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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 22:1–5. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The heavenly state which was before described as a city, and called the new Jerusalem, is here described as a paradise, alluding to the earthly paradise which was lost by the sin of the first Adam; here is another paradise restored by the second Adam. A paradise in a city, or a whole city in a paradise! In the first paradise there were only two persons to behold the beauty and taste the pleasures of it; but in this second paradise whole cities and nations shall find abundant delight and satisfaction. And here observe,
I.The river of paradise.
The earthly paradise was well watered: no place can be pleasant or fruitful that is not so. This river is described,
1.By its fountain-head - the throne of God and the Lamb. All our springs of grace, comfort, and glory, are in God; and all our streams from him are through the mediation of the Lamb.
2.By its quality - pure and clear as crystal. All the streams of earthly comfort are muddy; but these are clear, salutary, and refreshing, giving life, and preserving life, to those who drink of them.
II.The tree of life, in this paradise.
Such a tree there was in the earthly paradise, Gen 2:9. This far excels it. And now, as to this tree, observe,
1.The situation of it - in the midst of the street, and on either side the river; or, as might have been better rendered, in the midst between the terrace-walk and the river. This tree of life is fed by the pure waters of the river that comes from the throne of God. The presence and perfections of God furnish out all the glory and blessedness of heaven.
2.The fruitfulness of this tree.
(1.)It brings forth many sorts of fruit - twelve sorts, suited to the refined taste of all the saints.
(2.)It brings forth fruit at all times - yields its fruit every month. This tree is never empty, never barren; there is always fruit upon it. In heaven there is not only a variety of pure and satisfying pleasures, but a continuance of them, and always fresh.
(3.)The fruit is not only pleasant, but wholesome. The presence of God in heaven is the health and happiness of the saints; there they find in him a remedy for all their former maladies, and are preserved by him in the most healthful and vigorous state.
III.The perfect freedom of this paradise from every thing that is evil (Rev 22:3):
There shall be no more curse; no accursed one - katanathema, no serpent there, as there was in the earthly paradise. Here is the great excellency of this paradise. The devil has nothing to do there; he cannot draw the saints from serving God to be subject to himself, as he did our first parents, nor can he so much as disturb them in the service of God.
IV.The supreme felicity of this paradisiacal state.
1.There the saints shall see the face of God; there they shall enjoy the beatific vision.
2.God will own them, as having his seal and name on their foreheads.
3.They shall reign with him for ever; their service shall be not only freedom but honour and dominion.
4.All this shall be with perfect knowledge and joy. They shall be full of wisdom and comfort, continually walking in the light of the Lord; and this not for a time, but for ever and ever.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Neither the night of sin nor the darkness of unrighteousness will ever appear again. Nor in that bliss will they [the saints] live by the words of any teacher; nor established in such a fullness will they require the light of another’s understanding. The Lord himself will give them great understanding and wisdom, for all knowledge that is desired is revealed in the brightness of his countenance. And they shall reign in all wisdom and truth.
If, as the Lord says, “the righteous will shine as the sun,” how will there be any necessity for the light of a lamp or of the sun for those who have the Lord of glory as their illumination and king? And they will be ruled by him forever, or rather they will reign with him, as the holy apostle says.
And there will be no night anymore, etc. There, the frailty of bodies will not require the light of either night or fire for rest, when God will be all in all (I Cor. XV), who is the true light (John I) and the eternal rest of the saints. If you refer these words to allegory, neither the exhortation of prophets nor the preaching of the law, which is now called a lamp in a dark place, will be necessary, since in the contemplation of God, with matters fulfilled, the perfect promise will be held.
But he says there is no night, in order that the saints may not need the sun or lamp-light for illumination, the divine light making their illumination uninterrupted. And the saints will reign, evidently for ever and ever. And these things indeed the most wise Daniel testifies, saying also: "The saints of the Most High will receive and possess the kingdom, and they will rule in it forever and ever." (Dan. 7:18)
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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 and Revelation 22 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, 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), 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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), 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. 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.
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
FAQ
Does "no night" mean literal darkness is abolished, or is it symbolic?
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.
How do believers "reign" in the New Jerusalem?
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). Secondly, it speaks to the exalted status of the redeemed as co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), 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), 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). 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). 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), and we are promised to "reign with him" (2 Timothy 2:12) 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). 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.