of open gates and nations walking in the light of God (Revelation 21:24-25). Now, the procession of the redeemed reaches its destination, and everything is offered to God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 60:3, 5, 11 – “Nations will come to your light… the wealth of the nations will come to you… your gates will always stand open.”
- Psalm 86:9 – “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord.”
- Revelation 5:9 – “With your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
- Philippians 2:10-11 – “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
- Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever!”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that our work, creativity, and efforts in this life can have eternal value—if they are done for God. What we do now in faith, humility, and love may one day be part of what is brought into the eternal city to honor Him.
It also encourages us to see every culture and people group as valuable in God’s eyes. Every nation has something to bring, and no one is excluded from the joy of worshiping the Lord. This should inspire us to support missions, love our neighbors from different backgrounds, and celebrate the variety of God’s creation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God doesn’t just rescue people from destruction—He invites them to participate in His glory. He welcomes the nations to bring their honor and beauty into His city. He doesn’t erase people’s history or culture but redeems it, refining and restoring the best of what each has to offer.
This shows us that God is generous, welcoming, and full of joy. He loves when His people come to Him with thankful hearts and open hands, bringing back the gifts He first gave them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the Lamb who made all of this possible. He died and rose again to redeem people from every nation (Revelation 5:9), and now He welcomes them into His kingdom. Through Him, the scattered nations are brought into one eternal family.
Jesus also taught that true greatness is found in serving and glorifying God—not in building earthly kingdoms. In the New Jerusalem, we see the fulfillment of that truth: all crowns are laid down, all glory given back to Him, the true King.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What do you think it means to bring “glory and honor” into God’s eternal city?
- How does this verse change the way you think about your work, gifts, or culture?
- In what ways can your life today bring honor to God?
- How does this picture of the nations worshiping together encourage you in a divided world?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s view of diversity, beauty, and unity?
- How can you help others—near and far—join in this future worship of God and the Lamb?