TRV
will shepherd them, will lead them
to springs of living water,
and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 7:13–17. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here we have a description of the honour and happiness of those who have faithfully served the Lord Jesus Christ, and suffered for him. Observe,
I.A question asked by one of the elders, not for his own information, but for John's instruction:
ministers may learn from the people, especially from aged and experienced Christians; the lowest saint in heaven knows more than the greatest apostle in the world. Now the question has two parts: - 1. What are these that are arrayed in white robes? 2. Whence came they? It seems to be spoken by way of admiration, as Sol 3:6, Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness! Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we should mark the upright.
II.The answer returned by the apostle, in which he tacitly acknowledges his own ignorance, and sues to this elder for information:
Thou knowest. Those who would gain knowledge must not be ashamed to own their ignorance, nor to desire instruction from any that are able to give it.
III.The account given to the apostle concerning that noble army of martyrs who stood before the throne of God in white robes, with palms of victory in their hands: and notice is taken here of,
1.The low and desolate state they had formerly been in; they had been in great tribulation, persecuted by men, tempted by Satan, sometimes troubled in their own spirits; they had suffered the spoiling of their goods, the imprisonment of their persons, yea, the loss of life itself. The way to heaven lies through many tribulations; but tribulation, how great soever, shall not separate us from the love of God. Tribulation, when gone through well, will make heaven more welcome and more glorious.
2.The means by which they had been prepared for the great honour and happiness they now enjoyed: they had washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Rev 7:14. It is not the blood of the martyrs themselves, but the blood of the Lamb, that can wash away sin, and make the soul pure and clean in the sight of God. Other blood stains; this is the only blood that makes the robes of the saints white and clean.
3.The blessedness to which they are now advanced, being thus prepared for it.
(1.)They are happy in their station, for they are before the throne of God night and day; and he dwells among them; they are in that presence where there is fulness of joy.
(2.)They are happy in their employment, for they serve God continually, and that without weakness, drowsiness, or weariness. Heaven is a state of service, though not of suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it is a praising delightful rest.
(3.)They are happy in their freedom from all the inconveniences of this present life.
[1.]From all want and sense of want: They hunger and thirst no more; all their wants are supplied, and all the uneasiness caused thereby is removed.
[2.]From all sickness and pain: they shall never be scorched by the heat of the sun any more.
(4.)They are happy in the love and guidance of the Lord Jesus: He shall feed them, he shall lead them to living fountains of waters, he shall put them into the possession of every thing that is pleasant and refreshing to their souls, and therefore they shall hunger and thirst no more.
(5.)They are happy in being delivered from all sorrow or occasion of it: God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. They have formerly had their sorrows, and shed many tears, both upon the account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with his own gentle and gracious hand, will wipe those tears away, and they shall return no more for ever; and they would not have been without those tears, when God comes to wipe them away. In this he deals with them as a tender father who finds his beloved child in tears, he comforts him, he wipes his eyes, and turns his sorrow into rejoicing. This should moderate the Christian's sorrow in his present state, and support him under all the troubles of it; for those that sow in tears shall reap in joy; and those that now go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.
Historical interpretation
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The angel echoes the same to John: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; " from the same eyes indeed which had formerly wept, and which might weep again, if the loving-kindness of God did not dry up every fountain of tears.
“Everlasting joy,” says Isaiah, “shall be upon their heads.” Well, there is nothing eternal until after the resurrection. “And sorrow and sighing,” he continues, “shall flee away.” The angel echoes the same to John: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes”; from the same eyes indeed that had formerly wept and that might weep again, if the lovingkindness of God did not dry up every fountain of tears. And again: “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death,” and therefore no more corruption, it being chased away by incorruption, even as death is by immortality. If sorrow, and mourning, and sighing, and death itself assail us from the afflictions both of soul and body, how shall they be removed, except by the cessation of their causes, that is to say, the afflictions of flesh and soul? Where will you find adversities in the presence of God? Where, incursions of an enemy in the bosom of Christ? Where attacks of the devil in the face of the Holy Spirit, now that the devil himself and his angels are “cast into the lake of fire.”
