Revelation 21:23-24
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It’s easy to read this and think of a literal absence of sun and moon, but the verse is actually highlighting a crucial shift: the source of all light and illumination changes from external, created things to God Himself. This isn't just about brightness; it signifies that in God's presence, all indirect knowledge, understanding, and truth will be replaced by direct communion with the Light itself.
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)
John is describing the New Jerusalem, a magnificent city descending from God, where divine presence replaces all earthly needs and limitations. Immediately before this, he detailed the city's lack of a temple because God and the Lamb are its sanctuary, emphasizing direct communion. After this, he explains that its gates will never close because there is no night there, highlighting perpetual safety and light.
Imagine a city where the sun and moon are completely unnecessary. What kind of light could possibly be so powerful and constant?
Revelation 21:23 paints a stunning picture of the New Jerusalem, a place so suffused with divine radiance that natural light sources are obsolete. This isn't just about brightness; it's about the very source of light being God Himself.
The Glory of God as Ultimate Light
The text states, 'the glory of God gives it light.' This points to the Shekinah glory, God's manifest presence that was so intense it was often blinding.
In the heavenly city, this glory isn't just a beacon; it's the atmosphere, the very substance of the city's illumination. It signifies perfect knowledge, holiness, and the complete absence of darkness or deceit. We won't need to search for truth or understanding; God's presence will be our constant, unmediated source.
If God's glory is the overarching light, what role does 'the Lamb' play? Why is this specific title used in heaven's most radiant city?
The verse continues, 'and its lamp is the Lamb.' While God's glory provides the essential light, the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is presented as the specific, focused 'lamp.' This imagery is incredibly rich:
The Lamb's Centrality
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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 prophetic passage directly anticipates the eternal state, describing a future where the Lord Himself is the everlasting light, replacing the need for the sun and moon. This resonates deeply with the imagery of God's glory illuminating the New Jerusalem.
John 1:5Jesus is introduced as the Light of the World, and John emphasizes that God is light and in Him is no darkness. This concept underpins the Revelation passage, showing that the eternal light of the New Jerusalem flows directly from God's very nature and is embodied in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:24This passage speaks of Christ delivering the kingdom to God after all rule and authority have been nullified. It sets the stage for a reality where God's direct presence, not mediated by earthly systems like government or even the current sun and moon, is the source of all life and light.
Exodus 33:18Moses' plea to 'show me your glory' highlights humanity's deep longing to see God's presence directly. Revelation 21:23 fulfills this desire in the New Jerusalem, where God's unveiled glory becomes the city's perpetual, self-sufficient light.
Zechariah 2:5Zechariah describes Jerusalem being a place 'without walls, for the multitude of cattle and all around it, for I,' declares the Lord, 'will be a wall of fire all around it, and I will be the glory in its midst.' This foretells a future city protected and illuminated by God's very presence, echoing the ultimate reality in Revelation.
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.
It’s easy to read this and think of a literal absence of sun and moon, but the verse is actually highlighting a crucial shift: the source of all light and illumination changes from external, created things to God Himself. This isn't just about brightness; it signifies that in God's presence, all indirect knowledge, understanding, and truth will be replaced by direct communion with the Light itself.
John is describing the New Jerusalem, a magnificent city descending from God, where divine presence replaces all earthly needs and limitations. Immediately before this, he detailed the city's lack of a temple because God and the Lamb are its sanctuary, emphasizing direct communion. After this, he explains that its gates will never close because there is no night there, highlighting perpetual safety and light.
John is describing the New Jerusalem, a magnificent city descending from God, where divine presence replaces all earthly needs and limitations. Immediately before this, he detailed the city's lack of a temple because God and the Lamb are its sanctuary, emphasizing direct communion. After this, he explains that its gates will never close because there is no night there, highlighting perpetual safety and light.
"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," — It’s easy to read this and think of a literal absence of sun and moon, but the verse is actually highlighting a crucial shift: the source of all light and illumination changes from external, create…
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Last reviewed October 2026
