Revelation 21:22-23 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 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."

This passage comes from the Book of Revelation, which is the final book of the New Testament. It is a highly symbolic and metaphorical book, filled with apocalyptic imagery and vivid descriptions of the end times. In this particular verse, the author, traditionally believed to be the apostle John, is describing a vision he had of a new Jerusalem, a holy city that has descended from heaven.

The first part of the passage, "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it," signifies the presence of God in this new Jerusalem. In the old Jerusalem, the temple was the holiest place, where God's presence was believed to reside. However, in this new city, there is no need for a physical temple because God himself, along with the Lamb (who is often interpreted as Jesus Christ), is the temple. This implies a direct and unmediated access to the divine presence, emphasizing the intimate and unobstructed relationship between God and his people in this new creation.

The next part of the passage, "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," further emphasizes the divine nature of this new Jerusalem. The imagery of a city that does not rely on natural sources of light but is illuminated by the glory of God and the Lamb conveys the idea of spiritual enlightenment and divine guidance. This imagery is reminiscent of the opening verses of the Book of John, where Jesus is described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), suggesting that in this new city, the presence of God and Christ will provide all the light and illumination that is needed.

The themes and messages conveyed in this passage are rich and profound. One recurring theme is the idea of the fulfillment of God's promises and the culmination of his redemptive plan for humanity. The vision of a new Jerusalem represents the ultimate realization of God's kingdom on earth, where there is perfect communion between God and his people, and where righteousness and peace reign. This vision offers hope and consolation to believers, assuring them that the struggles and sufferings of the present world will ultimately give way to a glorious and divine reality.

Another important theme is the divine sovereignty and transcendence of God. The absence of a physical temple and the reliance on natural light sources in the new Jerusalem serve as powerful symbols of God's all-encompassing presence and his utter sufficiency. It underscores the idea that in God himself, all spiritual and material needs are met, and his glory shines forth in a way that transcends the limitations of the natural world.

In terms of context, the Book of Revelation is believed to have been written during a time of intense persecution of the early Christian church. The vision of a new Jerusalem and the promise of a future where God's kingdom is fully established would have been particularly comforting and encouraging to the original audience. It would have served as a reminder that their current trials and tribulations were temporary, and that a new and perfect reality awaited them in the future.

In conclusion, Revelation 21:22-23 offers a powerful and evocative portrayal of a divine and transcendent reality in which God and his Son are the ultimate sources of light and life. It conveys a vision of hope, redemption, and fulfillment, and it serves as a reminder of the eternal and unchanging nature of God's sovereignty. This passage continues to inspire and uplift believers, reminding them that no matter the challenges they may face, the ultimate victory belongs to God, and his kingdom will reign forever.