Revelation 21:23

And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — John records a vision of the New Jerusalem's final state, following the angel's description of its temple-less structure. The passage depicts the eternal dwelling where God and the Lamb reside with the redeemed.

The words — χρείαν ἔχει (chreian echei) literally means "has need" or "lacks requirement." πόλις (polis) identifies the New Jerusalem as the focal point of this divine illumination.

The thread — This theme echoes Isaiah 60:19's promise that Yahweh will replace celestial lights, and anticipates Revelation 22:5's declaration of perpetual day. It also aligns with John 1:9's identification of Christ as the true Light.

Why it lands — The text states the city requires no artificial or celestial light because God's presence and the Lamb directly provide illumination. Readers are confronted with the reality that divine presence fully replaces all created sources of light and guidance.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Isaiah 60:19 No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor.
Revelation 22:5 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.
John 1:9 The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
Revelation 21:11 shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.
Isaiah 24:23 The moon will be confounded and the sun will be ashamed; for the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His elders with great glory.
Luke 2:32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”
Revelation 18:1 After this I saw another angel descending from heaven with great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his glory.
Habakkuk 3:3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth.
John 1:4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.