New Testament
Revelation 21:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 21:23, the text describes a future city, often interpreted as the New Jerusalem, where God's presence is so powerful that it eliminates the need for natural light sources like the sun and moon.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its light.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 21:23, the text describes a future city, often interpreted as the New Jerusalem, where God's presence is so powerful that it eliminates the need for natural light sources like the sun and moon. Instead, the glory of God itself provides illumination, symbolizing His divine presence and the purity of the environment. The Lamb, representing Jesus Christ, is also identified as the source of light, emphasizing His role in salvation and eternal life. This imagery conveys a profound sense of peace, safety, and divine radiance, suggesting that in this new creation, darkness and the limitations of the physical world are completely overcome by God's glory. The absence of the sun and moon signifies a new order where God’s light is sufficient for all needs, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to humanity.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 21:23 to your life
This verse encourages believers to seek the light of God in their lives, understanding that His presence can guide and illuminate their paths. It reminds us that in times of darkness, we can rely on God's glory to provide clarity and hope, leading us toward a brighter future.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 21:23 mean?
Revelation 21:23 describes a future city, often seen as the New Jerusalem, where God's glory replaces the need for the sun and moon. It emphasizes that God's presence provides all the light needed, symbolizing purity and divine illumination.
What is the significance of the Lamb in Revelation 21:23?
In Revelation 21:23, the Lamb represents Jesus Christ, who is identified as the source of light in the New Jerusalem. This highlights His role in salvation and eternal life, showing that His presence brings hope and clarity.
Why is there no sun or moon in Revelation 21:23?
The absence of the sun and moon in Revelation 21:23 signifies a new order where God's glory is sufficient for illumination. It illustrates a transformed existence where darkness is completely overcome by divine light.
What themes are present in Revelation 21:23?
Revelation 21:23 includes themes of divine illumination, God's glory, eternal life, and the presence of Christ. It conveys hope and transformation, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to humanity.
The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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