New International VersionThe city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
New Living TranslationAnd the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.
English Standard VersionAnd the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Berean Standard BibleAnd 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 Literal BibleAnd the city has no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they should shine in it; for the glory of God enlightened it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionThe city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
New American Standard BibleAnd the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
NASB 1995And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
NASB 1977And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Amplified BibleAnd the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon to give light to it, for the glory (splendor, radiance) of God has illumined it, and the Lamb is its lamp and light.
Christian Standard BibleThe city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because God’s glory illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
American Standard VersionAnd the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb.
Contemporary English VersionAnd the city did not need the sun or the moon. The glory of God was shining on it, and the Lamb was its light.
English Revised VersionAnd the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe city doesn't need any sun or moon to give it light because the glory of God gave it light. The lamb was its lamp.
Good News TranslationThe city has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God shines on it, and the Lamb is its lamp.
International Standard VersionThe city doesn't need any sun or moon to give it light, because the glory of God gave it light, and the lamb was its lamp.
NET BibleThe city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God lights it up, and its lamp is the Lamb.
New Heart English BibleThe city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God enlightened it, and the Lamb is the light of it.
Weymouth New TestamentNor has the city any need of the sun or of the moon, to give it light; for the glory of God has shone upon it and its lamp is the Lamb. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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.
World English BibleThe city has no need for the sun or moon to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it and its lamp is the Lamb. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the city has no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they may shine in it; for the glory of God lightens it, and the lamp of it—the Lamb;
Berean Literal BibleAnd the city has no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they should shine in it; for the glory of God enlightened it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Young's Literal Translation and the city hath no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they may shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp of it is the Lamb;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the city has no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they shine in her: for the glory of God enlightened her, and her light the Lamb. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the city hath no need of the sun, nor of the moon, to shine in it. For the glory of God hath enlightened it, and the Lamb is the lamp thereof.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the city has no need of sun or moon to shine in it. For the glory of God has illuminated it, and the Lamb is its lamp.
New American BibleThe city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.
New Revised Standard VersionAnd the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe city has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God lightens it, and the Lamb is the lamp of it.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd The Lamb and The City do not need the Sun or the Moon to illuminate it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and The Lamb is its lamp. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd the city had no need of the sun, nor of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God gave it light, and the lamp of it is the Lamb.
Godbey New TestamentAnd the city has no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they may light it:
Haweis New TestamentAnd the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine upon it: for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is the lamp thereof.
Mace New Testamentthe city had no need either of the sun, or of the moon to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamb is the luminary thereof.
Weymouth New TestamentNor has the city any need of the sun or of the moon, to give it light; for the glory of God has shone upon it and its lamp is the Lamb.
Worrell New TestamentAnd the city has no need of the sun, nor of the moon, to shine upon it; for the glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
Worsley New TestamentAnd the city hath no need of the sun, nor of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God enlighteneth it, and the Lamb is it's light.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The New Jerusalem… 22But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23Andthecityhasnoneedofsunormoontoshineon it,becausethegloryof Godilluminatesthe city,andtheLambis itslamp.24By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory.…
Cross References Isaiah 60:19-20No 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. / Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease.
John 8:12Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 1:4-5In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:9The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
Zechariah 14:7It will be a unique day known only to the LORD, without day or night; but when evening comes, there will be light.
Matthew 17:2There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
1 John 1:5And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
Psalm 36:9For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.
1 Timothy 6:16He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 24:23The 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.
Malachi 4:2“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.
