Have you ever cried yourself to sleep? Have you experienced grief so deep it physically hurt? Have you felt pain that seemed like it would never end? If so, Revelation 21:4 offers one of the most tender, beautiful promises in all of Scripture: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This verse is not empty religious platitude—it’s a guaranteed future reality for every believer in Jesus Christ. A day is coming when God Himself will personally wipe away every tear from your eyes. Death will be destroyed. Mourning will cease. Crying will end. Pain will be no more.
This is not wishful thinking. This is not poetry. This is prophetic truth—a glimpse into the eternal home that awaits those who trust in Christ.
In this comprehensive study, we will explore the profound meaning of Revelation 21:4, discover what heaven will be like, and learn how this promise brings hope and comfort even now, while we still live in a world of tears.
The Full Text of Revelation 21:4
Revelation 21:4 (NIV):
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (ESV):
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (KJV):
“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.”
Revelation 21:4 (NLT):
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Understanding Revelation 21:4 in Context
The Book of Revelation – The Ultimate Victory
The Book of Revelation is the final book of the Bible, written by the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos around 95 AD. It’s an apocalyptic vision revealing:
- The glory of Jesus Christ
- The final judgment of evil
- The ultimate victory of God’s kingdom
- The eternal destiny of believers
Revelation has a simple structure:
- Chapters 1-3: Letters to seven churches
- Chapters 4-19: Judgment, tribulation, and God’s wrath on sin
- Chapters 20-22: The final victory, new creation, and eternal glory
Revelation 21:4 appears near the very end—after all evil has been judged, Satan defeated, and death destroyed. This is the climax of human history—the moment when God restores all things.
The Immediate Context (Revelation 21:1-5)
To understand verse 4, we must read it within its context:
Revelation 21:1-3 (NIV):
“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'”
Revelation 21:5 (NIV):
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'”
The Flow of the Passage:
- Verse 1: New heaven and new earth created
- Verse 2: New Jerusalem descends from heaven
- Verse 3: God dwells with His people (the ultimate fulfillment of redemption)
- Verse 4: God wipes away every tear ← Our focus
- Verse 5: God declares, “I am making everything new!”
Revelation 21:4 is not an isolated promise—it’s part of the comprehensive restoration of all creation.
The Vision of the New Heaven and New Earth
What is the “new heaven and new earth”?
This refers to the complete renewal and restoration of creation after the final judgment. It is not:
- A completely different place unrelated to our current world
- A disembodied spiritual existence
- Just “heaven” as we often imagine it
It is:
- This earth glorified and perfected (2 Peter 3:13)
- A physical, tangible reality with resurrected bodies
- The restoration of Eden—what creation was always meant to be
- God dwelling with His people in unbroken fellowship
Isaiah 65:17 (NIV):
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”
Breaking Down Revelation 21:4 – Verse Analysis
“He Will Wipe Every Tear From Their Eyes”
The Greek word exaleipsei means “to wipe away, to erase completely, to obliterate.”
This is an incredibly personal, tender image. Picture a loving parent gently wiping tears from a child’s face. That’s what God will do for you.
Key insights:
- “He” = God Himself performs this act (not an angel, not a servant)
- “Will wipe” = Future certainty (this WILL happen)
- “Every tear” = Complete, total comfort (not one tear left)
- “Their eyes” = Individual, personal care (God attends to each person)
This echoes Isaiah 25:8 (NIV):
“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.”
God doesn’t just stop future tears—He personally, tenderly wipes away the tears you’ve already shed.
Supporting Scripture:
- “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” – Psalm 56:8 (NLT)
“There Will Be No More Death”
The Greek phrase thanatos ouk estai eti literally means “death will not be anymore.”
