What does Revelation 21:23 mean?

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. Revelation 21:23

Explanation

Revelation 21:23 speaks of the unique characteristic of the New Jerusalem, a holy city described in the Bible as the dwelling place of God and His people after the end of the world as we know it. In this verse, the author, traditionally believed to be John the Apostle, is conveying that in the New Jerusalem, the presence of God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is so resplendent that there is no need for external light sources such as the sun or the moon. The glory of God is personified as the source of all light within the city, symbolizing His ultimate purity, holiness, and the fulfillment of divine presence. The Lamb, effectively Jesus Christ, shares in this illuminating role, emphasizing the Christian belief in the divinity of Christ and his unity with God the Father. The literal imagery of a city without need for sunlight or moonlight draws on the deeper meaning of God’s glory being the essence and sustenance of life and existence in this new eternal reality.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was likely written toward the end of the first century A.D. during a time of persecution of Christians. It is a highly symbolic work that falls into the genre of apocalyptic literature. Revelation often uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey messages about the end times and the ultimate victory of good over evil. The New Jerusalem is depicted as the final, perfect dwelling place of the redeemed, and the absence of sun or moon underscores its divine perfection and the transformative nature of the eschatological future.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may offer varying interpretations of Revelation 21:23. Some view this verse eschatologically, as a literal description of the physical characteristics of the New Jerusalem in the afterlife. Others may interpret it more symbolically, suggesting that the absence of natural light represents the completeness of God’s glory and the obsolescence of former orders of existence. Theologically, this points to the Christian notion of God as the ultimate and eternal source of life and truth, replacing the temporal and changing nature of earthly life.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Revelation 21:23 can be seen as an encouragement to Christians that God’s presence is all-sufficient. It can inspire believers to seek spiritual enlightenment and guidance from God rather than relying solely on worldly wisdom or material means. The verse can also encourage hope and endurance, reminding Christians of the promise of an eternal home where God’s presence eliminates all darkness and need.

Cross-References

• 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.”
• Isaiah 60:19-20 – “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. 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.”
• John 8:12 – “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Language Study

The key terms used in Revelation 21:23 in their original Greek language are:

• “Sun”: ἥλιος (helios) – often symbolizing the most dominant natural light source and used metaphorically in various cultures and religions.
• “Moon”: σελήνη (selēnē) – representing the secondary light source in the night, complementing the sun’s role.
• “Shine”: φαίνω (phainō) – meaning to illuminate or make visible.
• “Glory”: δόξα (doxa) – often denoting honor, renown, and a manifestation of divine presence.
• “Lamb”: ἀρνίον (arnion) – typically representing Jesus Christ in the context of Christian writings, alluding to the sacrificial lamb motif.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within other ancient cultures and religions, light often symbolizes knowledge, purity, and divinity. Ancient Egyptian mythology venerates the sun god Ra as the source of all life. Similarly, in Greek mythology, Apollo is associated with light and the sun. In other religious traditions such as Hinduism, the god Surya symbolizes the sun and light. Nevertheless, the unique Christian perspective in Revelation 21:23 is the personalization of light as not merely a gift from a deity but as an emanation from the divine being itself—God and the Lamb.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, natural light sources such as the sun and moon are vital for life on Earth. The absence of these light sources in the verse is not to be understood scientifically but rather metaphorically. The verse reflects an eschatological vision that transcends the physical laws that govern our universe, imagining an existence that is not dependent on the cosmic order known to current scientific understanding.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have often reflected on this verse within the broader eschatological themes of Revelation. Some emphasize the completeness of God’s redemptive work, as no external light sources are needed, which signifies the end of all that is partial and incomplete. Matthew Henry’s commentary describes it as the fullness of joy, satisfaction, and purity in God’s presence. Other commentators highlight the direct relationship between God and the believer in the New Jerusalem, with external mediators or systems no longer necessary.