New International VersionNothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
New Living TranslationNothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
English Standard VersionBut nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Berean Standard BibleBut nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Berean Literal BibleAnd anything defiling, and those practicing abomination and a lie, never shall enter into it; only those having been written in the Lamb's book of life.
King James BibleAnd there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
New King James VersionBut there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
New American Standard Bibleand nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
NASB 1995and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
NASB 1977and nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd nothing defiled, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Amplified Bibleand nothing that defiles or profanes or is unwashed will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices abominations [detestable, morally repugnant things] and lying, but only those [will be admitted] whose names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Christian Standard BibleNothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Holman Christian Standard BibleNothing profane will ever enter it: no one who does what is vile or false, but only those written in the Lamb’s book of life.
American Standard Versionand there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Contemporary English VersionBut nothing unworthy will be allowed to enter. No one who is dirty-minded or who tells lies will be there. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will be in the city.
English Revised Versionand there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationNothing unclean, no one who does anything detestable, and no liars will ever enter it. Only those whose names are written in the lamb's Book of Life will enter it.
Good News TranslationBut nothing that is impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of the living will enter the city.
International Standard VersionNothing unclean, or anyone who does anything detestable, and no one who tells lies will ever enter it. Only those whose names are written in the lamb's Book of Life will enter it.
NET Biblebut nothing ritually unclean will ever enter into it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or practices falsehood, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
New Heart English BibleThere will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie; but they who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd no unclean thing shall ever enter it, nor any one who is guilty of base conduct or tells lies, but only they whose names stand recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
World English BibleThere will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand there may never enter into it anything defiling and doing abomination, and a lie, if not those written in the Lamb’s Scroll of Life.
Berean Literal BibleAnd anything defiling, and those practicing abomination and a lie, never shall enter into it; only those having been written in the Lamb's book of life.
Young's Literal Translation and there may not at all enter into it any thing defiling and doing abomination, and a lie, but -- those written in the scroll of the life of the Lamb.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd there came not into her anything common, and any doing abomination, and a lie: but they written in the book of life of the Lamb. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThere shall not enter into it any thing defiled, or that worketh abomination or maketh a lie, but they that are written in the book of life of the Lamb.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThere shall not enter into it anything defiled, nor anything causing an abomination, nor anything false, but only those who have been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb.
New American Biblebut nothing unclean will enter it, nor any[one] who does abominable things or tells lies. Only those will enter whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
New Revised Standard VersionBut nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd there shall not enter into it anything which defiles, nor he who works abominations and lies; only those shall enter whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishThere shall not be anything defiled there, or one who makes defilement or lies, but only those who are written in The Book of the Lamb. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd there shall not enter it any thing unclean, or that does what is detestable, or that makes a lie: but those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Godbey New TestamentAnd nothing unclean, and the one doing abomination, and falsehood, can at all enter into it: none except those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Haweis New TestamentAnd there shall no more enter into it any thing unclean, or that practises abomination and lying; but only those who are written in the book of life of the Lamb.
Mace New Testament
and nothing that is impure, no one that is guilty of any abomination, or a lye, shall ever enter there: but they alone who are written in the lamb's book of life.
Weymouth New Testament
And no unclean thing shall ever enter it, nor any one who is guilty of base conduct or tells lies, but only they whose names stand recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Worrell New Testament
And there shall in nowise enter into it any thing unclean, or he that works abomination and a lie; but only those written in the Lamb's book of life.
Worsley New Testament
And nothing shall enter into it that defileth, and practiseth abomination and falshood: but those only who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The New Jerusalem… 26And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations. 27Butnothinguncleanwill ever enterit,noranyone whopracticesan abominationora lie,but onlythose whosenames are writtenintheLamb’sBookof Life.
Cross References Isaiah 52:1Awake, awake, clothe yourself with strength, O Zion! Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, holy city! For the uncircumcised and unclean will no longer enter you.
Isaiah 35:8And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.
Daniel 12:1“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.
Zechariah 14:21Indeed, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be holy to the LORD of Hosts, and all who sacrifice will come and take some pots and cook in them. And on that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of Hosts.
Psalm 69:28May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous.
Exodus 32:32-33Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” / The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book.
Malachi 3:2-3But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. / And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.
Ezekiel 44:9This is what the Lord GOD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites.
Psalm 101:7No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.
Isaiah 60:21Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified.