Death is the ultimate enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26). It separates:
- Loved ones from each other
- Souls from bodies
- Humanity from God
But in the new creation, death will be:
- Destroyed completely (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
- Abolished forever (2 Timothy 1:10)
- Thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14)
What this means:
- No funerals
- No graveyards
- No terminal diagnoses
- No sudden tragedies
- No fear of losing loved ones
Eternal life is not just endless existence—it’s life in the fullness of God’s presence, unmarred by the shadow of death.
Supporting Scripture:
- “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:54
“Or Mourning”
The Greek word penthos means “grief, sorrow, lamentation, mourning for the dead.”
Mourning is the emotional response to loss. It includes:
- Grief over death
- Sorrow over broken relationships
- Heartache over sin and its consequences
In heaven, there will be no cause for mourning because:
- Nothing will be lost
- No one will die
- No relationships will be broken
- Sin will be completely eradicated
Supporting Scripture:
- “Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” – Isaiah 35:10
“Or Crying”
The Greek word krauge means “crying out, wailing, a loud cry of distress.”
This refers to:
- Tears of pain (physical suffering)
- Tears of sorrow (emotional anguish)
- Tears of frustration (unmet longings)
- Tears of regret (past failures)
In the new creation:
- All pain will cease
- All sorrow will be replaced with joy
- All longings will be fulfilled in Christ
- All regrets will be swallowed up in grace
Supporting Scripture:
- “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
“Or Pain”
The Greek word ponos means “pain, labor, toil, distress, suffering.”
This includes:
- Physical pain (disease, injury, aging)
- Emotional pain (depression, anxiety, trauma)
- Spiritual pain (guilt, shame, separation from God)
In heaven:
- Bodies will be glorified and perfect (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)
- Minds will be healed and whole
- Hearts will be fully satisfied in God
No more:
- Cancer, arthritis, chronic illness
- Mental illness, PTSD, anxiety disorders
- Heartbreak, loneliness, rejection
Supporting Scripture:
- “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
“For the Old Order of Things Has Passed Away”
The phrase “old order of things” (Greek: ta prōta) literally means “the first things, the former things.”
What is passing away?
- The curse of sin (Genesis 3:16-19)
- The effects of the fall (death, pain, suffering)
- The broken creation groaning under sin (Romans 8:22)
What is coming?
- A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- The restoration of all things (Acts 3:21)
- Eden restored and perfected
This is not destruction but transformation—like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
Supporting Scripture:
- “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” – Romans 8:22
The Tender Image: God Wiping Away Tears
The Personal Nature of God’s Comfort
God doesn’t send an angel. He doesn’t delegate this task. He Himself, personally, gently, lovingly wipes away your tears.
This reveals:
- God’s intimate care for His children
- God’s personal involvement in our suffering
- God’s compassionate heart toward the broken
God as a Loving Father
This imagery echoes a parent comforting a child. When a child falls and scrapes their knee, a loving parent:
- Picks them up
- Holds them close
- Wipes away their tears
- Kisses the hurt
- Speaks words of comfort
That’s what God will do for you.
Supporting Scripture:
- “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” – Psalm 103:13
The Reversal of the Curse
When Adam and Eve sinned, God pronounced curses:
- On the serpent (Genesis 3:14)
- On the woman (Genesis 3:16) – pain in childbirth, relational brokenness
- On the man (Genesis 3:17-19) – toil, suffering, death
Revelation 21:4 is the reversal of these curses. All that sin brought into the world—death, pain, sorrow, tears—will be completely undone.
Revelation 22:3 (NIV):
“No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.”
What Causes Our Tears Now
Death and Loss
The death of loved ones is one of the deepest sources of human grief.
But 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV) says:
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
We grieve, but not without hope.
Broken Relationships
Betrayal, divorce, estrangement cause profound emotional pain.
But in heaven:
- All relationships will be healed
- There will be no more selfishness, pride, or sin to divide us
Physical and Emotional Pain
Chronic illness, disability, mental health struggles are heavy burdens.
But Philippians 3:21 (NIV) promises:
“[Jesus] will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
Sin and Its Consequences
Guilt, shame, regret over past sins can torment us.
