Heavenly City
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun phrase: - A symbolic or poetic name for Heaven; the abode of God, angels, and the souls of the righteous after death. The term evokes a perfect, divine, and eternal city, often used in religious and literary contexts to represent the ultimate destination of the faithful.
Usage
- The phrase "heavenly city" is used as a proper noun or a metaphorical name, often capitalized (e.g., the Heavenly City). It describes the Christian concept of Heaven as a glorious, perfected metropolis.
- It is primarily found in theological discussions, hymns, and literary works.
Examples
- In his sermon, the pastor described the Heavenly City as a place of eternal peace and joy.
- The pilgrims journeyed for years, their eyes fixed on the hope of reaching the heavenly city.
- Her poetry often contrasts the troubles of earthly life with the splendor of the heavenly city.
Advanced Usage
- "The Celestial City": This is a direct synonym and the most famous literary usage, originating from John Bunyan's , where it is the goal of the protagonist, Christian.
- After many trials, Christian finally glimpsed the gates of the Celestial City.
Variants and Related Words
- Celestial City (n): An identical term popularized by Bunyan's allegory.
- New Jerusalem (n): A biblical name for the holy city coming down from Heaven, as described in the Book of Revelation; closely related in meaning.
- Zion (n): In Christian theology, often used symbolically to refer to the heavenly kingdom or the city of God.
- Paradise (n): A general term for Heaven, often implying a garden-like setting rather than a city.
Synonyms
- Kingdom of Heaven
- Paradise
- The hereafter
- The abode of God
Related Idioms/Phrases
- "Gates of the Heavenly City": A phrase emphasizing entry or arrival into Heaven.
- The old hymn speaks of the saints marching through the gates of the Heavenly City.
- "Streets paved with gold": A common descriptive idiom associated with the heavenly city, derived from biblical descriptions of the New Jerusalem.
- Children often imagine the heavenly city with streets paved with gold.
Noun
- phrases used to refer to Heaven
- the Celestial City was Christian's goal in Bunyan's `Pilgrim's Progress'