Revelation 22:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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 —

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:2 offers a magnificent glimpse into the New Jerusalem, depicting the restored Tree of Life as central to the eternal city's landscape. Positioned alongside the crystal-clear river of life, this tree symbolizes God's unending provision, bearing a diverse array of fruits monthly, ensuring perpetual sustenance for the redeemed. Crucially, its leaves are designated for the healing of the nations, signifying the complete restoration of all humanity and the undoing of every wound inflicted by sin, culminating in perfect wholeness and unity in God's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the climactic vision in the Book of Revelation, specifically within chapters 21 and 22, which describe the new heaven and new earth and the descent of the New Jerusalem. It immediately follows the depiction of the "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb" in [Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - The River of Life"). This establishes a scene of unparalleled divine presence and life-giving abundance. The imagery here intentionally contrasts with the desolation and judgment described earlier in Revelation, presenting the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan. It serves as the culmination of biblical history, moving from the lost paradise of Eden to a restored and perfected paradise where God dwells intimately with His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a life-giving river and a tree of life has deep roots in ancient Near Eastern mythology and, more importantly, in Old Testament prophetic literature. For the original audience, familiar with the Genesis account of humanity's expulsion from Eden and subsequent longing for restoration, the reappearance of the Tree of Life would have resonated profoundly. The concept of "healing for the nations" would have been understood against the backdrop of historical divisions, conflicts, and the spiritual brokenness that plagued humanity. Furthermore, the idea of a perpetual harvest (twelve fruits, every month) would have evoked images of abundant blessing and provision, contrasting sharply with the scarcity and hardship often experienced in the ancient world. The "nations" (Greek: *ethnē*) would have specifically brought to mind the Gentile world, emphasizing God's universal redemptive scope beyond Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 22:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Restoration and New Creation**, as the verse directly recalls and surpasses the original Garden of Eden, where access to the Tree of Life was denied after the fall ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Expulsion from Eden")). Here, access is not only restored but made central to the eternal state. Another key theme is **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, highlighted by the tree's continuous fruit-bearing, symbolizing God's unfailing and abundant care for His redeemed people, free from want or scarcity. Finally, the "healing of the nations" underscores the theme of **Universal Reconciliation and Wholeness**. This healing extends beyond physical ailments (which are absent in the New Jerusalem, as [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow or Pain") attests) to encompass the complete spiritual, relational, and societal mending of all the divisions, hostilities, and spiritual wounds that have plagued humanity throughout history. It is the full realization of peace and unity among all redeemed peoples, signifying the final removal of the curse and its effects. This vision echoes prophetic promises of a new covenant and a restored Israel that would bring light to the nations, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Come to Zion's Light") and [Ezekiel 47:12](/ezekiel/47-12 "Ezekiel 47:12 - Healing Waters from the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** G2222. Derived from *zaō*, meaning "to live," this word refers to life in its fullest sense—not merely biological existence, but spiritual, eternal, and abundant life. In this context, it emphasizes the quality of existence in the New Jerusalem, a life characterized by divine presence, freedom from decay, and perpetual vitality, directly contrasting with the death and corruption of the fallen world. The "Tree of Life" itself is the source and symbol of this unending, vibrant existence.
* **healing (Greek, _therapeía'_):** G2322. From *therapeuō*, meaning "to serve, to heal, to cure." While it can denote medical treatment or cure, in the eschatological context of Revelation 22:2, where sickness and pain are no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow or Pain")), *therapeía* conveys a deeper, more comprehensive sense of wholeness, restoration, and well-being. It signifies the complete mending of all spiritual, emotional, relational, and societal wounds inflicted by sin, bringing about perfect harmony and reconciliation.
* **nations (Greek, _éthnos'_):** G1484. Probably from *ethō* (habit), referring to a race or tribe, specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one, often implying pagan. In the New Testament, *éthnos* frequently refers to the Gentiles, or all non-Israelite peoples. Here, "the nations" signifies the entirety of redeemed humanity from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")), emphasizing the universal scope of God's redemptive work and the complete reconciliation of all peoples under His righteous rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life":** This clause establishes the prominent, central location of the Tree of Life. "The street of it" (Greek: *plateia*) refers to the broad main thoroughfare of the New Jerusalem, indicating public access and centrality. The phrase "on either side of the river" suggests that the tree is not a single entity but possibly a continuous grove or a series of trees lining the riverbanks, extending its life-giving presence throughout the city. This imagery emphasizes the omnipresent source of life and sustenance, directly accessible to all inhabitants. The "river" is the pure river of water of life from [Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - The River of Life"), flowing from God's throne, signifying that all life and blessing originate from God Himself.
* **"which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month":** This describes the extraordinary productivity and continuous provision of the Tree of Life. "Twelve manner of fruits" signifies a complete variety and abundance, perhaps one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel or the twelve apostles, symbolizing the fullness of God's provision for all His people. The phrase "yielded her fruit every month" (literally, "according to month, its fruit") emphasizes the perpetual, unfailing, and timely nature of this provision. There is no seasonality or scarcity; sustenance is always available, fresh and new, reflecting the eternal and inexhaustible nature of God's blessings.
* **"and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations":** This is a profound statement about the ultimate purpose and effect of God's restoration. While the fruit provides sustenance, the leaves offer "healing" (*therapeía*). As discussed in Key Word Analysis, this is not physical healing in a place where sickness is absent. Instead, it speaks to the comprehensive spiritual, relational, and societal restoration of all peoples. It signifies the complete undoing of the curse, the mending of all divisions, hostilities, and the deep-seated brokenness that has plagued humanity since the fall. It points to the full reconciliation and unity of all redeemed "nations" (*ethnē*) in the presence of God, where all past wounds are healed, and perfect peace reigns.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:2 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Allusion**. The **Tree of Life** itself is a potent symbol, directly alluding to the tree in the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 2:9](/genesis/2-9 "Genesis 2:9 - The Tree of Life in Eden")), signifying the reversal of the curse and the restoration of humanity's access to eternal life. Its continuous fruit-bearing (**Symbolism** of perpetual divine provision) and the healing properties of its leaves (**Symbolism** of comprehensive restoration) further develop this. The **river of life** is another powerful symbol, representing the Holy Spirit and the life-giving presence of God, echoing similar imagery in [Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1-12 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple") and [Psalm 46:4](/psalms/46-4 "Psalm 46:4 - A River Whose Streams Make Glad"). The phrase "healing of the nations" employs **Metonymy**, where "healing" represents the complete spiritual and relational wholeness of humanity, not just physical cure. The entire passage uses vivid **Imagery** to paint a picture of an idyllic, perfectly restored paradise, engaging the reader's senses and imagination to convey the glory of the eternal state. The **Contrast** between the fallen world's scarcity, division, and suffering and the New Jerusalem's abundance, unity, and wholeness is implicitly powerful throughout the description.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 22:2 stands as a powerful theological statement on the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan. It signifies the complete reversal of the Genesis curse, where humanity was expelled from the Tree of Life due to sin. In the New Jerusalem, not only is access restored, but the Tree of Life becomes a central, ever-present source of sustenance and healing, demonstrating God's boundless grace and provision. The "healing of the nations" underscores the universal scope of God's salvation, emphasizing that His redemptive work extends beyond individual salvation to encompass the reconciliation of all peoples and the mending of all the brokenness caused by sin throughout human history. This holistic restoration speaks to God's desire for perfect shalom – peace, wholeness, and flourishing – for His entire creation, culminating in a unified, worshipping community drawn from every corner of the earth.

