Revelation 22:5

Revelation 22:5 concludes the Bible's final vision of the eternal state, offering a glorious picture of God's completed work of salvation and the blessedness of His redeemed people in the New Jerusalem. This verse paints a vivid contrast to the fallen world, promising an existence entirely defined by God's presence and glory.

Context

This verse is found in the concluding chapter of the Book of Revelation, which describes the new heaven and new earth, and specifically the New Jerusalem descending from God. Chapters 21 and 22 detail the perfect, restored dwelling place of God with humanity. Following descriptions of the river of life and the tree of life, this verse reiterates and expands upon themes introduced earlier, particularly the idea that God Himself will be the ultimate source of light and life for His people. It solidifies the final, everlasting condition of the saints.

Meaning and Key Themes

• No Night, No Artificial Light: The declaration "there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun" signifies a complete absence of darkness, both literal and symbolic. Night in the Bible often represents evil, sorrow, ignorance, and suffering. Its complete removal indicates an eternal state of perfect peace, joy, and clarity. The lack of need for a candle or the sun emphasizes that all earthly, finite sources of light are obsolete in God's eternal presence.
• God as the Sole Light Source: "for the Lord God giveth them light" points to God Himself as the singular, inexhaustible source of all illumination. This echoes earlier statements in Revelation, such as Revelation 21:23, where the New Jerusalem has no need of the sun or moon because "the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." This light is not merely physical; it is the light of truth, holiness, wisdom, and God's very presence, dispelling all shadows of sin or confusion.
• Eternal Reign of Believers: "and they shall reign for ever and ever" highlights the incredible privilege and glorified status of the redeemed. This signifies more than just passively dwelling in God's presence; it implies an active participation in Christ's eternal rule and governance. It speaks to the fulfillment of God's purpose for humanity to exercise dominion, now perfectly realized under the ultimate sovereignty of God and the Lamb. This reign is eternal, without end.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word for "light" used here is phos (φῶς), which broadly refers to physical light but also carries profound theological weight, signifying truth, revelation, and the divine presence. The concept of God being light is a fundamental biblical truth, seen from the beginning of creation to the very end (e.g., 1 John 1:5). The term for "reign" is basileuō (βασιλεύω), indicating the exercise of kingly authority or rule, underscoring the active and honored role of the saints in the eternal kingdom.

Theological Significance

Revelation 22:5 offers profound theological comfort and assurance. It affirms the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all darkness and evil. 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. The eternal reign of believers underscores the intimacy of their relationship with God and their glorified status, sharing in the very authority of Christ. It is a picture of perfect communion and unending blessedness in God's unmediated presence.

Practical Application

This verse provides immense hope for believers, reminding us that our present struggles, periods of spiritual darkness, and earthly sorrows are temporary. It encourages us to:

• Live in Hope: Focus on the glorious, eternal future where God's light will be our full reality, and all darkness will be banished.
• Seek God's Light Now: Even now, God is our light in a dark world. We are called to walk in His truth and reflect His light to others (Ephesians 5:8).
• Anticipate Our Future: The promise of reigning with Christ should inspire us to live faithfully and serve Him diligently, knowing our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).