Revelation 7:17

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.

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}.

โ€œFor 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.โ€

For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. โ€˜He will lead them to springs of living water,โ€™ and โ€˜God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.โ€™โ€

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

Context

Revelation 7:17 concludes a profound vision in the Book of Revelation, following the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel and, immediately after, the appearance of a great multitude which no man could number (Revelation 7:9). These individuals, described as having come out of great tribulation (Revelation 7:14), stand before the throne of God, serving Him day and night. The preceding verse, Revelation 7:16, promises them freedom from hunger, thirst, and scorching heat. Verse 17 then provides the ultimate assurance of their eternal comfort and the divine provision from the very presence of God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Lamb as Shepherd: The central figure is "the Lamb," a powerful title for Jesus Christ throughout Revelation, signifying His sacrificial death and reigning authority. Here, He is depicted as a tender shepherd who will "feed them, and shall lead them." This echoes ancient prophecies and Jesus' own self-identification as the Good Shepherd, providing for and guiding His flock, a theme also found in Psalm 23:1.
  • Eternal Refreshment and Life: The promise to lead them "unto living fountains of waters" symbolizes abundant, unending spiritual refreshment and life. Unlike earthly springs that can dry up, these are "living" sources, signifying direct, continuous sustenance from God Himself. This concept resonates with Jesus' offer of living water to the Samaritan woman in John 4:10.
  • Ultimate Comfort and End of Suffering: The most profound promise, "and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes," speaks to the complete and final eradication of all sorrow, pain, and grief. This is a promise of ultimate comfort and restoration, a hallmark of God's new creation, and is reiterated in Revelation 21:4 regarding the new heaven and new earth. It signifies a state of perfect peace and joy in God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

  • "The Lamb" (Greek: to arnion): This term is used 29 times in Revelation to refer to Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the sacrificed yet victorious Messiah. It powerfully connects to the Passover lamb and the atoning sacrifice, such as described in Revelation 5:6.
  • "Living fountains of waters" (Greek: pฤ“gas hydatos zoฤ“s): The term zoฤ“s (life) emphasizes that these are not merely sources of water, but sources of life itself, implying eternal vitality and spiritual nourishment.

Practical Application

Revelation 7:17 offers immense comfort and hope to believers facing any form of suffering, persecution, or sorrow in this present life. It assures us that our present afflictions are temporary and that a future awaits where God Himself will personally attend to our deepest needs, providing unending comfort and wiping away every tear. It strengthens faith in Christ's unwavering care as our divine Shepherd and points to the ultimate victory over all pain and death through His presence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 7:37 (43 votes)

    ยถ 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 (43 votes)

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

  • Psalms 36:8 (36 votes)

    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 (36 votes)

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

  • John 4:14 (31 votes)

    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 (25 votes)

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

  • Psalms 23:2 (25 votes)

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