King James Version

What Does Revelation 21:23 Mean?

Revelation 21:23 in the King James Version says “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 L...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

21

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

22

And I saw no temple therein : for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

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.

24

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25

And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

Read Revelation 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of new heaven, new earth, new jerusalem - eternal state, god dwelling with his people employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 21:23 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ2 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλις3 of 28

“the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

οὐ4 of 28

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

χρείαν5 of 28

“need”

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχει6 of 28

“had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τοῦ7 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡλίου8 of 28

“of the sun”

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

οὐδὲ9 of 28

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

τῆς10 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σελήνης11 of 28

“of the moon”

G4582

the moon

ἵνα12 of 28

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

φαίνωσιν13 of 28

“shine”

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

ἐν14 of 28

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῆς15 of 28

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἡ16 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ17 of 28

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

δόξα18 of 28

“the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

τοῦ19 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ20 of 28

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐφώτισεν21 of 28

“did lighten”

G5461

to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῆς22 of 28

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ23 of 28

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ24 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λύχνος25 of 28

“is the light”

G3088

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῆς26 of 28

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὸ27 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρνίον28 of 28

“the Lamb”

G721

a lambkin

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 21:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 60:19-20Revelation 22:5John 1:9Revelation 21:11Isaiah 24:23Luke 2:32

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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