But 1 John 1:9 (NIV) assures:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
In heaven, sin will be completely eradicated—not just forgiven, but impossible.
The Brokenness of This World
Injustice, violence, poverty, natural disasters cause immense suffering.
But Revelation 21:1-5 promises a world where:
- All wrongs are made right
- Justice reigns perfectly
- Creation is restored to harmony
What Heaven Will Be Like: Four “No Mores”
No More Death – The Last Enemy Destroyed
1 Corinthians 15:26 (NIV):
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
Death entered through sin (Romans 5:12), but Christ conquered death through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
In eternity:
- No one will ever die
- Families will never be separated
- Life will be eternal, abundant, and glorious
No More Mourning – Eternal Joy Replaces Grief
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV):
“[The LORD will] provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Heaven is not a place of sadness but of:
- Unending celebration
- Perfect worship
- Fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11)
No More Crying – Sorrow Turns to Celebration
Psalm 126:5 (NIV):
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”
Every tear you’ve shed will be redeemed. Every sorrow will be transformed into joy.
No More Pain – Complete Healing and Wholeness
In heaven:
- No hospitals
- No medicine
- No therapists
- No wheelchairs
- No suffering of any kind
Only perfect, complete, eternal wholeness.
The Old Order Passing Away
What Is the “Old Order”?
The old order includes:
- The curse of sin (Genesis 3)
- The reign of death (Romans 5:14)
- The groaning of creation (Romans 8:22)
- The presence of evil, suffering, and pain
The New Creation
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV):
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This is true spiritually now, and will be true cosmically in the future.
All Things Made New
Revelation 21:5 (NIV):
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!'”
Not “making all new things,” but “making all things new.” God is redeeming, restoring, renewing His creation.
Biblical Foundation for This Promise
Isaiah 25:8 – The Prophecy
Isaiah 25:8 (NIV):
“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces.”
700 years before Revelation, Isaiah prophesied this very promise.
Isaiah 35:10 – Everlasting Joy
Isaiah 35:10 (NIV):
“Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Isaiah 65:17-19 – New Heavens and New Earth
Isaiah 65:17-19 (NIV):
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.”
1 Corinthians 15:26 – Death Destroyed
1 Corinthians 15:26 (NIV):
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
How This Promise Brings Comfort Now
In Times of Grief and Loss
When you bury a loved one, remember: This is not the end. Resurrection is coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
During Chronic Illness or Pain
When your body fails you, remember: One day, you will have a glorified, perfect, painless body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
When Facing Injustice
When life feels unfair, remember: God will make all things right (Revelation 21:5).
In Depression and Mental Anguish
When darkness feels overwhelming, remember: Everlasting joy is your future (Isaiah 35:10).
Through Life’s Deepest Disappointments
When dreams shatter, remember: God is making all things new, including your broken heart (Revelation 21:5).
Common Questions About Heaven and Tears
Will We Remember Our Pain in Heaven?
Yes and no. We will likely remember our past, but the sting will be removed. Our pain will be transformed into a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Revelation 7:14 (NIV):
“These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Will We Recognize Loved Ones?
Yes. Jesus’ disciples recognized Him after His resurrection (John 20-21). We will know each other even more fully than we do now.
What About Those Who Aren’t There?
This is a difficult question. The Bible is clear that not everyone will be in heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). However:
- God is perfectly just (Genesis 18:25)
- Our joy in heaven will not be diminished
- We will trust God’s wisdom and righteousness
When Does This Promise Come True?
Fully, at the second coming of Christ when He establishes the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21-22).
Partially, even now, as God comforts us through His Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Living With Hope While Still in Tears
Present Suffering and Future Glory
Romans 8:18 (NIV):
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
The “Already But Not Yet” Reality
We live in the tension:
- Already saved and sealed (Ephesians 1:13)
- Not yet fully glorified (1 John 3:2)
How to Hold Onto Hope
- Fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)
- Remember God’s promises (2 Peter 1:4)
- Fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)
- Worship through the pain (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
God’s Comfort in the Present
The Holy Spirit as Comforter
John 14:16 (NIV):
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
The Greek word for “Comforter” is Parakletos—”one called alongside to help.”
