Revelation 21:23

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
πόλις
G4172
the city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#4
οὐ
G3756
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#5
χρείαν
G5532
need
employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
#6
ἔχει
G2192
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#7
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἡλίου
G2246
of the sun
the sun; by implication, light
#9
οὐδὲ
G3761
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#10
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
σελήνης
G4582
of the moon
the moon
#12
ἵνα
G2443
to
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#13
φαίνωσιν
G5316
shine
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
αὐτῆς
G846
it
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#16
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
γὰρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#18
δόξα
G1391
the glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#19
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#21
ἐφώτισεν
G5461
did lighten
to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)
#22
αὐτῆς
G846
it
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#23
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
λύχνος
G3088
is the light
a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)
#26
αὐτῆς
G846
it
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#27
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
ἀρνίον
G721
the Lamb
a lambkin

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing glory contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection