Revelation 7:17

KJV

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} the Lamb {G721} which {G3588} is in the midst {G303}{G3319} of the throne {G2362} shall feed {G4165} them {G846}, and {G2532} shall lead {G3594} them {G846} unto {G1909} living {G2198} fountains {G4077} of waters {G5204}: and {G2532} God {G2316} shall wipe away {G1813} all {G3956} tears {G1144} from {G575} their {G846} eyes {G3788}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will shepherd them, will lead them
to springs of living water,
and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

Berean Standard Bible

For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

American Standard Version

for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Commentary

### 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](/revelation/7 "Revelation 7 - The Sealing of the 144,000 and the Great Multitude"). 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](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne")). An elder explains that these are those who have come out of the [great tribulation](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Great Tribulation"), having washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. The preceding verses ([Revelation 7:15-16](/revelation/7-15-16 "Revelation 7:15-16 - God's Dwelling Among Them")) 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](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd"), [Psalm 77:20](/psalms/77-20 "Psalm 77:20 - God Leading His People")). 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](/ezekiel/47-1-12 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple"), [Zechariah 14:8](/zechariah/14-8 "Zechariah 14:8 - Living Waters Flowing from Jerusalem")). 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](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - He Will Swallow Up Death Forever")). 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](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain"). 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
* **Lamb (Greek, _arníon'_):** 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.
* **Feed (Greek, _poimaínō'_):** 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.
* **Wipe away (Greek, _exaleíphō'_):** 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.

* [Psalm 23:1-2](/psalms/23-1-2 "Psalm 23:1-2 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain")

### 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
* **How does the image of "the Lamb in the midst of the throne" challenge or confirm your understanding of Jesus' power and humility?**
* **In what ways do you currently experience the "feeding" and "leading" of Christ as your Shepherd in your daily life?**
* **What specific "tears" or sources of sorrow in your life do you long for God to wipe away, and how does this verse give you hope for that ultimate comfort?**
* **How can the promise of Revelation 7:17 strengthen your faith and resilience when facing present difficulties or suffering?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the Lamb" in this verse?**

Answer: "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](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb as Shepherd and Comforter"), it signifies Jesus in His dual role as the sacrificial Lamb of God, whose shed blood provides redemption ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll")), and as the victorious, reigning Messiah who shares the throne with God the Father ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Standing as if Slain")). 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?**

Answer: "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/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water"), [John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water")). In the context of [Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - Eternal Refreshment"), 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) 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](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for His sheep and provides abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). This imagery echoes Jesus' own invitation to come to Him for living water ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water from Jesus")) and His promise to give eternal life to those who follow Him ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). 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](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")). 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.

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

John 7:37

¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

John 7:38

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Psalms 36:8

They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

Psalms 36:9

For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

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.

Psalms 23:1

¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalms 23:2

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.