King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:5 Mean?

Revelation 22:5 in the King James Version says “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle , neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them ligh... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

3

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

4

And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

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.

6

And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

7

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of river of life, invitation, warnings - eternal blessing, urgent call, maranatha 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 22:5 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 · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

νὺξ2 of 26

night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

οὐκ3 of 26

no

G3756

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

ἔσται4 of 26

there shall be

G2071

will be

ἐκει,5 of 26

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

καὶ6 of 26

And

G2532

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

χρείαν7 of 26

they need

G5532

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

οὐκ8 of 26

no

G3756

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

ἔχουσιν9 of 26
G2192

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

λύχνου10 of 26

candle

G3088

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

καὶ11 of 26

And

G2532

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

φωτὸς12 of 26

light

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

ἡλίου13 of 26

of the sun

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

ὅτι14 of 26

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κύριος15 of 26

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

16 of 26
G3588

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

θεὸς17 of 26

God

G2316

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

φωτίζει18 of 26

giveth

G5461

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

αὐτούς19 of 26

them

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

καὶ20 of 26

And

G2532

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

βασιλεύσουσιν21 of 26

they shall reign

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

εἰς22 of 26

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς23 of 26
G3588

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

αἰώνων24 of 26

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῶν25 of 26
G3588

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

αἰώνων26 of 26

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)


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 22:5 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 22:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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