Revelation 21:27
And 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.
Study Note
Study Note
The exclusion clause — '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' — defines the New Jerusalem's purity not by architectural walls alone but by the character of its inhabitants. The Levitical purity language ('nothing unclean,' akatharton) is now applied not to ritual categories but to moral and relational ones: the detestable and the false are the recurring anti-types throughout Revelation (21:8; 22:15). The positive criterion — being written in the Lamb's book of life — grounds inclusion in divine election and redemptive relationship rather than moral achievement. The verse functions as an implicit invitation: the books of Revelation have been written precisely so that readers might align with the Lamb and thereby belong to those who will inhabit the undefiled city.
Other Translations
and 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.
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.
And nothing unclean may come into it, or anyone whose works are cursed or false; but only those whose names are in the Lamb's book of life.
Cross References
And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in …
Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their …
Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the …
Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth …
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean …
Thus saith the Lord God; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of …
So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem …
Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that …
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you …
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,