Revelation 21:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the city {G4172} had {G2192} no {G3756} need {G5532} of the sun {G2246}, neither {G3761} of the moon {G4582}, to {G2443} shine {G5316} in {G1722} it {G846}: for {G1063} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316} did lighten {G5461} it {G846}, and {G2532} the Lamb {G721} is the light {G3088} thereof {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The city has no need for the sun or the moon to shine on it, because God’s Sh’khinah gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.

Berean Standard Bible

And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.

American Standard Version

And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 21:23 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God with humanity, by describing its unique source of illumination. Unlike the present cosmos that relies on celestial bodies for light, this new city transcends such created dependencies. Its radiant brilliance emanates directly from the manifest presence and splendor of God, whose glory perpetually enlightens it, with the Lamb—Jesus Christ—serving as its ultimate and central luminary, signifying a state of perfect, unmediated divine communion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within John's grand vision of the new heaven and new earth, specifically focusing on the detailed description of the New Jerusalem found in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem"). Following the initial declaration of a new creation in [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and New Earth"), John sees the holy city descending from God, adorned as a bride for her husband ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")). The preceding verses ([Revelation 21:9-22](/revelation/21-9-22 "Revelation 21:9-22 - Description of the New Jerusalem")) meticulously detail the city's immense size, its precious material composition (walls of jasper, foundations of various jewels, gates of pearl, streets of pure gold), and its twelve gates named after the tribes of Israel, with foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles. Verse 23 then shifts from the physical architecture to the city's internal atmosphere and, most profoundly, its source of light, setting it apart from any earthly city.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision, written likely during a period of Roman persecution (late 1st century AD), would have resonated deeply with early Christians. Cities in the ancient world relied on natural light during the day and artificial light (lamps, torches) at night. The idea of a city requiring no sun or moon would have been utterly revolutionary and conceptually difficult, highlighting the supernatural nature of God's new creation. Furthermore, the concept of God's glory as light has deep roots in the Old Testament, where God's presence often manifested as a brilliant, unapproachable light, such as the pillar of fire by night ([Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - Pillar of Fire by Night")), the Shekinah glory filling the Tabernacle and Temple ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle"); [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")), and prophetic visions of Zion's future illumination by the Lord ([Isaiah 60:19-20](/isaiah/60-19-20 "Isaiah 60:19-20 - The Lord Will Be Your Everlasting Light")). John's vision draws upon and culminates these ancient expectations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence**, indicating that in the New Jerusalem, God's immediate and unmediated presence will be so complete and pervasive that no other light source is needed. This signifies a return to perfect communion, surpassing even the Garden of Eden. Secondly, it highlights the **New Creation** theme, emphasizing the radical departure from the old order where created elements like the sun and moon were essential. The new creation is entirely self-sufficient in God. Thirdly, the verse reinforces **Christ's Centrality**, identifying the Lamb as the very light of the city, thereby affirming His co-equality with God in providing this ultimate illumination and His indispensable role in the new cosmos. Lastly, it speaks to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, echoing Old Testament promises of a time when God Himself would be the everlasting light for His people, as seen in [Isaiah 60:19](/isaiah/60-19 "Isaiah 60:19 - The Lord Will Be Your Everlasting Light").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa_ G1391):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to seem" or "to appear," signifies the manifest presence, radiance, majesty, and honor of God. In this context, it refers to the visible, brilliant splendor of God's very being, which serves as the primary and all-sufficient light source for the New Jerusalem. It is the tangible expression of God's inherent nature.
* **did lighten (Greek, _phōtízō_ G5461):** This verb means "to shed rays," "to shine," or "to brighten up." It can be used literally for physical illumination or figuratively for spiritual enlightenment. Here, it describes the active, continuous process by which God's glory illuminates the entire city, not just as a static presence, but as a dynamic source of light.
* **light (Greek, _lýchnos_ G3088):** This noun refers to a portable lamp or other illuminator. While "light" in a broader sense is _phōs_ (as in "light of the world"), _lýchnos_ here specifies the Lamb as the *source* or *instrument* of light within the city, akin to a lamp that provides illumination. This emphasizes the Lamb's active role in radiating the divine glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it:"** This opening clause establishes a radical contrast with the present world. It declares the complete self-sufficiency of the New Jerusalem, stating that it has no dependency on the natural celestial bodies (sun and moon) that govern light and time in the current creation. This absence signifies a transcendence of the temporal and created order, implying an eternal day where darkness is utterly abolished.
* **"for the glory of God did lighten it,"** This phrase provides the divine reason for the city's self-sufficiency. The "glory of God" (dóxa tou Theou) is the direct, unmediated, and all-encompassing source of illumination. This refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, His radiant splendor, majesty, and inherent brilliance, which actively and perpetually illuminates every part of the city. It is a light that is not merely reflected but emanates directly from the Divine Being.
* **"and the Lamb [is] the light thereof."** This final clause identifies Jesus Christ, depicted as the Lamb, as the specific and central embodiment of this divine light within the city. The Lamb is not just a participant but *is* the light, indicating His co-equality with God the Father in providing this ultimate illumination. His presence ensures that the city is perpetually bathed in the light of truth, life, and perfect communion, fulfilling His own declaration as the light of the world.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is immediately evident in the juxtaposition of the New Jerusalem's illumination with the reliance of the old creation on the sun and moon. This highlights the radical difference and superiority of the new order. **Symbolism** is rich, with the "sun" and "moon" symbolizing the created, temporal, and finite sources of light, while "the glory of God" and "the Lamb" symbolize the uncreated, eternal, and infinite divine source. The "city" itself is a **metaphor** for the redeemed community in perfect communion with God. Furthermore, the statement "the Lamb is the light thereof" is a powerful **metaphor** and **personification**, attributing the quality of light directly to the person of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His essential nature as the source of all spiritual and physical illumination in the eternal state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 21:23 profoundly articulates the ultimate state of divine intimacy and the complete eradication of all forms of darkness. Theologically, it signifies the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His unhindered presence is the sole and sufficient source of light, life, and glory for His people. This vision fulfills ancient prophetic longings for a time when God would dwell fully among His people, and His glory would be their perpetual light, signifying an end to all shadows of sin, sorrow, and separation. The co-identification of the Lamb as the light underscores the Trinitarian nature of this divine illumination and the indispensable role of Christ's atoning work in bringing humanity into this glorious state. It speaks to a reality where the created order is perfectly aligned with and subsumed by the Creator's radiant presence, making all lesser lights unnecessary and obsolete.

