Revelation 21:23-25
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, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that the light isn't a replacement for the sun and moon, but something far more fundamental: the very presence of God. This divine radiance, with the Lamb as its focal point, completely eclipses any need for created light sources.
John is describing the new Jerusalem, the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people, emphasizing its perfect and eternal nature. Just after describing the absence of any temple because God Himself is its center, this passage highlights the perpetual light and presence of God, making natural light sources entirely unnecessary. This scene flows into the description of the city's inhabitants and the absolute absence of anything impure or wicked.
Imagine a place brighter than noon, yet without a sun or moon. What does this absence tell us about the true source of light in God's eternal city?
This verse paints a picture of the New Jerusalem, a place so filled with divine presence that it needs no natural light sources like the sun or moon. This isn't just about brightness; it signifies a complete transcendence of earthly limitations.
Beyond Our Current Understanding
Revelation 21:23 reveals two distinct, yet unified, sources of light for the New Jerusalem. Who are they, and what do they represent?
The verse identifies the light of the New Jerusalem as originating from two powerful, intertwined sources: the glory of God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ).
God's Glory: The Radiant Presence
The "glory of God" refers to His manifest presence, His radiant holiness, and His awesome splendor. It's the very essence of His being that fills the eternal city, providing its light. This is reminiscent of the Shekinah glory that filled the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, but now it's permanent and all-encompassing.
The Lamb: The Focused Light
The "Lamb is the light thereof" points directly to Jesus Christ. He is not just light, but light, described as a 'lamp.' This imagery emphasizes His role as the one who reveals God, illuminates truth, and is the focal point of worship and understanding in heaven. Even in the perfected, glorious presence of God, the identity and work of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb remain central and are the means by which we fully comprehend and experience God's glory.
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.
nyx · Greek Noun
The absence of light, often symbolizing sin, separation from God, ignorance, or judgment; conversely, the absence of night signifies perpetual communion with God.
This passage directly anticipates the New Jerusalem, stating 'The sun shall be no more thy light by day, neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.' It echoes the idea that God's glory will replace the natural light sources.
1 John 1:5This verse establishes the fundamental truth that 'God is light, and in him is no darkness at all,' providing the theological foundation for why God's glory is the ultimate light source for His people.
John 1:9Jesus is described here as 'the true light, which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone,' directly correlating with the 'Lamb' being the light of the New Jerusalem and fulfilling His role as the world's light.
Exodus 33:18Moses' plea to see God's glory reveals a deep human longing for direct divine presence, which is ultimately fulfilled in the New Jerusalem where God's glory is the eternal light.
Revelation 22:5This verse directly follows, stating 'night shall be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever,' reinforcing the theme of God as the perpetual and sufficient light source in eternity.
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.
The verse highlights that the light isn't a replacement for the sun and moon, but something far more fundamental: the very presence of God. This divine radiance, with the Lamb as its focal point, completely eclipses any need for created light sources.
John is describing the new Jerusalem, the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people, emphasizing its perfect and eternal nature. Just after describing the absence of any temple because God Himself is its center, this passage highlights the perpetual light and presence of God, making natural light sources entirely unnecessary. This scene flows into the description of the city's inhabitants and the absolute absence of anything impure or wicked.
John is describing the new Jerusalem, the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people, emphasizing its perfect and eternal nature. Just after describing the absence of any temple because God Himself is its center, this passage highlights the perpetual light and presence of God, making natural light sources entirely unnecessary. This scene flows into the description of the city's inhabitants and the absolute absence of anything impure or wicked.
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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, and its gates will never…" — The verse highlights that the light isn't a replacement for the sun and moon, but something far more fundamental: the very presence of God. This divine radiance, with the Lamb as its focal point, com…