Earlier he had said that the Lamb seated on the throne received the book. Now he says that the Lamb in the midst of the throne rules them. In this way he teaches that there is one throne for the Father and the Son, since the Father is in the Son, and the Son in the Father, that is, in the midst of the church, in which the one God, the entire Trinity, dwells through faith.
All of these things will happen to us spiritually when sins have been forgiven and we rise to life, that is, when the “old man has been stripped off and we have put on Christ” and are filled “with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” For this is the life that the Lord promised to his church when he said, “Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and my people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem, and be glad in my people; no more will be heard in it the sound of weeping or the cry of distress.”
They will be led to the pure and clear fountains of divine thoughts, for the image of water already indicates the abundant stream of the divine Spirit. For concerning the one who believes in him in a pure way the Lord said, “Rivers of living water will flow from his belly.” From this fount the saints will at that time drink abundantly, and they will be in infinite joy and gladness, possessing perfect knowledge after being rid of partial knowledge, and having become rid of the change which comes with corruption.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Having attained the fullness of immortal joys, all sorrow will be entirely consigned to oblivion. For blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. But the vision of this robed multitude can also be understood of the present time, where we are saved by hope, and what we do not see we wait for with patience.
And he will lead them to the fountains of living waters. Surely to the fellowship of the saints, who are the fountains of heavenly doctrine. It can also signify the vision of God himself, in whom are hidden the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. As David says: "As the deer longs for the fountains of water, so my soul longs for you, O God" (Psalm XLI).
For the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them. He says that the Lamb is in the midst of the throne, who had previously said that the Lamb received the book from the one seated on the throne, teaching that the Church has one throne with the Father and the Son, in which through faith one dwells, the whole Trinity, God.
They shall no more hunger nor thirst, neither shall the sun fall on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall rule them, and shall lead them to the fountains of the waters of life. They suffer no trouble, because the Lamb rules them. Now where is he leading them to, but to the fountain of waters, that is to the Trinity, which is signified by a fountain? And by what way, but himself? For he himself said, I am the way. [John 14:6] It should also be noted that it is one and the same fountain that takes away hunger because it is the living bread, and thirst because it is the drink of life; for, as the apostle says, God will be all in all. [1 Cor. 15:28] So the fountain is said to be one because of the unity of nature of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; and it is presented as a fountain of waters so that the multiplicity of God's gifts in the saints may be expressed by this phrase. So the person who is led to this satiety of water by the Lamb as the latter rules them, suffers neither sun nor any heat, because they are not burned by the heat of vices. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. What a wonderful tenderness! He shows himself a father, as well as a mother, as he wipes away the tears of his bewailing children; whence Isaiah justly says, For thou art our father, and Abraham hath not known us: thou, O Lord, art our father. [Is. 63:16] Now what are these tears? The fact that one person bewails the evil they have done, another the fact that they have not done good, and many other similar things. These tears of his children are to be wiped away when they are back from exile to their fatherland.
He therefore says in the present passage that no trial would harm them any longer; for they are deemed worthy by Christ to be shepherded and to be nourished at the springs of living water.
And God says He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. For those who have therefore lived and struggled with gentleness owe no useless tears, nor "weeping or gnashing of teeth," (Matt. 13:42, 50; 24:51) but all things are good and extraordinary.
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Summary
Revelation 7:17 provides a profound glimpse into the eternal blessedness of the redeemed multitude standing before God's throne. It assures believers that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who reigns supreme, will tenderly shepherd them, providing unending spiritual nourishment and leading them to the very sources of eternal life. Furthermore, it culminates in the ultimate promise of divine comfort, where God Himself will personally eradicate all sorrow and suffering, wiping every tear from their eyes, signifying a state of perfect peace and joy in His presence.
Context
Literary Context
Revelation 7:17 serves as the climax of a vision that began in Revelation 7. Following the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, the narrative shifts to an innumerable multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed in white robes and holding palm branches (Revelation 7:9). An elder explains that these are those who have come out of the great tribulation, having washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. The preceding verses (Revelation 7:15-16) describe their perpetual service in God's temple, protected from the sun's scorching heat, and free from hunger or thirst. Verse 17 then provides the ultimate, personal assurance of divine care and the complete cessation of all suffering, solidifying the eternal security and comfort of this redeemed throng.
