and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Revelation 21:25
What does Revelation 21:25 mean?
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Revelation 21:25
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The verse emphasizes an eternal state of openness and security. The gates are never shut, not just because there's no literal darkness, but because there's no threat from enemies, no sin to keep out, and no sorrow or spiritual darkness to hide from.
and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes the eternal city, the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people. Since there's no darkness or evil, the city's gates—symbols of security and access—will always be open. This signifies perfect safety and constant fellowship, contrasting sharply with earthly cities that must close their gates against threats and at the onset of night.
Imagine a city where the gates are always wide open. What does that tell us about its security and its welcome?
The verse says the gates of this heavenly city "shall never be shut by day." In ancient times, city gates were crucial for protection, especially at night when threats were greater. Keeping them open by day, and knowing there's no night, speaks volumes about this future reality.
Unrivaled Security
There are no enemies outside to fear, and no one within desires to leave. The threats that necessitate closed gates – invasion, danger, fear – are completely gone. This isn't just a strong city; it's a city in perfect, unending peace.
Perpetual Welcome
An open gate is an invitation. It means constant access, unrestricted entry. This city is designed for eternal fellowship, not isolation. It's a place where all who belong can freely come and go, a testament to complete safety and boundless welcome.
When the verse states "there will be no night there," what kinds of darkness are truly banished forever?
The absence of night in the New Jerusalem is profound. It's not just about the literal absence of darkness, but the eradication of everything that night symbolizes.
No Literal Darkness
Since God Himself is the light of this city, the celestial bodies that mark our days and nights on earth become irrelevant. Time as we know it, measured by sun and moon, ceases. It’s an unending day of God's glorious presence.
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No Metaphorical Darkness
More importantly, all forms of spiritual and emotional darkness are gone. This includes:
This is a state of perfect clarity, joy, and holiness.
Understand the original words
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 from Isaiah speaks of gates that will be perpetually open, bringing the wealth of nations into a restored city, echoing the perpetual openness and security described in Revelation.
Ezekiel 48:35This verse describes the name of the new city as 'The Lord Is There,' directly correlating with the idea that God's presence eliminates the need for night and thus for closed gates.
John 8:12Jesus declares Himself 'the light of the world,' and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness. This connects to the eternal day and absence of spiritual darkness in the New Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 15:54This passage speaks of death being swallowed up in victory, aligning with the idea that the sorrow and calamities symbolized by night are absent in the eternal, unbroken day of the New Jerusalem.
Psalm 23:4The shepherd's presence through the valley of the shadow of death provides security. In the New Jerusalem, God's presence means no shadow or 'night' of fear or danger will ever be encountered.
ellicottRevelation 21:25: "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."
(25, 26) And the gates of it . . . —Better, And the gates (or, gate-towers ) shall never be shut by day, for night shall not be there. The gates shall never be shut: all day they shall be open, and that day shall be for ever, for there shall be no night there. All that darkens—the sin that brings night on the soul; the sorrow that brings night on the heart—shall be banished for ever. In p…
pulpitRevelation 21:25: "And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there."
Verse 25. - And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. The Revised Version correctly places the last clause in parentheses. The meaning is: The gates shall never be shut, either by day or night; but it is superfluous to say, "by night," for there is no night there. Some commentators think the open gates are a sign of perfect security; others, t…
The verse emphasizes an eternal state of openness and security. The gates are never shut, not just because there's no literal darkness, but because there's no threat from enemies, no sin to keep out, and no sorrow or spiritual darkness to hide from.
This passage describes the eternal city, the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people. Since there's no darkness or evil, the city's gates—symbols of security and access—will always be open. This signifies perfect safety and constant fellowship, contrasting sharply with earthly cities that must close their gates against threats and at the onset of night.
This passage describes the eternal city, the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people. Since there's no darkness or evil, the city's gates—symbols of security and access—will always be open. This signifies perfect safety and constant fellowship, contrasting sharply with earthly cities that must close their gates against threats and at the onset of night.
"and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there." — The verse emphasizes an eternal state of openness and security. The gates are never shut, not just because there's no literal darkness, but because there's no threat from enemies, no sin to keep out,…
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Last reviewed October 2026