Revelation 7:16-17
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This promise isn't just about physical comforts; it emphasizes the utter absence of suffering and lack, extending even to protection from oppressive external forces like the scorching sun, signifying the end of all trials. It highlights the deep spiritual satisfaction that will finally be found, fulfilling the profound longings that earthly existence can never truly quench.
This verse appears within a vision of the great multitude standing before God’s throne, having come through immense tribulation. It directly follows the explanation of their robes being washed white in the blood of the Lamb, emphasizing their purification and victory. This promise of no more hunger, thirst, or scorching heat offers a profound contrast to the hardships and trials they endured on earth.
We often think of heaven as a place where our physical needs are met. But this verse promises something even deeper.
Revelation 7:16 paints a picture of ultimate relief, moving beyond just the absence of hunger and thirst.
No More Bodily Pains
Initially, these words speak to the cessation of physical suffering. Many faithful followers of God experienced extreme hardship, including starvation and dehydration, due to persecution or difficult journeys. Heaven means these physical torments are gone forever.
Freedom From All Afflictions
But it goes further. 'The sun shall not strike them, nor any heat' is a powerful metaphor. It signifies freedom not just from literal sunstroke, but from all oppressive trials, intense persecution ('the sun of persecution'), and searing difficulties that can 'scorch' our lives and spirits. It's liberation from every form of tribulation that wears us down.
In this future paradise, who is the ultimate caretaker? The imagery here is rich with assurance.
The context of Revelation 7 reveals that this ultimate relief is provided by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.
From Shepherd to Lamb
While the Old Testament often portrayed God as a shepherd (Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:11), Revelation 7 connects the imagery of God's care to the slain Lamb who is now reigning. He is the one who leads His flock.
Sustained and Protected
This means the relief from hunger, thirst, and scorching heat isn't just a passive absence of trouble. It's an active, ongoing provision and protection by the one who knows all about suffering. He leads them to 'living fountains of waters,' a constant, life-giving source. His presence ensures they are eternally sustained and shielded.
Understand the original words
peinaō · Greek Verb
Refers to a state of lacking essential food, often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe a desperate craving or spiritual emptiness that only God can satisfy. In the eternal state, this physical and spiritual lack is completely removed.
dipsaō · Greek Verb
A state of lacking necessary drink, frequently used to symbolize a deep, longing thirst for God's righteousness, presence, and life-giving Spirit. Its absence in the eternal state signifies the total satisfaction of the redeemed in Christ.
arnion · Greek Noun
A title for Jesus Christ, drawing upon the sacrificial system of the Old Testament (the Passover lamb and the sin offering) to emphasize His role as the innocent, atoning sacrifice who takes away the sins of the world. In Revelation, this title also signifies His status as the reigning, victorious Messiah.
This passage is a direct Old Testament quote, highlighting God's promise to provide for and protect His people, directly paralleling the physical and spiritual comforts described in Revelation.
Psalm 23:2The imagery of God leading His flock to 'still waters' and 'pleasant pastures' echoes the ultimate fulfillment of peace and provision promised in Revelation, where all needs are met and no harm can come.
Matthew 5:6Jesus's beatitude, 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied,' finds its ultimate fulfillment in Revelation, where the spiritual hunger and thirst of believers are eternally quenched.
Isaiah 25:8This verse speaks of God 'swallowing up death forever' and 'wiping away every tear,' which directly corresponds to the end of suffering, hunger, and thirst described in Revelation.
John 6:35Jesus declares Himself as the 'bread of life,' promising that whoever comes to Him will never hunger, directly relating to the eternal satisfaction promised to those in Revelation who have been redeemed.
pulpitRevelation 7:16: "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat."
Verse 16. - They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat; shall the sun strike upon them (Revised Version). The passage is evidently founded upon Isaiah 49:10 (cf. the punishment of the fourth vial, Revelation 16:8).
gillRevelation 7:16: "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat."
They shall hunger no more, nor thirst any more,.... The words are taken out of Isaiah 49:10 , and will be true in a literal and corporeal sense. Now the saints are often in hunger and thirst, then they shall be so no more; and in a mystical and spiritual sense, there will be no famine of the word; for though there will not be the outward ministration of the word, as now, the…
This promise isn't just about physical comforts; it emphasizes the utter absence of suffering and lack, extending even to protection from oppressive external forces like the scorching sun, signifying the end of all trials. It highlights the deep spiritual satisfaction that will finally be found, fulfilling the profound longings that earthly existence can never truly quench.
This verse appears within a vision of the great multitude standing before God’s throne, having come through immense tribulation. It directly follows the explanation of their robes being washed white in the blood of the Lamb, emphasizing their purification and victory. This promise of no more hunger, thirst, or scorching heat offers a profound contrast to the hardships and trials they endured on earth.
This verse appears within a vision of the great multitude standing before God’s throne, having come through immense tribulation. It directly follows the explanation of their robes being washed white in the blood of the Lamb, emphasizing their purification and victory. This promise of no more hunger, thirst, or scorching heat offers a profound contrast to the hardships and trials they endured on earth.
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thronos · Greek Noun
In biblical imagery, the seat of God's universal sovereignty and authority. It represents the central place from which God governs the cosmos and executes His holy will.
poimainō · Greek Verb
A metaphor for the pastoral care, protection, guidance, and provision provided by God or Christ to His people. It emphasizes a personal, intimate relationship where the leader knows, leads, and defends the flock.
zōēs hydatos · Greek Noun phrase
A source of water that is continually moving or flowing, symbolizing the active, life-giving power of the Holy Spirit and the eternal life that flows from God to the believer, constantly refreshing the soul.
exaleiphō · Greek Verb
The act of removing or cleansing; here, it symbolizes God's ultimate comfort and the end of all sorrow, grief, and pain caused by sin, as He restores His people to a state of perfect wholeness.
"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living w…" — This promise isn't just about physical comforts; it emphasizes the utter absence of suffering and lack, extending even to protection from oppressive external forces like the scorching sun, signifying…
