Revelation 22:5

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νὺξ

G3571

night

"night" (literally or figuratively)

οὐκ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔσται

G2071

there shall be

will be

ἐκει,

G1563

there

there; by extension, thither

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

χρείαν

G5532

they need

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

οὐκ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχουσιν

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#10

λύχνου

G3088

candle

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

φωτὸς

G5457

light

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

#13

ἡλίου

G2246

of the sun

the sun; by implication, light

#14

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#15

κύριος

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#16

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#18

φωτίζει

G5461

giveth

to shed rays, i.e., to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively)

#19

αὐτούς

G846

them

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

#20

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

βασιλεύσουσιν

G936

they shall reign

to rule (literally or figuratively)

#22

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#23

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

αἰώνων

G165

and ever

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#25

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

αἰώνων

G165

and ever

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?