How many heavens are mentioned in the Bible?

The Heavens in the Bible

The Bible begins with the declaration, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The heavens reveal the majesty, power, and order of the Creator. The highest heaven, also called the heaven of heavens, is the dwelling place of God and His angels. It is a place of holiness, peace, and glory (Isaiah 57:15).

The word “heavens” in Scripture describes three distinct realms. These are not mythical or symbolic, but real places described in the Word of God. While ancient cultures imagined multiple heavens, such as the Babylonian myth of the “seventh heaven,” the Bible clearly teaches about three.

The Myth of the Seventh Heaven

The expression “seventh heaven” does not come from Scripture. Ancient Babylonian and Middle Eastern myths taught that there were seven levels of heaven, the highest being the dwelling place of the gods. Some connected this idea to the seven celestial bodies visible to the naked eye: the moon, Mercury, Venus, the sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

The Bible, however, does not mention seven heavens. It reveals only three-the atmosphere around the earth, outer space where the stars reside, and the dwelling place of God. These are sometimes referred to as the first, second, and third heavens.

The First Heaven: The Sky and the Atmosphere

The first heaven refers to the firmament, the sky that surrounds the earth and sustains life. It is the visible atmosphere where the clouds float and the birds fly. Genesis 1:6-8 (NKJV) says, “Then God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’ Thus God made the firmament… and God called the firmament Heaven.”

This first heaven is essential to life on earth. The air provides oxygen for breathing and moisture for rainfall. Without this atmosphere, the earth would be lifeless-scorched near the sun and frozen elsewhere. God created the first heaven as part of His design for sustaining the balance of life.

Isaiah 55:10 reminds us of its beauty and purpose: “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud…” Every drop of rain and every breath of air reflect God’s sustaining power in this first heaven.

The Second Heaven: Outer Space

The second heaven refers to the vast expanse of outer space, where the sun, moon, stars, and planets exist. Genesis 1:14-16 (NKJV) describes this creation: “Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night… and let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.’ God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night; He made the stars also.”

The second heaven reveals the glory and precision of God’s creation. The sun provides light and warmth, the moon governs the night, and the stars shine as beacons of His creative power. Throughout history, God has used these celestial bodies as signs of His presence and power. During Joshua’s battle, the sun stood still by divine command (Joshua 10:12-13). In the time of King Hezekiah, the shadow on the sundial moved backward (2 Kings 20:11). Even at Christ’s crucifixion, darkness covered the land (Matthew 27:45).

These heavenly signs remind us that the universe operates under God’s command. The prophet David marveled at the vastness of creation, saying, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). Though humanity is small compared to the cosmos, God’s love is so great that He gave His only Son to redeem us (John 3:16).

The Third Heaven: The Dwelling Place of God

The third heaven is the dwelling place of God, the angels, and the redeemed. It is the heaven of heavens, far above the physical universe. When Jesus ascended to His Father, He passed through all the heavens to reach His throne. Hebrews 4:14 (NKJV) says, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”

The apostle Paul spoke of this heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, saying, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago… was caught up to the third heaven… and heard inexpressible words which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” Paul’s experience points to a real, glorious place where God’s presence dwells in unimaginable light and purity.

David also affirmed this truth: “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven” (Psalm 11:4). This heaven is distinct from the atmosphere and outer space. It is the spiritual realm of God’s throne, the center of divine authority, and the home of the angels. Nehemiah 9:6 calls it “the heaven of heavens.”

The New Heaven and Earth

The Bible teaches that one day, God will create a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation 21:1-3 (NKJV) declares, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.’”

The New Jerusalem will descend from the third heaven and rest upon the renewed earth. Zechariah 14:4-5 describes how the Mount of Olives will be split and flattened to make way for the holy city. This will occur at the time of Christ’s third coming-when He returns with His saints and the heavenly host. His second coming will be to gather the righteous, but the third will be to establish His eternal kingdom on earth.

Matthew 25:31 confirms this promise: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.” God the Father and the Son will dwell among their redeemed people forever in perfect peace.

A Place Prepared for You

God’s greatest desire is for every person to dwell with Him in the heaven of heavens. Jesus promised His disciples in John 14:2-3 (NKJV), “In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself.”

This promise points to the second coming of Christ, not to an immediate ascent to heaven at death. Scripture consistently teaches that believers will be united with Christ when He returns. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air.”

The reunion of Christ with His people will mark the fulfillment of His promise. The Son of God waits patiently for His followers to reflect His character fully. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are transformed into His image. When this transformation is complete, Jesus will return from the heaven of heavens to bring His redeemed home.

Second Peter 3:12 calls believers to “look for and hasten the coming of the day of God.” Our readiness and faithfulness hasten the day when Christ will return and make all things new.

The Invitation to Heaven

God extends an open invitation to all who will believe, repent, and follow Him. The Bible assures that those who confess and forsake their sins will be forgiven and granted eternal life (1 John 1:9). The promise of heaven is not distant or abstract-it is a personal assurance from the Creator to every believer.

Christ’s sacrifice made it possible for all who believe to dwell with Him forever in the heaven of heavens. The beauty, joy, and peace of that eternal home are beyond human imagination. Revelation 22:3-4 describes it: “And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it… They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.”

As we live in hope of that glorious future, we are called to walk faithfully with God, share His love, and look forward to the day when the heavens will open and the Lord will return to gather His people home.