“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)
“And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.”– Revelation 21:23 (NLT)
“The city doesn’t need sun or moon to shine on it. The glory of God is its light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”– Revelation 21:23 (MSG)
What Does Revelation 21:23 Mean?
Revelation 21:23 speaks about an extraordinary city, which is often understood as the New Jerusalem, described when God makes all things new. This city needs neither the sun nor the moon to provide light because the glory of God shines throughout it. In our current world, we rely on the sun for warmth and light. Yet, this verse gives us a glimpse of an entirely different existence in God’s perfect kingdom. Here, God doesn’t just illuminate the city; He embodies light, showcasing His holiness and love for His people.
This verse’s significance lies in the assurance of God’s presence among His people in this new creation. It talks about an intimate relationship where God himself fulfills every need. The Lamb, representing Jesus, plays a critical role, indicating His sacrifice and love that grant us eternal life. The glorious light represents hope and salvation, illuminating the hearts of those who dwell in this city.
Revelation 21:23 Explanation and Commentary
In Revelation, John, the author, shares a grand vision of the future. He sees a new heaven and a new earth, where God’s ultimate plan unfolds. Revelation 21:23 emphasizes the transformative power of God’s light. Light in the Bible often represents goodness, truth, and the divine presence. By stating that the city has no need for the sun or moon, John suggests that God’s glory supersedes anything we currently comprehend in our earthly lives.
When light subsides and darkness prevails, people often feel fear and uncertainty. However, the city in this verse dispels all fear. The phrase “the Lamb is the light” references Jesus, highlighting His role in providing hope and guidance. In a world filled with darkness, Jesus stands as a beacon of light, reminding us that no matter how lost we may feel, His love can always guide us back to safety.
The immense brilliance that emanates from God’s glory serves as reassurance of our identity and worth. When we approach this heavenly city, we see God’s love wrapped around us as protection. Our struggles fade away, replaced with joy and peace, found only in His presence.
This verse also prompts us to reflect on how we can bring that divine light into our current realities. Jesus teaches us to be the light of the world, sharing warmth, love, and hope with others. By doing so, we mirror God’s image, creating a community that acts as a reflection of His presence.
Context of Revelation 21:23
To fully grasp Revelation 21:23, we should explore its context. The preceding chapters of Revelation illustrate the final judgment, where God wipes away all tears and brings justice to those who have been wronged. In Chapter 21, John describes the New Jerusalem—the bride of the Lamb—the culmination of God’s plan for humanity.
This city’s characteristics capture the majesty of God. The absence of the sun and moon conveys a new form of reality, indicating that God’s glory fills every corner. The physical elements we depend upon fade when compared to divine splendor. The presence of God becomes the source of perpetual light, illuminating our hearts and lives.
Moreover, the context reveals a sense of comfort and protection. The promise of a new life free from pain, sorrow, and death stands at the forefront. God reassures His people that even in the midst of an uncertain world, His plans are always for our good. As we navigate present-day struggles, we hold fast to this truth: God’s glory ultimately overcomes darkness.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 21:23
Let’s explore the key components of Revelation 21:23 that provide a deeper insight into this powerful verse. The idea of needing no sun suggests a reality where light exists without earthly elements. In God’s presence, we don’t have to rely on physical sources for guidance—He provides everything. This reassurance challenges our current dependency on material things.
The phrase, “the glory of God,” points to the divine nature of God, suggesting that His magnificence is beyond anything we can envision. Reflecting on God’s glory invites us to acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness. When we consider the stories of the Old Testament, we find God leading His people with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. In this new era, His glory will usher in a much deeper and more intimate relationship.
Then we see Jesus referred to as “the Lamb.” This reference encapsulates His sacrificial love. It reminds us of His ultimate act of love on the cross, paving the way for reconciliation and showing us the depth of His commitment. Thus, this verse stands as both a promise to those who believe and a proclamation of the victory Christ holds over sin and death.
Your worth is affirmed by what this verse illustrates. We are not merely individuals seeking light; we are children of God who will dwell in His presence forever. This profound truth shapes how we interact with others, reminding us that we are made to reflect the light of Christ into the world.
Lessons to Learn From Revelation 21:23
The implications of Revelation 21:23 stretch far beyond the details of the New Jerusalem. One significant lesson is the importance of recognizing God as the source of our light. In a world filled with chaos and confusion, we can often lose sight of this truth, searching for fulfillment in countless places. Yet, just as the city requires no sun, neither should we depend solely on material things to light our paths.
This verse prompts us to create spaces in our lives for God’s presence. Regular prayer, engaging with scripture, and gathering with fellow believers form the basis of a life illuminated by Him. The more we seek His presence, the more His light will shine in us and through us.
Another lesson stems from the idea of community. The New Jerusalem reveals a divine gathering, emphasizing the importance of community in God’s kingdom. As we consider how to contribute to our churches and communities, we must ask how we can reflect God’s light to those around us. Are we sharing kindness and compassion, or are we shying away from opportunities to represent Christ? Every individual plays a part in this beautiful tapestry of God’s creation.
This verse also encourages us to trust in God’s plan. With uncertainty swirling around us, we must remember that God holds our future in His hands. He desires to lead us, filling us with hope. As we navigate through challenges, holding onto the promise of light shining in darkness can help us persevere through hard times.
Final Thoughts
In closing, Revelation 21:23 paints an awe-inspiring picture of God’s eternal light and His profound love for us. As we look ahead to the promises laid out in Scripture, we can hold fast to the hope that we are never alone. Together, we can reflect on His glory, learn to shine brighter in our communities, and trust in His unchanging presence among us.
By anchoring our lives in God’s light, we can transform how we engage with our surroundings and with one another. As we seek to deepen our understanding, let us also explore other writings and teachings that reveal further truths about our faith. For instance, we can explore [1 John 5:1](https://biblerepository.com/1-john-51/) on love and how it connects us or delve into [1 John 4:21](https://biblerepository.com/1-john-421/) which speaks of love’s true nature. Together, we can continue to uncover the joy in living out our faith every day.