* [Genesis 3:22-24](/genesis/3-22-24 "Genesis 3:22-24 - Expulsion from Eden and the Tree of Life")
* [Ezekiel 47:12](/ezekiel/47-12 "Ezekiel 47:12 - Trees by the River, Their Leaves for Healing")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death, Sorrow, Crying, or Pain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:2 offers a profound source of hope and comfort for believers navigating the brokenness of the present world. It assures us that God's ultimate plan is one of perfect restoration, where life flourishes eternally, and all the wounds inflicted by sin—whether personal, relational, or societal—are completely healed. This vision encourages us to persevere through current trials, knowing that a glorious and abundant future awaits, free from scarcity, sickness, or division. It reminds us of God's complete and unfailing provision, assuring us that He will meet every need in the eternal state. Furthermore, the promise of the "healing of the nations" is a powerful call to action in the present. While the ultimate healing is eschatological, it inspires us to participate in God's redemptive work now, pursuing reconciliation, justice, and wholeness in our communities and among diverse peoples, embodying the unity and peace that will characterize the New Jerusalem. It fosters a longing for that day when all things are made new and God's perfect shalom reigns supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the Tree of Life in Revelation 22:2 contrast with its presence in Genesis 3, and what hope does this contrast offer to you personally?**
* **Considering the "healing of the nations," what does this imply about God's ultimate desire for humanity, and how might we begin to embody this "healing" in our relationships and communities today?**
* **The tree yields fruit "every month." What does this continuous provision signify about God's character and His care for His people in the eternal state?**

### FAQ
**What does "healing of the nations" mean if there is no sickness in the New Jerusalem?**

Answer: The "healing of the nations" in [Revelation 22:2](/revelation/22-2 "Revelation 22:2 - The Tree of Life and Healing of the Nations") refers to a much deeper, more comprehensive restoration than merely physical cure. In the New Jerusalem, [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death, Sorrow, Crying, or Pain") explicitly states that there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain, implying the absence of physical ailments. Therefore, the "healing" (Greek: *therapeía*) points to the complete spiritual, relational, and societal wholeness of humanity. It signifies the undoing of all the divisions, hostilities, spiritual brokenness, and the lingering effects of sin that have plagued humanity throughout history. It is the full reconciliation and unity of all redeemed peoples—from every tribe and tongue—under God's righteous rule, where all past wounds are mended, and perfect peace and harmony reign. It's the ultimate restoration of shalom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:2 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is Himself the true and eternal source of life and healing. While the Tree of Life in Eden was guarded after the fall, access to eternal life is now freely offered through Christ's atoning work. He is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose sacrificial death on the cross opened the way back to God's presence and the Tree of Life. Just as the tree provides continuous fruit, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), signifying His perpetual spiritual sustenance for His people. Furthermore, the "healing of the nations" points directly to Christ's universal redemptive work. Through His blood, He has purchased "people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by the Lamb's Blood")), breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) and bringing reconciliation not only between God and humanity but also among diverse peoples. He is the one who makes "all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")), ultimately bringing about the complete and glorious restoration envisioned in this verse, where all creation is reconciled to God through Him ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling All Things Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.