What does Revelation 22:5 mean?
"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 22:5

Revelation 22:5 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "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."
This verse comes at the end of the Book of Revelation, which is the final book in the New Testament. It is a book of prophecy, written by the apostle John, and is often regarded as a vivid description of the end times and the ultimate victory of God over evil. The preceding verses in Revelation 22 describe the new Jerusalem, and the restoration and eternal nature of God's kingdom. The verse begins with the promise that there will be no night in the new Jerusalem, and the people living there will have no need for a light source such as a candle or the sun, because the Lord God will be their light.
The primary theme of Revelation 22:5 is the eternal reign and sovereignty of God. In this verse, the absence of darkness and the need for external sources of light signify the complete and utter triumph of God's kingdom. This verse paints a picture of a divine and eternal city where God's light is the only light needed, symbolizing the complete absence of sin, evil, and despair. The imagery of eternal light also conveys the idea of eternal life and joy in the presence of God.
The concept of light is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, often symbolizing God's presence, truth, and righteousness. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). The imagery of light is further echoed in the Psalms, where it is written, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). In Revelation 22:5, the light of God represents the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among his people and the eternal security and joy that comes with this presence.
Another important theme present in Revelation 22:5 is the idea of endurance and perseverance. The verse promises that God's people will reign forever and ever, indicating that they have overcome the trials and tribulations of the world. This echoes the earlier messages in the book of Revelation, where the persecuted and faithful are encouraged to hold fast to their faith and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. The assurance of eternal reign affirms the hope and perseverance of believers, assuring them that their suffering on earth will eventually be replaced by everlasting joy and glory in the presence of God.
Contextually, Revelation 22:5 is situated within the concluding chapters of the book, which contain visionary descriptions of the new heaven and the new earth. Throughout these passages, the imagery of the new Jerusalem is used to symbolize the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and restoration. The absence of darkness and the reliance on God's light in Revelation 22:5 reflect the entire themes of renewal, purity, and eternal bliss that permeate the final chapters of the book.
Overall, Revelation 22:5 is a powerful and evocative verse that encapsulates the central themes of the book of Revelation and the Christian faith as a whole. It speaks to the ultimate victory and sovereignty of God, the eternal joy and security found in His presence, and the endurance and perseverance of the faithful in the face of tribulation. As the final book in the Bible, the Book of Revelation serves as a bold declaration of hope and assurance for believers, and Revelation 22:5 beautifully encapsulates this message of triumphant faith and enduring light.
Have questions about Revelation 22:5?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Revelation 22:5 Artwork
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."
"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 22:5
Revelation 22: 1-5
Revelation 22:18
Revelation 7:22
Revelation 5:5
Revelation 21:5
Revelation 5:6
Revelation 8:5
Revelation 5:6
Revelation 5:8
Revelation 5:6
revelations 22:1-3
Revelation 22:21 - "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
Revelation 22:13 - "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
Revelation 22:4 - "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads."
Revelation 5:1-10
Revelation 15:5-8
Revelation 15:5-8
Revelation 15:5-8
Revelation 21:22 - "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."
revelation 22: 3 - jesus on the throne and crowds rejoicing
revelation 22: 3 - jesus on the throne and crowds rejoicing
Revelation 22:7 - "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."
Revelation 22:10 - "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand."
Revelation 22:4 (FBV) They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Revelation 3:22 - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
Revelation 22:4 (FBV) They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
Revelations 8:3-5
Revelation 22:1 – "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God."