The Textual History and Translation of Revelation 21.3b

Abstract

Rev 21.3b is a conundrum for translation. The text-critical data point to the UBS5 reading as original but copyists and translators have struggled with the awkwardness of the text. This article reviews translations of Rev 21.3b and the text-critical data and suggests that the translation “and ‘God-with-them’ himself will be their God” resolves the problem and is consistent with the UBS5 reading. This translation finds corroboration in other characteristics of the Apocalypse.