Matthew 13:41-43The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. / And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. / Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. / And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Ephesians 5:5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Philippians 4:3Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Treasury of Scripture And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. there. Leviticus 13:46 All the days wherein the plagueshall be in him he shall be defiled; heis unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the campshall his habitationbe. Numbers 5:3 Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell. Numbers 12:15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought inagain. worketh. Revelation 17:4,5 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: … or maketh. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 22:14,15 Blessedare they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city… they. Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 20:12,15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which isthe book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works… Jump to Previous AbominationBaseBookCausesConductCursedDeceitfulDefilethEnterFalsehoodGuiltyImpureLieLiesMakethNamesProfaneRecordedShamefulStandTellsUncleanWayWhateverWhatsoeverWiseWorkethWorksWrittenJump to Next AbominationBaseBookCausesConductCursedDeceitfulDefilethEnterFalsehoodGuiltyImpureLieLiesMakethNamesProfaneRecordedShamefulStandTellsUncleanWayWhateverWhatsoeverWiseWorkethWorksWrittenRevelation 21 1.A new heaven and a new earth.10.The heavenly Jerusalem, with a full description thereof.23.She needs no sun, the glory of God being her light.24.The kings of the earth bring their riches unto her.But nothing unclean will ever enter itThis phrase emphasizes the absolute purity and holiness of the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God with His people. In biblical context, "unclean" refers to anything that is morally or ritually impure. The concept of purity is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the Israelites were given laws to distinguish between clean and unclean (Leviticus 11). The New Jerusalem is depicted as a place where sin and impurity have no place, reflecting the holiness of God Himself ( Isaiah 35:8). This aligns with the vision of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ( 2 Peter 3:13). nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie
The term "abomination" is often used in Scripture to describe actions that are detestable to God, such as idolatry and moral corruption (Deuteronomy 7:25,Proverbs 6:16-19). Lies and deceit are also condemned throughout the Bible (Proverbs 12:22,John 8:44). This phrase underscores the exclusion of those who persist in sin and rebellion against God from the holy city. It reflects the final judgment where those who have not repented and turned to God are separated from His presence (Matthew 25:41-46). but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life
The "Lamb's Book of Life" is a symbolic register of those who have received eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God (John 1:29,Revelation 13:8). This concept is rooted in the idea of divine records, as seen in the Old Testament (Exodus 32:32-33,Daniel 12:1). The Lamb, representing Jesus, signifies His sacrificial death and victory over sin and death (Revelation 5:6-9). Only those who have accepted Christ's atonement and have been transformed by His grace are granted access to the New Jerusalem. This phrase highlights the exclusivity of salvation through Christ alone (John 14:6) and the assurance of eternal life for believers (1John 5:11-13). Persons / Places / Events 1. The New JerusalemThis is the holy city described in Revelation 21, representing the eternal dwelling place of God with His people. It is a place of purity and holiness, where God’s presence is fully realized. 2. The LambRefers to Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as the Lamb in Revelation. He is central to the salvation account and the one who has the authority over the Book of Life. 3. The Book of LifeA symbolic book that contains the names of those who have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It signifies divine election and assurance of salvation. 4. Those who practice abomination or a lieThis refers to individuals who live in persistent sin and deception, rejecting God’s truth and holiness. 5. The UncleanSymbolizes anything or anyone that is morally or spiritually impure, which cannot coexist with the holiness of God. Teaching Points The Necessity of HolinessBelievers are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, as nothing unclean can enter His presence. The Assurance of SalvationThe Lamb’s Book of Life provides assurance to believers that their salvation is secure in Christ. The Reality of JudgmentThere is a clear distinction between those who are saved and those who are not, underscoring the importance of living in truth and righteousness. The Call to RepentanceThis verse serves as a warning to turn away from sin and deception, urging individuals to seek purity through Christ. The Hope of Eternal LifeThe promise of entering the New Jerusalem is a source of hope and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Revelation 21:27?
2.How does Revelation 21:27 emphasize the importance of holiness in our lives?
3.What does "nothing unclean" teach about God's standards for entering heaven?
4.How can we ensure our names are in the "Lamb's book of life"?
5.Connect Revelation 21:27 with Matthew 5:8 on purity and seeing God.
6.How should Revelation 21:27 influence our daily choices and actions?
7.What does Revelation 21:27 imply about who can enter heaven?
8.How does Revelation 21:27 define purity and sinlessness?
9.Why is the Lamb's Book of Life significant in Revelation 21:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 21?
11.What is the Lamb's Book of Life?
12.What are the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms?
13.If evil is necessary for free will, will free will exist in Heaven without evil?
