Revelation 22:2

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

In {G1722} the midst {G3319} of the street {G4113} of it {G846}, and {G2532} on either {G2532} side {G1782}{G1782} of the river {G4215}, was there the tree {G3586} of life {G2222}, which bare {G4160} twelve {G1427} manner of fruits {G2590}, and yielded {G591} her {G846} fruit {G2590} every {G2596}{G1538}{G1520} month {G3376}: and {G2532} the leaves {G5444} of the tree {G3586} were for {G1519} the healing {G2322} of the nations {G1484}.

Between the main street and the river was the Tree of Life producing twelve kinds of fruit, a different kind every month; and the leaves of the tree were for healing the nations —

down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Revelation 22:2 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the eternal state, describing key features of the New Jerusalem and the restored paradise. This verse immediately follows the depiction of the pure river of water of life, establishing a scene of abundant life and divine provision.

Context

This verse is part of the concluding vision in the Book of Revelation (chapters 21-22), which portrays the new heaven and new earth, and the descent of the New Jerusalem. It paints a stark contrast to the fallen world, recalling and surpassing the original Garden of Eden. John sees a perfect, vibrant environment where God dwells with His people, and all the effects of sin and the curse are undone. The imagery here is rich with Old Testament prophecies, particularly from Ezekiel's vision of a new temple and a life-giving river (e.g., Ezekiel 47:1-12).

Key Themes

  • The Tree of Life Restored: The prominence of the "tree of life" signifies a reversal of the curse from Genesis, where humanity was barred from its access after the fall. In the New Jerusalem, access is not only restored but celebrated as a central feature of eternal life and fellowship with God.
  • Abundant and Continuous Provision: The tree bearing "twelve manner of fruits" and yielding "her fruit every month" speaks to endless, varied, and unfailing sustenance provided by God. It assures believers of perpetual blessing and satisfaction in the eternal state, free from want or scarcity. This symbolizes God's complete and consistent care for His redeemed people.
  • Healing for the Nations: Perhaps one of the most profound aspects, "the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." This healing (Greek: therapeia) is not necessarily a cure for physical ailments in a place where sickness no longer exists. Instead, it points to the complete restoration of all things—spiritual, relational, and societal. It signifies the undoing of all the divisions, hostilities, and spiritual wounds that have plagued humanity throughout history. It is the full realization of peace and wholeness among all redeemed peoples, symbolizing the final removal of the curse and its effects.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "healing" is therapeia (θεραπεία). While it can denote medical healing or therapy, in this eschatological context, it conveys a deeper sense of wholeness, restoration, and well-being. It suggests that the spiritual, emotional, and social wounds inflicted by sin on humanity and the earth are completely mended. The "nations" (ethnē) refers to all the peoples of the earth, indicating a universal restoration and reconciliation under God's righteous rule, where all are united in worship and fellowship, no longer divided by sin or strife.

Practical Application and Reflection

Revelation 22:2 offers immense hope and comfort to believers. It assures us that God's plan culminates in perfect restoration, where life flourishes eternally, and all the brokenness of this world is healed. This vision encourages us to persevere through present trials, knowing that a glorious future awaits. It reminds us of God's complete provision and His ultimate victory over sin and death. The promise of the "healing of the nations" also highlights God's desire for unity and peace among all peoples, a future we are called to anticipate and, to some extent, embody even now as we live out the reconciliation found in Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 22:1

    ¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

  • 1 Peter 2:24

    Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

  • Revelation 2:7

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

  • Ezekiel 47:8

    Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: [which being] brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

  • Ezekiel 47:12

    And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

  • Genesis 2:9

    And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

  • Revelation 22:14

    Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
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