Revelation 7:16

KJV

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall hunger {G3983} no {G3756} more {G2089}, neither {G3761} thirst {G1372} any more {G2089}; neither {G3761}{G3361} shall {G4098} the sun {G2246} light {G4098} on {G1909} them {G846}, nor {G3761} any {G3956} heat {G2738}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“They will never again be hungry,
they will never again be thirsty,
the sun will not beat down on them,
nor will any burning heat.

Berean Standard Bible

‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’

American Standard Version

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 7:16 offers a profound vision of the eternal blessedness awaiting the redeemed multitude in God's presence, promising a complete and permanent cessation of all earthly suffering. It depicts a future reality where fundamental human needs like hunger and thirst are forever satisfied, and protection from harsh environmental elements, symbolized by the sun and heat, is divinely guaranteed. This verse serves as a powerful assurance of ultimate peace, security, and abundant provision for those who persevere through tribulation and stand before the throne of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a pivotal interlude in the Book of Revelation, situated between the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel in [Revelation 7:1-8](/revelation/7-1-8 "Revelation 7:1-8 - The Sealing of the 144,000") and the seventh trumpet judgment. Following the vision of the sealed, John sees a "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes and bearing palms ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne")). An elder then identifies this multitude as "they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Identity of the Redeemed Multitude")). Verse 16, along with the subsequent verses, describes the glorious state and divine provision enjoyed by this multitude, emphasizing the Lamb's role as their shepherd and guide to living fountains of waters ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb as Shepherd")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of Revelation, Christians in the Roman province of Asia Minor, faced significant persecution, social ostracization, and economic hardship under the Roman Empire. Life in the ancient Near East was often characterized by physical toil, scarcity, and exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Hunger and thirst were ever-present realities, and the intense heat of the sun could be debilitating, leading to sunstroke, dehydration, and crop failure. The imagery of "the sun light on them, nor any heat" would resonate deeply with those who experienced the literal dangers and discomforts of the climate, as well as the metaphorical "heat" of tribulation and persecution. Thus, the promises of no more hunger, thirst, or oppressive heat spoke directly to their lived experiences of suffering and offered a profound contrast to their earthly struggles.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 7:16 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader book and biblical theology. The most prominent is the **Cessation of Suffering**, portraying an ultimate reality where all forms of pain, deprivation, and hardship are permanently abolished, a stark contrast to the tribulations described earlier in the book. This promise also underscores **Divine Protection and Provision**, as God himself, through the Lamb, becomes the ultimate source of comfort, shelter, and sustenance for His people. It highlights the theme of **Ultimate Blessedness and Security** for the faithful, emphasizing that their dwelling in God's presence guarantees perfect peace and freedom from all external threats. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **Eschatological Hope**, providing a powerful vision of the glorious future that awaits those who endure suffering for Christ, encouraging perseverance in the face of present trials, as seen in the broader narrative of [Revelation 6-7](/revelation/6-7 "Revelation 6-7 - Seals and the Redeemed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hunger (Greek, _peináō'_):** From the same root as "poor" or "pinching toil," this word signifies to famish, to be an hungered, or to crave. It speaks not only of physical hunger but can also carry a figurative sense of spiritual longing or deprivation. In this context, it guarantees a complete and eternal satisfaction of all needs, both physical and spiritual, in God's presence.
* **thirst (Greek, _dipsáō'_):** Meaning to thirst for, literally or figuratively, this word denotes a deep craving for water. Like hunger, it represents a fundamental human need. Its cessation promises an unending supply of spiritual refreshment and life, echoing themes of living water found elsewhere in scripture.
* **heat (Greek, _kaûma'_):** Derived from the word "to burn," _kaûma_ refers to a burn or, abstractly, a glow or intense heat. It specifically denotes the scorching, oppressive heat that causes suffering and discomfort. Its absence signifies complete protection from all external afflictions and hardships, implying a state of perfect comfort and well-being under divine care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more":** This clause promises the absolute and permanent end to the most basic human deprivations. In an ancient world where hunger and thirst were constant threats, this assurance speaks to a state of complete physical and spiritual satisfaction. It signifies an eternal abundance where all needs are met by divine provision, contrasting sharply with the scarcity and suffering of earthly existence.
* **"neither shall the sun light on them":** This phrase depicts divine protection from the harshness of the elements. In the Middle East, the sun's intense heat could be oppressive and dangerous, causing dehydration, sunstroke, and even death. "Light on them" (from _píptō_, "to fall") suggests the sun's rays falling upon them with harmful effect. Its negation promises a perpetual shelter and comfort, implying that God himself will be their shade and protector.
* **"nor any heat":** This final phrase reinforces the previous one, broadening the scope of protection from just the sun's direct rays to any form of oppressive heat or discomfort. It signifies a complete absence of all environmental and metaphorical "heat" of tribulation, persecution, or affliction. Together, these clauses paint a picture of perfect peace, security, and well-being in the presence of God, where all sources of suffering are forever removed.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 7:16 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of ultimate blessedness. **Negation** is prominently used through the repeated phrases "no more" and "neither... nor," emphasizing the absolute and permanent cessation of suffering. This strong negative phrasing creates a vivid contrast with the present reality of human experience, highlighting the radical transformation awaiting the redeemed. **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced structure of the two main clauses: "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more" and "neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat." This rhythmic structure enhances the verse's memorability and reinforces the comprehensive nature of the promised relief. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is at play, where "hunger" and "thirst" represent not only physical needs but also all forms of deprivation and longing, while "sun" and "heat" symbolize all external afflictions, persecutions, and discomforts. The promise, therefore, extends beyond literal physical comfort to encompass a holistic state of spiritual and existential well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 7:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate plan for His redeemed people, embodying the eschatological hope of a new heaven and new earth where suffering is no more. It connects deeply with the biblical theme of divine provision, echoing the wilderness wanderings where God miraculously provided manna and water, and foreshadowing the ultimate restoration of creation. This verse assures believers that their present trials and deprivations are temporary, and a glorious, eternal state of perfect peace, security, and abundant supply awaits them in the immediate presence of God and the Lamb. It speaks to the ultimate reversal of the curse of sin, where the effects of a fallen world—like scarcity and harsh elements—are completely undone by God's sovereign grace and power.

