Revelation 22:5
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What's beautiful here is that the light isn't just present, it's emanating from God Himself to His people. This isn't just an absence of darkness; it's an intimate, direct communion where God's very presence becomes the source of illumination and life for those who reign with Him eternally.
And night will 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 and ever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the stunning conclusion of John's visions, bringing the epic narrative of God's redemptive work to its ultimate fulfillment. After detailing the new heaven and new earth, the holy city, and the absence of sin and suffering, this final glimpse reveals the eternal state of God's people. It's the triumphant end to the ages-long struggle, promising an everlasting reign of peace and light directly from God Himself.
Imagine a world without darkness, without shadows, without the need for lamps or the sun. This verse paints a picture of that reality, but the source of this light is unlike anything we know.
The Absence of Night
Revelation 22:5 directly states, 'And night will be no more.' This isn't just about the absence of literal darkness. It signifies the end of ignorance, sorrow, sin, and all that plunges us into spiritual gloom.
God as the Ultimate Light
The verse explains why there is no night: 'for the Lord God will be their light.' This means the presence of God Himself illuminates this new reality. Unlike the sun or lamps that merely reflect light, God is the source. His glory, His character, His very being banishes all darkness. We won't need external sources because we will be immersed in His radiant presence.
The vision of God's eternal light is immediately followed by a promise of unending rulership. What does it mean to reign forever in God's presence?
The Assurance of Reigning
The verse concludes with a powerful declaration: 'and they will reign forever and ever.' This isn't a fleeting moment of authority, but an eternal state of participation in God's rule.
What Reigning Entails
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This reign is intrinsically linked to dwelling in God's light. It signifies not just being in His presence, but also sharing in His victory, His peace, and His dominion over all things. It’s the ultimate reward for faithfulness, a participation in the perfect order and joy of God's eternal kingdom. The struggle and service in this life find their culmination in this glorious, everlasting reign.
Understand the original words
phōs · Greek Noun
The ultimate source of truth, holiness, and life; in the New Testament, God's light dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance, guiding His people into eternal fellowship.
basileuō · Greek Verb
To exercise authority or sovereignty; in the biblical context, the redeemed will share in the administration of God's kingdom over the renewed creation.
This passage echoes the promise of divine light replacing the sun, stating 'The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.'
Psalm 36:9This verse speaks to the source of true life and light, proclaiming 'For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.'
John 8:12Jesus declares 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,' directly linking Himself to the eternal light described in Revelation.
1 John 1:5This verse emphasizes God's nature as light and the absence of darkness in Him, which directly correlates to the eternal day described in Revelation where God Himself is the light.
2 Corinthians 5:17This passage speaks of being a 'new creation' in Christ, aligning with the new heaven and new earth where night and darkness are abolished, and a new state of existence begins.
ellicottRevelation 22:5: "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
(5) And there shall be no night there . . . —Rather, And night shall not be any more, and ( they shall not have ) need of the light of lamp, and of light of sun, because the Lord God shall give light upon them, and they shall reign unto the ages of ages. There shall be no night. Twice is it said ( Revelation 21:25 )…
barnesRevelation 22:5: "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."
And there shall be no night there - notes on Revelation 21:25 . And they need no candle - No lamp; no artificial light, as in a world where there is night and darkness. Neither light of the sun; for the Lord God, ... - See the notes on Revelation 21:23. And they shall reign forever and ever - That is, with God; they…
What's beautiful here is that the light isn't just present, it's emanating from God Himself to His people. This isn't just an absence of darkness; it's an intimate, direct communion where God's very presence becomes the source of illumination and life for those who reign with Him eternally.
This verse marks the stunning conclusion of John's visions, bringing the epic narrative of God's redemptive work to its ultimate fulfillment. After detailing the new heaven and new earth, the holy city, and the absence of sin and suffering, this final glimpse reveals the eternal state of God's people. It's the triumphant end to the ages-long struggle, promising an everlasting reign of peace and light directly from God Himself.
This verse marks the stunning conclusion of John's visions, bringing the epic narrative of God's redemptive work to its ultimate fulfillment. After detailing the new heaven and new earth, the holy city, and the absence of sin and suffering, this final glimpse reveals the eternal state of God's people. It's the triumphant end to the ages-long struggle, promising an everlasting reign of peace and light directly from God Himself.
"And night will 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 and ever." — What's beautiful here is that the light isn't just present, it's emanating from God Himself to His people. This isn't just an absence of darkness; it's an intimate, direct communion where God's v…
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Last reviewed October 2026