God’s Presence in Your Pain
Psalm 34:18 (NIV):
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
The Ministry of Lament
It’s okay to cry to God. The Psalms are full of lament (Psalm 13, 22, 42, 88).
Community Support
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV):
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Practical Ways to Find Hope in This Promise
1. Meditate on God’s Promises
Write Revelation 21:4 on a card. Memorize it. Speak it over your pain.
2. Keep an Eternal Perspective
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV):
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
3. Pour Out Your Heart to God
Psalm 62:8 (NIV):
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
4. Serve Others in Their Suffering
Use your pain to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4).
5. Worship Through the Pain
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV):
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Biblical Examples of Tears and Comfort
Jesus Wept (John 11:35)
The shortest verse in the Bible reveals Jesus’ compassion. He wept at Lazarus’ tomb—even though He was about to raise him from the dead.
This shows: Jesus enters into our grief, even when He knows the end of the story.
David’s Tears (Psalm 56:8)
Psalm 56:8 (NLT):
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”
Not one tear is wasted. God sees, records, and will redeem every one.
Hannah’s Weeping (1 Samuel 1:10)
Hannah wept bitterly over her barrenness. God heard her cry and gave her Samuel.
Sometimes God answers our tears with present blessings. Other times, He waits until eternity.
The Woman at Jesus’ Feet (Luke 7:38)
She wept tears of repentance and gratitude, washing Jesus’ feet.
Jesus said: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace” (Luke 7:50).
Tears of repentance lead to salvation and peace.
The Timeline of Restoration
Now – Living in a Fallen World
We experience suffering, but we have the Holy Spirit as our Comforter.
At Death – Immediate Presence With Christ
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV):
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
For believers, death is not the end—it’s the doorway to Christ’s presence.
At Christ’s Return – Resurrection and Reunion
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV):
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
In Eternity – The New Heaven and New Earth
Revelation 21-22 describes the final, eternal state where God dwells with His people forever.
Who Can Experience This Promise?
Those Who Believe in Jesus
John 3:16 (NIV):
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The Invitation Is Open
Revelation 22:17 (NIV):
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
Come to the One Who Brings Comfort
Matthew 11:28 (NIV):
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Common Questions About Revelation 21:4 (FAQ)
Does this mean Christians won’t cry at all in heaven?
Correct. There will be no reason for tears because there will be no pain, death, or sorrow.
Will God erase our memories of earth?
Likely not entirely, but the pain will be removed. We may remember our trials as testimony to God’s faithfulness.
What about tears of joy?
The verse refers to tears of sorrow. Heaven may include tears of overwhelming joy and worship.
How can I stop crying now?
You don’t have to. God sees your tears (Psalm 56:8). Cry to Him. He comforts us in our present pain while promising future restoration.
Conclusion – The Hope That Sustains Us
Revelation 21:4 is not a distant, detached promise—it’s a deeply personal, tender guarantee from a loving Father to His hurting children. One day, He will personally, gently wipe every tear from your eyes.
Until that day:
- Let this hope sustain you through every trial
- Let this promise comfort you in every grief
- Let this truth anchor you when the storms of life rage
Your tears are not forever. Your pain is not permanent. Your sorrow will not last.
Weeping may stay for the night, but eternal joy is coming in the morning.
Prayer: “Father, I bring You my tears today. You see every one. You collect them. You care about my pain. Thank You for the promise that one day, You will wipe every tear from my eyes. Until that day, be my comfort, my strength, my hope. Help me to trust You in my suffering and to keep my eyes fixed on the glory that awaits. Through Jesus Christ, my Savior and my Hope, Amen.”