* [Isaiah 60:19-20](/isaiah/60-19-20 "Isaiah 60:19-20 - The Lord Will Be Your Everlasting Light")
* [John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of Men")
* [1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers immense hope and comfort, painting a vivid picture of our eternal destiny in Christ. To live in a city illuminated solely by the glory of God and the Lamb means a life utterly free from darkness—not just physical night, but also the spiritual darkness of sin, ignorance, fear, sorrow, and death. It assures us of perfect clarity, unblemished joy, and uninterrupted communion with God. This vision calls us to live now in anticipation of that glorious reality, allowing the light of Christ to illuminate our present path. It encourages us to shed the shadows of this world's fleeting attractions and to fix our gaze on the eternal source of all light, trusting that God's presence will ultimately be our all in all. As we walk in the light He provides today, we participate in a foretaste of that future glory, striving to reflect His radiance to a world still shrouded in darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absence of the sun and moon in the New Jerusalem challenge your understanding of what constitutes "light" and "life"?**
* **In what ways can you allow the "glory of God" and the "Lamb" to be the primary source of light and guidance in your life *today*, even amidst earthly shadows?**
* **What aspects of the "darkness" (e.g., fear, confusion, sin) in your current life do you long to see completely eradicated by God's eternal light?**

### FAQ
**Why is there no need for the sun or moon in the New Jerusalem?**

Answer: The verse explicitly states that the city has no need for the sun or moon because "the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." This signifies a radical transformation from the current created order. In the New Jerusalem, God's manifest presence and radiant splendor ([dóxa](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God")) are so complete and pervasive that they entirely supersede the need for any created light sources. It implies a state of perpetual, unmediated divine illumination, where the very essence of God and the Lamb provides all necessary light, truth, and life, making the temporal cycles of day and night obsolete. This fulfills ancient prophecies like [Isaiah 60:19-20](/isaiah/60-19-20 "Isaiah 60:19-20 - The Lord Will Be Your Everlasting Light"), where the Lord Himself becomes the everlasting light.

**What does it mean that "the glory of God did lighten it"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the Shekinah glory, the visible, radiant manifestation of God's presence. Throughout the Old Testament, God's glory often appeared as a brilliant light or cloud, such as when it filled the Tabernacle ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")) and the Temple ([1 Kings 8:11](/1_kings/8-11 "1 Kings 8:11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). In the New Jerusalem, this divine glory is not merely a transient manifestation but the permanent, inherent, and all-sufficient source of light for the entire city. It means that God's very being, His majesty, purity, and splendor, will be perpetually and directly revealed, providing perfect illumination and removing all shadows.

**How is the Lamb "the light thereof"?**

Answer: Identifying the Lamb (Jesus Christ) as "the light thereof" underscores His co-equality with God the Father and His central role in the new creation. Jesus declared Himself to be the "light of the world" during His earthly ministry ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"); [John 9:5](/john/9-5 "John 9:5 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). In the New Jerusalem, this identity is fully realized. The Lamb, who was slain and resurrected, is the one through whom God's glory is perfectly revealed and mediated to humanity. He is not merely a reflection of God's light but is intrinsically the light, providing eternal life, truth, and perfect communion for all who dwell in the city. His presence ensures that the divine illumination is personal, relational, and redemptive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 21:23 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the Lamb of God, who is revealed as the ultimate and eternal light of the New Jerusalem. From the very beginning of John's Gospel, Jesus is presented as the "true light that gives light to everyone" ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "The True Light")). His earthly ministry was characterized by dispelling spiritual darkness, bringing truth, life, and revelation to a world shrouded in sin and ignorance ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus, the Light of the World")). The Lamb's atoning sacrifice on the cross not only purchased redemption but also opened the way for humanity to dwell in the unmediated presence of God's glory. In the New Jerusalem, this promise is fully realized: the Lamb, who is God incarnate, becomes the very source of light, signifying that all illumination, truth, and life for eternity flow from His person and His finished work. He is the visible manifestation of God's glory, making the Father known ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")), and through Him, believers will experience perfect, unceasing communion in the radiant presence of God, forever basking in the light of the [Lamb who sits on the throne](/revelation/22-3 "The Throne of God and the Lamb").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:19

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.

Isaiah 60:20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

Revelation 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.

Revelation 21:11

Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

John 1:9

[That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Revelation 18:1

¶ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.