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 22:5KJVWhat does Revelation 22:5 mean?
Revelation 22:5 describes a future reality where there is no more night, and people do not need any artificial or natural light because the Lord God Himself provides light for them. The verse also says that those present will reign forever and ever, highlighting an unending, perfect existence in God's presence.
In this final chapter of Revelation, John is sharing a vision of the New Jerusalem, a restored creation where God dwells directly with His people. The verse emphasizes the complete removal of darkness and the constant, sustaining presence of God, making all other sources of light unnecessary. The promise that "they shall reign for ever and ever" points to a permanent, honored role for God's people in this new reality.
The Greek behind Revelation 22:5
- The word for "night" (νύξ, nux, G3571) means literal darkness, but here it also suggests the end of anything hidden or fearful—there is nothing to obscure or threaten in God's presence.
- The phrase "giveth them light" uses φωτίζω (phōtizō, G5461), which means to illuminate or make bright. This word often carries the sense of enlightenment or revelation, suggesting that God's presence brings both physical and spiritual clarity.
- The double phrase "for ever and ever" (εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων, eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn, G1519 + G165 + G165) is a strong way to say "for all eternity," stressing that this state will never end.
Why Revelation 22:5 matters
- This verse clarifies that in the final, restored creation, God's presence replaces every other source of light or security—there is no more separation or distance from Him.
- The promise that "they shall reign for ever and ever" connects back to earlier promises in Revelation and the Bible, showing that God's people have a lasting, honored place in His kingdom.
- By describing a world without night or need for light, the verse emphasizes the total transformation and fulfillment that comes from being with God, which is a key hope running through the whole book of Revelation.