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery in Revelation 7:17 draws heavily on Old Testament themes familiar to its original audience, particularly those related to divine shepherding and ultimate restoration. The concept of God as a shepherd was deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern cultures, with kings often depicted as shepherds of their people. In Israel, this metaphor was applied to Yahweh, who led His people like a flock (Psalm 23:1, Psalm 77:20). The promise of "living fountains of waters" echoes the life-giving provision of God in the wilderness and the prophetic visions of an age where abundant, pure water flows from God's presence (Ezekiel 47:1-12, Zechariah 14:8). The wiping away of tears is a poignant image of ultimate comfort and the reversal of all suffering, a theme found in prophetic promises of a new creation where sorrow is no more (Isaiah 25:8). These images would have resonated powerfully with early Christians facing persecution, offering hope for a future free from earthly distress.
Key Themes
This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the Sovereignty and Redemptive Work of the Lamb, emphasizing Jesus' central role not only in salvation but also in the ongoing care and sustenance of His people. His position "in the midst of the throne" underscores His co-equality and shared authority with God the Father. Secondly, the theme of Divine Provision and Sustenance is prominent, with the Lamb acting as a shepherd who "feeds" and "leads" to "living fountains of waters," symbolizing a never-ending supply of spiritual life and refreshment. This contrasts sharply with the earthly experiences of hunger, thirst, and tribulation mentioned earlier in the chapter. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of Ultimate Comfort and the End of Suffering. The promise that "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" is a profound declaration of the complete eradication of pain, sorrow, and grief in the eschatological future, a promise reiterated in Revelation 21:4. This theme offers immense hope and assurance to believers enduring present hardships, pointing to a glorious and perfectly restored existence in God's presence.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This diminutive form of "lamb" (G721) is used exclusively in the book of Revelation to refer to Jesus Christ, appearing 29 times. Its use here emphasizes not only His sacrificial death, reminiscent of the Passover lamb, but also His tender, gentle nature as the shepherd who cares for His flock. Despite being a "lamb," He is simultaneously "in the midst of the throne," signifying His supreme authority and divine power.
Derived from the word for "shepherd" (G4165), this verb means "to tend as a shepherd" or "to supervise." It conveys the comprehensive care, protection, and provision that a shepherd offers his flock. In this context, it highlights Jesus' active role as the divine Shepherd, nourishing and sustaining the redeemed multitude, fulfilling the prophetic role of the Messiah as the true shepherd of God's people.
This verb (G1813) literally means "to smear out" or "to obliterate." It implies a complete and final removal, not merely a drying of tears but their utter erasure, as if they never existed. The use of this strong verb underscores the absolute and permanent nature of God's comfort, signifying the complete cessation of all sources of sorrow and suffering in the new creation.
Verse Breakdown
"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne"
This clause identifies the divine agent of comfort and provision. "The Lamb" is Jesus Christ, depicted in His sacrificial yet victorious state. His position "in the midst of the throne" signifies His supreme authority and co-regency with God the Father, underscoring that the care and comfort provided originate from the highest seat of divine power. This placement also suggests His accessibility and intimate presence among the redeemed.
"shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters"
This segment describes the Lamb's active, pastoral role. "Shall feed them" (poimaínō) implies comprehensive shepherding, providing spiritual nourishment and sustenance. This is immediately followed by "and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters," which symbolizes eternal refreshment, vitality, and direct access to the very source of life and blessing that flows from God Himself. The "living" aspect emphasizes a continuous, unending supply, contrasting with the transient and often scarce water sources of the earthly realm.
"and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes"
This concluding promise highlights the ultimate act of divine compassion and restoration. "God" (theós) Himself is the one who performs this tender act. The phrase "wipe away all tears" signifies the complete and final eradication of every cause of sorrow, pain, and grief that humanity has experienced. It speaks to a state of perfect peace, joy, and comfort where the memory and effects of past suffering are entirely removed by divine intervention.
