What does Revelation 22:5 mean?

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 22:5

Explanation

Revelation 22:5 speaks to the eschatological belief in Christianity concerning the ultimate state of the redeemed in God’s presence. Literally, the verse suggests a place or state of existence where there is no night, no need for artificial light like candles, or even natural light from the sun because God himself provides the light. This reflects a perpetual condition of divine illumination and glory. The deeper meaning here can be interpreted as the final and eternal communion with God where His presence permanently eradicates darkness, symbolizing the absence of sin, suffering, and death. The concluding phrase, “and they shall reign for ever and ever,” signifies the everlasting sovereign state that the faithful will share with God.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is the final book of the New Testament, attributed to John. It was written during a time of persecution of Christians, likely around the end of the 1st century CE. The verse is part of a larger visionary experience describing the characteristics of the New Jerusalem and the final destiny of the Church in the presence of God. The imagery of light and dark, common in apocalyptic literature, is used symbolically to convey hope and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.

Theological Insights

Various theological perspectives offer different insights into this passage:

• From a premillennial standpoint, this could be viewed as a literal description of the conditions during or after the thousand-year reign of Christ on Earth.
• Amillennialists might see this as symbolic of the spiritual reign of the church and believers in the present age, extending into eternity.
• Postmillennialists could interpret it as the world being progressively better under the influence of the Christian gospel before Christ’s return.
• Catholic theology might emphasize the beatific vision, with God being the source of light that illuminates the saints in the hereafter.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can comfort individuals facing darkness in their lives, providing hope for an eternal existence free from pain and sorrow. It encourages believers to keep faith as they anticipate an everlasting reign with God. The notion of God as light can also inspire the faithful to seek His guidance in moments of spiritual darkness, emphasizing God’s role as the ultimate source of truth and enlightenment.

Cross-References

• Revelation 21:23: “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.”
• 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.”
• 1 John 1:5: “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

Language Study

The original Greek language uses the terms:

• “night” (νύξ, nyx): Literally the night or metaphorically representing darkness, which can symbolize ignorance or evil.
• “candle” (λύχνος, lychnos): Referring to a portable lamp or light source, symbolic here of man-made attempts to illuminate.
• “sun” (ἥλιος, helios): The natural source of daylight, symbolizing in this context the systems of the world that will be eclipsed by God’s ultimate glory.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to many ancient myths and religious traditions, the Christian eschatological imagery draws on light as a symbol of divinity, knowledge, and purity. For instance, in Zoroastrianism, light is associated with truth and the divine, while in ancient Egyptian mythology, the sun god Ra represents life and energy.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, light is essential for life on Earth, and the absence of night would significantly alter the planet’s ecosystems. While Revelation 22:5 is not meant to be a scientific description, it speaks to the fundamental human recognition of light as a source of life and stability.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Revelation 22:5 offer diverse interpretations:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary focuses on God being the everlasting light for believers, precluding the need for any temporal light sources.
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible emphasizes the continuous state of happiness and glory without any period of darkness or sorrow.
• The Pulpit Commentary interprets this as a description of heaven where God’s presence obviates the need for the sun or other lights.

These commentaries agree that the central theme of the verse is the depiction of eternal life in God’s presence, where His glory supersedes all other sources of light.