14.How can angels sin if heaven is sinless?What Does Revelation 21:27 Mean Nothing Unclean“But nothing unclean…” (Revelation 21:27) • God’s new heaven and new earth are absolutely pure. No stain of sin can coexist with His holy presence. • This echoes the call inEphesians 5:27 for Christ’s Church to be presented “without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish.” •Isaiah 35:8 speaks of “a highway of holiness” where “no unclean thing will travel,” showing that this standard has always marked God’s dwelling.
Will Ever Enter It“…will ever enter it…” • “It” refers to the New Jerusalem described inRevelation 21:1–3—a literal city where God dwells with His redeemed people. • The permanence is underscored by “ever.”Psalm 15 asks, “LORD, who may dwell in Your tent?” and answers with moral purity;Revelation 21 shows the final fulfillment. •John 14:2–3 assures believers of a prepared place; here we see its holy security: nothing incompatible with God’s character will cross the threshold, ever.
Nor Anyone Who Practices an Abomination or a Lie“…nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie…” • The focus is on continual practice, not a single lapse.1 John 3:9 teaches that those born of God do not keep on sinning as a lifestyle. • “Abomination” recallsProverbs 6:16–19 andLeviticus 18:22, summarizing willful rebellion against God’s moral order. • “Lie” connects toJohn 8:44, where the devil is called “the father of lies.” Those who habitually deceive reveal their spiritual lineage. •Revelation 22:15 places “the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood” outside the city, reinforcing the same truth.
But Only Those Whose Names Are Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life“…but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” • Entry is not earned by personal merit but granted through the Lamb—Jesus Christ—who was “slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). •Luke 10:20 highlights the real cause for rejoicing: “your names are written in heaven.” •Philippians 4:3 refers to fellow laborers “whose names are in the Book of Life,” showing that this registry has current implications for believers’ identity and unity. • The exclusive “only” stresses a clear boundary: either one is recorded in that Book through faith in Christ, or one remains outside, still in sin.
summaryRevelation 21:27 teaches that the New Jerusalem is a sin-free zone, forever closed to anything or anyone tainted by unrepentant sin. Continuous, willful sin—whether gross wickedness or habitual deceit—has no access. Entrance is reserved solely for those whose names are inscribed in the Lamb’s Book of Life, secured by faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. God’s future home is perfectly holy, and by His grace, He now prepares us to share in that purity eternally. (27) And there shall in no wise enter into . . .--Better, And there shall never enter into her anything unclean, and he that worketh abomination and falsehood, but only (or, except) they that have been written in the book of life of the Lamb. The gates stand open always, but no evil thing may find a home there. The emphatic repetition here (see Revelation 21:8) of the idea that all sin is excluded, is in harmony with all other Scripture: no unholiness can dwell in the presence of God. The allusion is to the care of the Jews to exclude all things unclean from the precincts of the sanctuary. The legal and ceremonial defilement had its spiritual significance, which the Apostles utilised elsewhere. (Comp. 2Corinthians 6:17-18; 2Corinthians 7:1; Revelation 18:4. On the "book of life," see Revelation 20:12.) Verse 27. - And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie;anything unclean, or he that doeth an abomination, and a lie. It is thus evident that "the nations" of ver. 24 are among the redeemed (cf. Isaiah 52:1, "O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean"). The lot of such as are here described is the lake of fire (ver. 8); cf. the "abomination" of the harlot ( Revelation 17:4, 5). (On "lie," cf. Revelation 2:2; Revelation 3:9. "Unclean, cf. Revelation 3:4; Revelation 14:4.) But they which are written in the Lamb's book of life; but only they, etc. (cf. Revelation 3:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:12, 15).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [But]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.nothingπᾶν(pan)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.uncleanκοινὸν(koinon)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2839:Probably from sun; common, i.e. shared by all or several, or profane.will ever enterεἰσέλθῃ(eiselthē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1525:To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.it,αὐτὴν(autēn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.[nor]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.anyone whoὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.practicesποιῶν(poiōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.an abominationβδέλυγμα(bdelygma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 946:An abominable thing, an accursed thing. From bdelusso; a detestation, i.e. idolatry.[or]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.a lie,ψεῦδος(pseudos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5579:A lie, falsehood, untruth; false religion. From pseudomai; a falsehood.but onlyεἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.those whoseοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.[names] are writtenγεγραμμένοι(gegrammenoi)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1125:A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Lamb’sἈρνίου(Arniou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 721:(originally: a little lamb, but diminutive force was lost), a lamb. Diminutive from aren; a lambkin.bookβιβλίῳ(bibliō)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 975:A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.of life.ζωῆς(zōēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222:Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 21:27 There will in no way enter into (Rev. Re Apocalypse) |