Literary Devices
Revelation 7:17 is rich in Symbolism and Imagery. The central figure, "the Lamb," is a powerful symbol for Jesus Christ, representing both His sacrificial atonement and His sovereign authority. His action to "feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters" employs the Metaphor of a shepherd, drawing on ancient pastoral imagery to convey tender care, guidance, and life-giving provision. The "living fountains of waters" symbolize eternal life, spiritual nourishment, and unending refreshment, a stark contrast to the thirst and suffering experienced in the tribulation. The final image, "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes," is a poignant and deeply comforting Anthropomorphism, attributing a human action (wiping tears) to God, thereby emphasizing His personal, intimate compassion and commitment to eradicating all human suffering. This phrase also functions as a powerful Antithesis to the tribulation and sorrow experienced on earth, promising a complete reversal of suffering in the eschatological state.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 7:17 culminates the vision of the redeemed multitude by emphasizing the intimate, personal care of God and the Lamb for His people in eternity. It underscores the profound theological truth that salvation is not merely deliverance from judgment but a full restoration to a state of perfect communion and blessedness with the Divine. The Lamb, who was sacrificed, now reigns as the compassionate Shepherd, providing unending life and comfort. This verse powerfully connects God's redemptive plan from creation to consummation, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate victory over sin, suffering, and death. It assures believers that their present afflictions are temporary and that a glorious future awaits where God Himself will personally attend to their deepest needs, providing unending comfort and wiping away every tear, signifying a state of perfect peace and joy in His presence.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 7:17 offers an unparalleled wellspring of hope and comfort for believers navigating the trials and sorrows of this present age. It reminds us that our suffering is not the final word, nor is it unnoticed by our compassionate God. The image of the Lamb, our Shepherd, actively feeding and leading us to living waters, assures us of His constant, intimate provision for our deepest needs, both spiritual and emotional. This promise of ultimate comfort, where God Himself wipes away every tear, transforms our perspective on present pain, infusing it with meaning and pointing towards a glorious, tear-free eternity. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that our afflictions are momentary in light of the eternal weight of glory awaiting us. It calls us to trust in Christ's unwavering care, to find solace in His future promise, and to live with an eschatological hope that transcends all earthly despair.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "the Lamb" in this verse?
"The Lamb" (Greek, arníon) is a central and highly significant title for Jesus Christ throughout the book of Revelation, appearing 29 times. In Revelation 7:17, it signifies Jesus in His dual role as the sacrificial Lamb of God, whose shed blood provides redemption (Revelation 5:9), and as the victorious, reigning Messiah who shares the throne with God the Father (Revelation 5:6). His position "in the midst of the throne" emphasizes His supreme authority and intimate presence with the redeemed. Here, He is depicted as the tender Shepherd who actively cares for, nourishes, and guides His flock, demonstrating His compassionate and personal involvement in the eternal well-being of His people.
What are "living fountains of waters" and why are they important?
"Living fountains of waters" (Greek, pēgai hydatos zoēs) symbolize an unending, life-giving source of spiritual refreshment and vitality directly from God. In biblical imagery, "living water" often refers to spiritual life and the Holy Spirit (John 4:10-14, John 7:37-39). In the context of Revelation 7:17, it represents the ultimate, continuous, and abundant provision of God for the redeemed, satisfying every spiritual longing and sustaining them in eternal life. Unlike earthly springs that can dry up, these are "living" sources, signifying direct, continuous, and inexhaustible sustenance from God Himself, ensuring perpetual joy and vitality in His presence.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 7:17 stands as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered nature of our eternal hope and fulfillment. The "Lamb which is in the midst of the throne" is none other than Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial work on the cross (John 1:29) secured the redemption of the multitude. His role as the one who "shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters" directly fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and provides abundant life (John 10:10). This imagery echoes Jesus' own invitation to come to Him for living water (John 4:14) and His promise to give eternal life to those who follow Him (John 6:35). Ultimately, the promise that "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" is a direct consequence of Christ's victory over sin and death, which introduced suffering into the world. Through His atoning work and His resurrection, Jesus guarantees a future where all the effects of the Fall are reversed, leading to a new heaven and new earth where sorrow and pain are no more (Revelation 21:4). Thus, every aspect of this verse points to Christ as the source, sustainer, and ultimate fulfiller of God's promises for His redeemed people in eternity.