Definition: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this beautiful verse from Revelation 21:4. It’s a really profound statement about God’s ultimate plan and what happens after a period of suffering. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that God will restore peace and joy to all who have experienced pain and sorrow. He's saying that everything that has happened – all the sadness, grief, and hardship – will ultimately be completely gone. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes…” - This speaks to the feeling of sadness and pain we experience. It's like a veil being lifted from our hearts. "...and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, nor shall there be any more pain:” – This is the core of the message. It means that all forms of suffering – physical illness, grief, loss, despair – will end completely. There won’t be any lingering pain or hardship left behind. “For the former things are passed away.” - This is a crucial part. It's not just about ending this current suffering; it’s also about ending everything that has happened before. "The former things" refers to all the events, struggles, and even the very beginning of creation – everything that was once happening in the world. What does this mean practically? It suggests a future where: God's Kingdom will be complete: This verse speaks about God’s kingdom being established, which is a place of perfect peace and joy. We will experience no more suffering: It implies that the suffering we currently face doesn't have lasting consequences in eternity. Hope for the Future: It offers a powerful message of hope – a future where our pain and sorrow are finally gone, replaced by eternal peace. Important Note: This is often interpreted as a promise of eternal peace and happiness after death. It’s not just about ending suffering now, but about the ultimate restoration of everything. In short, this verse paints a picture of a world where all pain and sorrow are completely extinguished, leaving behind a perfect and peaceful eternity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Revelation 21? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse (like the "new heaven and new earth")?