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 21:23KJV
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Revelation 21:23 (KJV)

What does Revelation 21:23 mean?

Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem as a city that does not need the sun or the moon for light, because God’s glory and the Lamb provide all the light it needs. The verse emphasizes that in this future city, God’s presence replaces all other sources of illumination.

John, the writer of Revelation, is sharing a vision of the New Jerusalem—a symbolic picture of God’s final, perfect dwelling with humanity. He tells his readers that the usual lights of creation (the sun and moon) are unnecessary there, because the radiance of God and the Lamb (a title for Jesus) fills the city with light. This highlights the closeness and sufficiency of God’s presence in the world to come.

The Greek behind Revelation 21:23

  • δόξα (doxa, “glory”): This word means brightness, splendor, or honor. In this verse, it points to God’s overwhelming presence as the true source of light, not just a metaphorical glory but a real, illuminating radiance.
  • φῶς (phōs, “light”): Used here to describe the Lamb, this word means both literal light and spiritual illumination. The verse links Jesus (the Lamb) directly to the idea of light, showing his role as the one who reveals and sustains life in the city.
  • ἔλαμψεν (elampsen, “did lighten”): This verb means to shine or give light. The Greek here carries the sense that God’s glory actively fills and brightens the city, not just passively existing.

Why Revelation 21:23 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the New Jerusalem is just a better version of earthly cities; instead, it is fundamentally different because God’s presence changes the very nature of life there.
  • The focus on God and the Lamb as the only sources of light emphasizes their central role in the new creation, showing that everything needed comes directly from them.
  • In the wider context of Revelation 21, this verse helps readers see the fulfillment of God’s promises to dwell with his people in a way that removes all separation and darkness.

Where else these words appear

“moon” Greek G4582 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
  • Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
  • Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

“lighten” Greek G5461 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 11:36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
  • Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
  • Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

“light” Greek G3088 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

“Lamb” Greek G721 · used in 28 verses

  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
  • Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
  • Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.