Revelation 22:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there shall be {G2071} no {G3756} night {G3571} there {G1563}; and {G2532} they need {G5532} no {G3756} candle {G3088}{G2192}, neither {G2532} light {G5457} of the sun {G2246}; for {G3754} the Lord {G2962} God {G2316} giveth {G5461} them {G846} light {G5461}: and {G2532} they shall reign {G936} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Night will no longer exist, so they will need neither the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because Adonai, God, will shine upon them. And they will reign as kings forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible

There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever.

American Standard Version

And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:5 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the eternal state, portraying the New Jerusalem as a realm utterly transformed by God's unmediated presence. It declares the complete absence of darkness, both literal and symbolic, as God Himself becomes the singular, all-sufficient source of light for His redeemed people. Furthermore, it reveals the glorious destiny of believers, who will actively participate in Christ's eternal reign, enjoying unending blessedness and perfect communion with the Lord God forever and ever.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a climactic declaration within the final two chapters of the Book of Revelation, which unveil the vision of the new heaven and new earth, and specifically the New Jerusalem. Following the descriptions of the glorious city, its foundations, gates, and the life-giving river and tree of life, Revelation 22:5 reiterates and expands upon themes introduced earlier, particularly the divine illumination of the city. It solidifies the ultimate, everlasting condition of the saints in God's presence, serving as a powerful concluding statement to the biblical narrative of salvation and restoration. The preceding verses in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth") and [Revelation 22](/revelation/22 "Revelation 22 - The River of Life and Final Admonitions") describe the perfect environment of the New Jerusalem, where God dwells directly with humanity, and this verse culminates that vision by emphasizing the complete eradication of all elements associated with the fallen world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For John's original audience, likely facing persecution under the Roman Empire, the imagery of "no night" and "no sun" would have carried profound significance. Ancient cities relied on the sun for daily activity and lamps for night, and darkness often brought fear, danger, and the concealment of evil. The promise of perpetual divine light contrasted sharply with the literal and spiritual darkness of the Roman world, where imperial cults often overshadowed true worship. Furthermore, the concept of "reigning" would resonate with the pervasive Roman imperial authority, offering a counter-narrative of God's ultimate sovereignty and the future shared authority of His people. The vision provided immense hope, assuring believers that their temporary suffering and the oppressive earthly powers would give way to an eternal reality defined by God's glorious presence and their secure, exalted status within His kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 22:5 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of Revelation and the entire biblical narrative. The theme of **New Creation** is evident in the radical transformation of the environment, where the limitations of the old creation (night, reliance on sun/moon) are abolished. It underscores the theme of **God's Dwelling with Humanity**, fulfilling the promise of [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity"), where God's presence is so pervasive that it becomes the very light of the city. The **Divine Light** theme, prominent throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light")), reaches its apex here, signifying God's unmediated glory, truth, and holiness dispelling all darkness of sin, sorrow, and ignorance. Finally, the promise that believers "shall reign for ever and ever" highlights the theme of **Co-reigning with Christ**, a glorious aspect of salvation that elevates the redeemed to a privileged position of active participation in God's eternal kingdom, fulfilling humanity's original mandate for dominion found in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Humanity's Dominion Mandate").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Night (Greek, _nýx'_):** (G3571) This primary word refers to the literal period of darkness between sunset and sunrise. Figuratively, as used here, it symbolizes the absence of evil, sorrow, ignorance, and suffering. Its complete removal in the New Jerusalem signifies an eternal state of perfect peace, joy, and clarity, where all shadows of sin, fear, or confusion are forever dispelled.
* **Light (Greek, _phōs'_):** (G5457) From an obsolete root meaning "to shine or make manifest," this term denotes luminousness in its widest application—natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative. In this context, it refers to the divine, uncreated light that emanates directly from God, signifying His truth, holiness, revelation, and glorious presence as the sole and sufficient source of illumination for eternity.
* **Reign (Greek, _basileúō'_):** (G936) Derived from the word for "king," this verb means "to rule" or "to exercise kingly authority." Here, it signifies the active, privileged role of the redeemed in the eternal kingdom, indicating that they will not merely reside in God's presence but will participate in Christ's sovereign rule and governance, embodying a perfected form of dominion under God's ultimate authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there shall be no night there;":** This declaration signifies a complete and absolute absence of darkness. Beyond the literal lack of evening, it symbolizes the eternal eradication of all that night represents: sin, sorrow, suffering, fear, ignorance, and evil. It promises an unending state of perfect clarity, peace, and joy, fully illuminated by God's presence.
* **"and they need no candle, neither light of the sun;":** This clause emphasizes the utter sufficiency of God's light. Earthly sources of illumination—the small, flickering "candle" (representing human-made light) and the vast, powerful "sun" (representing natural light)—become entirely obsolete. This highlights that all finite, created sources of light are superseded and rendered unnecessary by the infinite, uncreated light of God Himself.
* **"for the Lord God giveth them light:":** This is the foundational reason for the absence of night and the obsolescence of earthly light sources. God Himself, identified as "the Lord God" (Kyrios Theos), is the singular, inexhaustible, and direct source of all illumination for the redeemed. This light is not merely physical; it is the radiant glory of God's presence, truth, holiness, and wisdom, dispelling all shadows and filling the New Jerusalem with His divine brilliance.
* **"and they shall reign for ever and ever.":** This final clause reveals the glorious destiny and exalted status of the redeemed. It signifies more than passive dwelling; it implies an active, participant role in Christ's eternal kingdom. Believers will exercise a perfected form of dominion and authority alongside Christ, a reign that is not only privileged but also perpetual, extending "for ever and ever" (eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn), indicating an unending, eternal duration.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is central, vividly juxtaposing the present fallen world, characterized by night, candles, and the sun, with the eternal state where these are entirely absent, replaced by God's direct, unmediated light. This stark contrast underscores the radical transformation awaiting the redeemed. **Symbolism** is also prominent: "night" symbolizes not just literal darkness but also sin, sorrow, suffering, and the hiddenness of evil, while "light" symbolizes God's presence, truth, holiness, and glory. The "candle" and "sun" symbolize finite, created sources of light, which are rendered obsolete by the infinite, divine source. Furthermore, the use of **absolute language** ("no night," "no candle," "neither light of the sun") functions as a form of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the complete and utter perfection of the eternal state, leaving no room for any form of darkness or insufficiency. This absolute language powerfully conveys the finality and totality of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:5 offers profound theological comfort and assurance, affirming the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all darkness and evil. It underscores the biblical truth that God is light ([1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God Is Light")), and in His presence, there can be no shadow or imperfection. The absence of night and the direct illumination by God symbolize the complete removal of sin, sorrow, and suffering, a promise also found in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Tears"). The eternal reign of believers is a testament to the intimacy of their relationship with God and their glorified status, sharing in the very authority of Christ as co-heirs. It is a picture of perfect communion, unending blessedness, and active participation in God's unmediated presence, fulfilling the eschatological hope of God's people.

* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God as Light")
* [1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God Is Light")
* [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Saints of the Most High Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse provides immense hope and a profound eternal perspective for believers, reminding us that our present struggles, periods of spiritual darkness, and earthly sorrows are temporary and will ultimately give way to an unending reality of divine light and glory. It encourages us to live with an unwavering focus on the glorious, eternal future where God's light will be our full reality, and all forms of darkness—physical, emotional, or spiritual—will be forever banished. This hope should empower us to persevere through current trials, knowing that a perfect, illuminated existence awaits. Furthermore, the promise that "the Lord God giveth them light" calls us to actively seek God's truth and guidance in our lives now, allowing His light to expose and transform our hearts. As those destined to reign with Christ, we are also called to live faithfully and serve Him diligently in this present age, understanding that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and contributes to the unfolding of His eternal kingdom. This future reign inspires us to embrace our identity as God's children, living as reflections of His light in a world still enveloped in spiritual darkness, anticipating the day when His glory will be fully revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "no night" comfort you in your current struggles, periods of spiritual darkness, or moments of sorrow?**
* **In what ways can you actively seek and reflect God's light in your daily life now, anticipating the eternal reality where He is the sole source of illumination?**
* **What does the promise of "reigning for ever and ever" motivate you to do in your service to Christ and your pursuit of holiness today?**

### FAQ
**Does "no night" mean literal darkness is abolished, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: While the phrase "no night there" certainly implies the literal absence of darkness, its primary meaning extends beyond a mere physical condition to encompass a profound spiritual and existential reality. In biblical symbolism, "night" often represents evil, sin, sorrow, ignorance, fear, and suffering. Therefore, the declaration that there will be "no night" signifies the complete and eternal eradication of all these negative elements from the New Jerusalem. It means a state of perpetual peace, perfect knowledge, unhindered joy, and the utter absence of anything that causes pain or separation from God. The light that replaces it is not merely sunlight, but the unmediated glory and presence of God Himself, as stated in [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - God's Glory as the Light of the City").

**How do believers "reign" in the New Jerusalem?**

Answer: The promise that believers "shall reign for ever and ever" signifies a glorious and active participation in Christ's eternal kingdom, rather than a passive existence. This reign is multifaceted. Firstly, it implies a shared authority and dominion with Christ, fulfilling humanity's original mandate to rule over creation, now perfected and exercised under God's ultimate sovereignty ([Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Humanity's Dominion Mandate")). Secondly, it speaks to the exalted status of the redeemed as co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), reflecting their adoption into God's family and their glorification. This reign is not about earthly power or self-aggrandizement, but about serving God in a perfected capacity, administering His righteous rule, and reflecting His glory throughout the new creation. It is a reign of perfect justice, wisdom, and love, in complete harmony with the will of the Lord God and the Lamb.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:5 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of the light and the ultimate source of our eternal reign. Jesus declared Himself to be "the light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and it is through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection that humanity is delivered from the dominion of darkness into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). In the New Jerusalem, it is not merely God the Father who gives light, but the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who is explicitly identified as "the light thereof" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb as the Light of the New Jerusalem")). Our ability to dwell in this realm of no night, bathed in divine illumination, is entirely predicated on Christ's victory over sin and death. Furthermore, the promise that believers "shall reign for ever and ever" is a direct consequence of Christ's own kingship. He has made us "kings and priests unto God and his Father" ([Revelation 1:6](/revelation/1-6 "Revelation 1:6 - Kings and Priests to God")), and we are promised to "reign with him" ([2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - Reigning with Christ")) because He first reigned through His triumph on the cross and His subsequent ascension to the right hand of the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Revelation 22:5 is a glorious testament to the completed work of Christ, through whom we receive eternal light and participate in His everlasting kingdom.

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

Daniel 7:18

But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

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.

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:4

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Daniel 7:27

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.