Luke 2:32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”
Isaiah 60:1Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
Psalm 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
Treasury of Scripture 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. the city. Revelation 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her lightwas like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 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 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously. for. Revelation 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her lightwas like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. Isaiah 2:10,19,21 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty… the Lamb. Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. John 1:4,9,14,18 In him was life; and the life was the light of men… John 5:23 That allmen should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Jump to Previous CityEnlightenedGivesGloryIlluminatedIlluminedLampLightMoonNeedShineShoneSunThereofJump to Next CityEnlightenedGivesGloryIlluminatedIlluminedLampLightMoonNeedShineShoneSunThereofRevelation 21 1.A new heaven and a new earth.10.The heavenly Jerusalem, with a full description thereof.23.She needs no sun, the glory of God being her light.24.The kings of the earth bring their riches unto her.And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on itThis phrase indicates a transformation from the current natural order. In the new creation, the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, does not rely on the sun or moon for light. This reflects the fulfillment of Isaiah 60:19-20, where it is prophesied that the Lord will be an everlasting light. The absence of the sun and moon signifies the complete sufficiency and supremacy of God's presence, eliminating the need for created sources of light. This also symbolizes the end of time as we know it, as celestial bodies are often used to mark time. because the glory of God illuminates the city
The glory of God, often associated with His divine presence and majesty, provides the light for the city. This recalls the Shekinah glory that filled the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament (Exodus 40:34-35,1 Kings 8:10-11). The divine illumination signifies God's direct and unmediated presence with His people, fulfilling the promise of God dwelling among His people (Revelation 21:3). This light is pure, holy, and eternal, contrasting with the temporary and imperfect light of the sun and moon. and the Lamb is its lamp
The Lamb, a title for Jesus Christ, emphasizes His role in redemption and His sacrificial death. As the lamp, the Lamb is the means through which God's glory is manifested and perceived. This imagery connects toJohn 1:4-5, where Jesus is described as the light of men, andJohn 8:12, where He declares Himself the light of the world. The Lamb being the lamp highlights the centrality of Christ in the new creation, where His presence is the source of life and truth. This also fulfills the typology of the Passover lamb, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice and source of spiritual illumination. Persons / Places / Events 1. The CityRefers to the New Jerusalem, the holy city described in Revelation 21, symbolizing the eternal dwelling place of God with His people. 2. The Glory of GodRepresents the divine presence and majesty of God, which illuminates the city, eliminating the need for natural light sources like the sun or moon. 3. The LambRefers to Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the sacrificial Lamb, providing spiritual illumination and guidance to the city. Teaching Points The Supremacy of God's GloryGod's presence is the ultimate source of light and life, surpassing all created things. In our lives, we should prioritize seeking His presence above all else. Christ as the Eternal LightJesus, the Lamb, is our guide and source of truth. We should rely on Him for direction and understanding in our daily walk. The Fulfillment of ProphecyRevelation 21:23 fulfills Old Testament prophecies about God's eternal kingdom. This assurance should strengthen our faith in God's promises. Living in the LightAs believers, we are called to walk in the light of Christ, reflecting His glory in our actions and relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Revelation 21:23?
2.How does Revelation 21:23 describe the source of light in the New Jerusalem?
3.What does the absence of a sun or moon signify in Revelation 21:23?
4.How can we reflect God's glory as described in Revelation 21:23 in daily life?
5.What Old Testament prophecies connect to the imagery in Revelation 21:23?
6.How does Revelation 21:23 inspire hope for believers facing current world darkness?
7.How does Revelation 21:23 challenge the necessity of physical light sources in the New Jerusalem?
8.What does Revelation 21:23 imply about the presence of God and Jesus in the New Jerusalem?
9.How does Revelation 21:23 reflect the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 21?
11.In Isaiah 30:26, how can the moon shining as bright as the sun be reconciled with known scientific principles?
12.How was there light before the sun existed?
13.In 1 Corinthians 13:8, it says prophecies and knowledge will end—how does this align with ongoing human discoveries and advancements?
