Revelation 7 17

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.

Revelation 7:17 nkjv

for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:17 niv

For the Lamb at 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.'"

Revelation 7:17 esv

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:17 nlt

For the Lamb on the throne
will be their Shepherd.
He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.
And God will wipe every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7 verses

Revelation 7 17 Meaning

Revelation 7:17 portrays the Lamb, Jesus Christ, in His heavenly role as the shepherd-king over the great multitude. It describes a future reality of perfect divine care, provision, and eternal comfort for those redeemed by His blood. The Lamb, situated centrally at the throne, will Himself nourish and guide His people to abundant life-giving water, ultimately signifying the complete cessation of all suffering and sorrow through God's personal and final act of wiping away every tear. This verse speaks of a state of permanent solace, spiritual nourishment, and direct divine intimacy in God's eternal presence.

Revelation 7 17 Context

Revelation chapter 7 is a pivotal interlude between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals. It describes two distinct groups: the 144,000 sealed Israelites (Rev 7:1-8) and "a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language" (Rev 7:9). While the sealed likely represent Israel preserved through tribulation, the great multitude represents the full gathering of believers from all eras who have come out of the "great tribulation," having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:14). Verse 17 concludes a description of their blessed state in heaven, dwelling before the throne, serving God day and night (Rev 7:15), never hungering or thirsting (Rev 7:16), and ultimately enjoying the personal, permanent care of the Lamb. This heavenly scene stands in stark contrast to the suffering and judgment on earth portrayed in previous and subsequent chapters, offering profound comfort and hope to the original audience facing persecution, affirming God's unfailing commitment to His redeemed people.

Revelation 7 17 Word analysis

• For the Lamb: The "Lamb" (ἀρνίον, arnion) is consistently Jesus Christ in Revelation, a powerful symbol of His sacrificial atonement (Jn 1:29; 1 Pet 1:19) and His ruling authority (Rev 5:6-13). Here, He is depicted actively governing and caring for His flock. The paradox of the sacrificial Lamb also being the omnipotent Shepherd-King emphasizes both His saving grace and His supreme authority.
• which is in the midst of the throne: The Greek word for "midst" (μέσου, mesou) signifies a central and supreme position. The Lamb is not merely near the throne but at the very center of divine authority and power, indicating His co-equality with God the Father and His complete dominion over all creation. This reinforces His capacity and right to provide the promised care.
• shall feed them: The Greek word for "feed" (ποιμανεῖ, poimanei) goes beyond mere sustenance. It means "to shepherd," encompassing guiding, protecting, caring for, and ruling. This points to Jesus' active, personal, and complete governance over His people, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah as a true shepherd (Ezek 34:23).
• and shall lead them: The word "lead" (ὁδηγήσει, hodēgēsei) means "to guide the way," "to lead carefully." This underscores the Lamb's continued active direction and perfect foresight, guiding His people to true nourishment and rest. This is reminiscent of God's leading of Israel through the wilderness.
• unto living fountains of waters: This phrase, πηγὰς ὑδάτων ζωῆς (pēgas hydatōn zōēs), means "springs of water of life" or "living springs of waters." "Living water" in biblical terms (Jn 4:10; Jn 7:38) often signifies the Holy Spirit, eternal life, or God's spiritual blessings and presence that truly satisfy the soul. It represents perpetual refreshment, complete spiritual and physical satisfaction, and an endless source of divine life, in contrast to the transient sources of the world.
• and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: The phrase "wipe away" (ἐξαλείψει, exaleipsei) means "to blot out," "to obliterate completely," "to remove utterly." It conveys a final and complete eradication of sorrow, suffering, and the memory of pain. This is a divine act of ultimate comfort. The emphasis on "all tears" suggests not just the physical manifestation but the deep-seated grief and affliction from which they originated. This personal act by God signifies deep compassion and an intimate connection with His people. The inclusion of "God" (ὁ Θεὸς, ho Theos) highlights that this final, most comforting act is from the ultimate divine source.

Revelation 7 17 Bonus section

The image of the Lamb as Shepherd is a unique blend of messianic titles in Revelation, emphasizing both Christ's sacrificial work (Lamb) and His loving, protective leadership (Shepherd). This paradox provides both hope for forgiveness and assurance of faithful care. The idea of God wiping away tears echoes Isaiah's prophecies of a restored creation, demonstrating Revelation's deep roots in the Old Testament hope for ultimate deliverance. This future reality ensures a complete healing, not just an alleviation of symptoms, signifying a New Creation where pain is not merely forgotten but fundamentally removed from the human experience. It also underscores that the intimacy experienced in heaven is profound and personal, involving direct interaction with God Himself.

Revelation 7 17 Commentary

Revelation 7:17 offers a profound vision of future bliss for the redeemed, presenting the Lamb, Jesus Christ, as the benevolent shepherd who will personally provide ultimate care. He is depicted not just as a sacrifice but as the sovereign King dwelling in the throne's absolute center, asserting His authority and active participation in the lives of His people. The promise to "feed" and "lead" signifies continuous, holistic provision and guidance, far surpassing physical needs to encompass spiritual well-being and security. The destination of "living fountains of waters" paints a picture of eternal, unfailing refreshment and life sourced directly from God's presence, indicating perpetual satisfaction and joy that can only be found in Him. The climactic assurance that "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" provides the ultimate comfort, signifying the complete and permanent eradication of all sorrow, pain, and the remnants of suffering endured in the earthly life. This is a final, intimate, and definitive act by God Himself, assuring His people of everlasting solace in His perfect kingdom where all causes of grief are utterly removed. This verse powerfully underscores divine sovereignty, boundless compassion, and the blessed future of the saints.