Revelation 21:23-24
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse beautifully reveals that in the New Jerusalem, God's own "glory" replaces the sun and moon, making the Lamb (Jesus) the primary "lamp." This means we won't be looking to created things for ultimate illumination or understanding, but directly to God and His Son.
John has just described the magnificent New Jerusalem, a holy city descending from God. Now, he reveals that this city won't need the sun or moon for light, as the sheer glory of God will illuminate it, with the Lamb, Jesus, being its perpetual lamp. This vision follows the depiction of God's final dwelling place with humanity and the absence of any further temple, indicating direct and unhindered fellowship.
Imagine a place where the sun and moon are no longer needed. What does that tell us about the source of its illumination?
In the New Jerusalem, the natural sources of light—the sun and moon—are completely unnecessary. This isn't just about a brighter place; it signifies a complete shift in the source of all light, knowledge, and life.
From Created to Creator
Our world relies on the sun and moon for day and night, for seasons, and for life itself. But in heaven, these are obsolete. The very glory of God provides the illumination. This glory isn't just a glow; it's the radiant presence of God Himself, a holiness and truth so pure it banishes all need for anything less divine.
A New Understanding of Light
This means the light in heaven is fundamentally different. It's not just about visibility; it's about perfect understanding, holiness, and direct communion. God's presence is the light, making Him fully knowable and His will perfectly clear.
We've seen God's glory is the light, but the verse also calls the Lamb 'its lamp.' How can both be true?
While God's overarching glory illuminates the entire heavenly city, Jesus, the Lamb, is described as 'its lamp.' This highlights His unique role in revealing God's glory to us.
Revelation Through Sacrifice
The 'Lamb' is a powerful symbol of Jesus' atoning sacrifice. Even in the perfection of heaven, the memory and significance of His work are central. He is the 'lamp' because through Him, we understand God's character, His love, and His plan in the most intimate and comprehensible way.
Christ as the Conduit of Divine Light
Think of it like this: God's glory is the infinite, boundless light source. Jesus, the Lamb, is the focused beam, the specific lamp that shines God's light directly onto us, making it accessible and personal. He is the one through whom we see and understand the Father.
Understand the original words
doxa · Greek Noun
The visible manifestation of God’s character, presence, holiness, and majesty; it signifies the weight and brilliance of His divine essence.
ethnos · Greek Noun
Large ethnic or linguistic groups of people; in the Old Testament, it often refers to those outside the covenant, but in the New Testament, it refers to all peoples to whom the gospel is extended.
This passage directly parallels the idea of God's glory replacing the sun and moon as the light source in a future state, establishing a clear Old Testament foundation for Revelation's vision.
1 John 1:5This verse states 'God is light and in him is no darkness at all,' resonating with the concept that the very essence of God provides the illumination in the New Jerusalem, making His presence the ultimate source of light.
John 8:12Jesus declares, 'I am the light of the world,' which beautifully connects to the Lamb being the light of the new city, showing how Christ fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of divine light.
Exodus 33:18Moses' request to 'see my glory' echoes the theme of God's radiant presence, foreshadowing the ultimate revelation of His glory that will illuminate the eternal city.
Revelation 22:5This verse states there will be no need for 'light of lamp or light of sun, for the Lord God will be their light,' reinforcing the direct connection between God's glory, the Lamb, and the eternal illumination of the heavenly city.
ellicottRevelation 21:23: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."
(23) And the city had no need of the sun . . . —Rather, And the city hath not need of the sun, nor of the moon that they should shine on (or, for ) her; for the glory of God enlightened her, and her lamp is the Lamb. The Shechinah is again alluded to. Light is the emblem of knowledge and holiness. God is light, and in Him is no dar…
clarkeRevelation 21:23: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."
No need of the sun - This is also one of the traditions of the ancient Jews, that "in the world to come the Israelites shall have no need of the sun by day, nor the moon by night." - Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 7, 3. God's light shines in this city, and in the Lamb that light is concentrated, and from him everywhere diffused.
This verse beautifully reveals that in the New Jerusalem, God's own "glory" replaces the sun and moon, making the Lamb (Jesus) the primary "lamp." This means we won't be looking to created things for ultimate illumination or understanding, but directly to God and His Son.
John has just described the magnificent New Jerusalem, a holy city descending from God. Now, he reveals that this city won't need the sun or moon for light, as the sheer glory of God will illuminate it, with the Lamb, Jesus, being its perpetual lamp. This vision follows the depiction of God's final dwelling place with humanity and the absence of any further temple, indicating direct and unhindered fellowship.
John has just described the magnificent New Jerusalem, a holy city descending from God. Now, he reveals that this city won't need the sun or moon for light, as the sheer glory of God will illuminate it, with the Lamb, Jesus, being its perpetual lamp. This vision follows the depiction of God's final dwelling place with humanity and the absence of any further temple, indicating direct and unhindered fellowship.
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"And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it," — This verse beautifully reveals that in the New Jerusalem, God's own "glory" replaces the sun and moon, making the Lamb (Jesus) the primary "lamp." This means we won't be looking to created things for…