14.How do we reconcile Proverbs 4:18, claiming the righteous path grows ever brighter, with real-world moral ambiguity and suffering?What Does Revelation 21:23 Mean And the city has no need of sun or moon“And the city has no need of sun or moon…” • This “city” is the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), the final, permanent dwelling of God with His people. • Literal absence of celestial lights underscores a complete departure from the old order of creation (Genesis 1:14-18). • God’s promise inIsaiah 60:19-20 already anticipated this moment—no more reliance on created lights because “the LORD will be your everlasting light.” •Revelation 22:5 confirms that permanent daylight characterizes eternity: “They will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun.”
to shine on it“…to shine on it…” • The phrase highlights what is missing: any external, created source of illumination. •Psalm 36:9—“in Your light we see light”—shows that true vision has always come from God, now experienced without any intermediary. • The removal of sun and moon removes every vestige of night, fear, or limitation (Revelation 21:25).
because the glory of God illuminates the city“…because the glory of God illuminates the city…” • God’s own glory radiates, just as His presence filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). •Revelation 21:11 already described the city “having the glory of God,” showing the entire metropolis as a faceted prism for that light. •Habakkuk 3:4 pictures divine brightness: “His brilliance was like the light; rays flashed from His hand.” • This glory is relational—believers live within the unveiled presence of a holy God (1 Timothy 6:16;2 Corinthians 4:6).
and the Lamb is its lamp“…and the Lamb is its lamp.” • “The Lamb” is Jesus Christ, eternally bearing the marks of sacrifice (Revelation 5:6). • A lamp concentrates light; Christ focuses God’s glory so His people can enjoy and understand it fully (John 1:4-5;John 8:12). • The pairing of Father’s glory and Son’s mediation fulfillsJohn 17:24—believers behold the glory given the Son before the world began. •Revelation 22:1 shows the throne of God and of the Lamb together, affirming their unified radiance.
summaryRevelation 21:23 announces a literal, breathtaking reality: in the New Jerusalem, created lights are obsolete. God’s own glory floods the city, and Jesus the Lamb personally mediates that brilliance. Night, distance, and shadow disappear, replaced by eternal, intimate communion with the Triune God—our everlasting Light. (23) And the city had no need of the sun . . .--Rather, And the city hath not need of the sun, nor of the moon that they should shine on (or, for) her; for the glory of God enlightened her, and her lamp is the Lamb. The Shechinah is again alluded to. Light is the emblem of knowledge and holiness. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all ( 1John 1:5). Christ the Lamb, came as the Light of the World. Now in the heavenly Jerusalem is the light seen as a lamp that burneth. The imagery is drawn from Isaiah. "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" ( Isaiah 60:19). No more will there be needed subsidiary or intermediate luminaries. He who makes the righteous to shine like stars, and causes His churches to shine like lights in the world, will be Himself the Light and Sun of His people: they shall see Him as He is. It is again to be noticed that the emblem of the Lamb is used to describe our Lord in this verse, and in the last, as it was also in Revelation 21:14. The memory of Christ's work on earth is never obliterated: still in the intense splendour and joy of that city of light the remembrance of Him who was led as a lamb to the slaughter gives depth and fulness to its joy. Verse 23. - And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it;hath no need. So 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." For the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the Light thereof.The glory of God (cf. ver. 11). No distinction is to be made between God and the Lamb; both are the Light (cf. John 1:5).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.cityπόλις(polis)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172:A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.hasἔχει(echei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.noοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.needχρείαν(chreian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5532:From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.forτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sunἡλίου(hēliou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2246:The sun, sunlight. From hele; the sun; by implication, light.[or]οὐδὲ(oude)Conjunction
Strong's 3761:Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.moonσελήνης(selēnēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4582:The moon. From selas; the moon.toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.shineφαίνωσιν(phainōsin)Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5316:Prolongation for the base of phos; to lighten, i.e. Show.on it,αὐτῇ(autē)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.becauseγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gloryδόξα(doxa)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1391:From the base of dokeo; glory, in a wide application.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.illuminatesἐφώτισεν(ephōtisen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5461:From phos; to shed rays, i.e. To shine or to brighten up.[the city],αὐτήν(autēn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theτὸ(to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.LambἈρνίον(Arnion)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 721:(originally: a little lamb, but diminutive force was lost), a lamb. Diminutive from aren; a lambkin.[is] itsαὐτῆς(autēs)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.lamp.λύχνος(lychnos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3088:A lamp. From the base of leukos; a portable lamp or other illuminator.
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 21:23 The city has no need (Rev. Re Apocalypse) |
