NT Text: Revelation 21:4
OT Source(s):
Source: Beale & Carson (eds.), Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (2007); Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment + Longitudinal Theme
Significance: Isaiah 25:8 contains one of the most profound promises in the OT: "He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces." Revelation 21:4 directly fulfills both halves: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes" and "there will be no more death." The verbal correspondence is exact — "wipe away tears" (apaleixei / machah) from faces/eyes, and the abolition of death. Paul also cites Isaiah 25:8 in 1 Corinthians 15:54 in connection with bodily resurrection, showing apostolic consensus that this promise awaits eschatological fulfillment. The context of Isaiah 25 is YHWH's eschatological feast on Mount Zion for "all peoples" (25:6), which corresponds to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9). This is arguably the single most important OT text behind Revelation 21:4.