* [Isaiah 49:10](/isaiah/49-10 "Isaiah 49:10 - God's Care for the Redeemed")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")
* [Psalm 121:5-6](/psalms/121-5-6 "Psalm 121:5-6 - The Lord as Your Shade")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers navigating the complexities and hardships of this fallen world, Revelation 7:16 offers an immense wellspring of hope and encouragement. It provides a vivid glimpse into the glorious future that awaits those who remain faithful to Christ, assuring them that every tear will be wiped away and every form of suffering—physical, emotional, or spiritual—will be permanently abolished. This vision calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that our present afflictions, no matter how severe, are temporary and incomparable to the eternal weight of glory. It encourages perseverance in the face of trials, knowing that our ultimate destination is a place of perfect peace, security, and abundant provision under the direct care and protection of God Himself. This promise should motivate us to live lives of faithful endurance, trusting in God's sovereign plan and finding comfort in the certainty of His future redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "no more hunger, neither thirst" speak to your deepest longings and unmet needs in this life?**
* **In what ways do you experience the "sun" or "heat" of tribulation in your current circumstances, and how does this verse offer comfort?**
* **How does focusing on the future reality described in Revelation 7:16 impact your perseverance and hope in present difficulties?**
* **What practical steps can you take today to live in light of this glorious eternal hope?**

### FAQ

**Who are "they" in this verse?**

Answer: "They" refers to the "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" seen by John in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne"). An elder clarifies their identity in [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Identity of the Redeemed Multitude") as those "which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." This signifies a vast company of redeemed believers from every corner of the earth, who have endured significant suffering for their faith and have been purified by Christ's atoning sacrifice.

**What does "hunger no more, neither thirst any more" signify beyond physical needs?**

Answer: While primarily addressing physical deprivations, the promise of no more hunger or thirst extends to a deeper, spiritual fulfillment. In biblical thought, hunger and thirst often symbolize spiritual longing, a yearning for righteousness, or a need for God's presence and truth. For instance, Jesus declared, "[Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Beatitude on Righteousness")." Therefore, this verse implies not only the satisfaction of all physical necessities but also the complete and eternal fulfillment of every spiritual desire, every longing for truth, justice, and intimacy with God. It represents a state of perfect contentment and abundance in His presence, where every need, both body and soul, is eternally met.

**How does this verse relate to present suffering?**

Answer: This verse provides profound hope and perspective for believers enduring present suffering. It does not deny the reality or pain of current hardships but offers a powerful assurance of their temporary nature and ultimate cessation. By contrasting the present experience of hunger, thirst, and oppressive conditions with a future of perfect provision and protection, it encourages perseverance and faithfulness. It reminds us that our earthly trials are fleeting compared to the eternal glory that awaits, fostering a mindset of endurance and trust in God's ultimate redemption. It aligns with the New Testament theme that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" ([Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Future Glory")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 7:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and possibility in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is because of the Lamb that this glorious future is secured for the redeemed multitude. Jesus Himself declared, "[I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" and offered "[living water](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Living Water")" that would quench thirst forever. He is the Good Shepherd who leads His flock to "green pastures" and "still waters" ([Psalm 23:2](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - The Lord is My Shepherd")), a role explicitly affirmed in the very next verse of Revelation, where the Lamb "shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters" ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb as Shepherd")). His atoning sacrifice, symbolized by the robes washed white in His blood ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed in the Blood of the Lamb")), is the foundational act that grants access to this eternal state of blessedness. Through His victory over sin and death, Christ has secured a future where the curse is reversed, and His followers dwell in perfect communion with God, eternally free from all want and harm, sheltered by His divine presence. This vision is a direct outflow of His finished work on the cross and His ongoing intercession for His people, ensuring that they will indeed "hunger no more, neither thirst any more."

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

Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Psalms 121:6

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Matthew 5:6

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Luke 6:21

Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Isaiah 41:17

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.