Revelation 7:17
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The verse emphasizes Jesus not just as the Lamb, but as the "Lamb in the midst of the throne," highlighting his supreme authority and unique, central place in heaven's governance. This position means He personally provides— not through intermediaries—both sustenance ("living fountains of water") and comfort (wiping away every tear), offering an intimate, direct care that transcends earthly experience.
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)
The vision describes a vast, redeemed multitude standing before God's throne, praising Him after escaping immense tribulation. An elder identifies them as those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, signifying their purification through Christ's sacrifice. This verse then reveals the ultimate fulfillment of their salvation, where the Lamb himself acts as their Shepherd, providing eternal sustenance and comfort.
Jesus isn't just a victim in heaven; He's a ruler! This verse shows His intimate care as a Shepherd even from His place of supreme authority.
Revelation 7:17 places the Lamb, Jesus, right in the center of the throne, a position of ultimate power and authority, shared with God Himself.
A Shepherd's Heart from a Heavenly Throne
Imagine a world without tears. This verse paints a picture of complete comfort that goes beyond mere absence of pain.
The final phrase, "and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes," offers a profound assurance of complete and final comfort.
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More Than Just No More Sadness
Understand the original words
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.
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.
Revelation 7 paints a picture of ultimate comfort and joy for believers, written during a time of intense Roman persecution. The vision of the Lamb leading His flock to living water and wiping away every tear offered profound encouragement, assuring them that their suffering was temporary and would lead to eternal bliss.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The central event of Christian faith, where Jesus, the Lamb of God, is sacrificed and resurrected, establishing the means of salvation and future hope.
c. AD 33 - c. AD 60
Early Church Persecutions
Christians faced significant opposition and persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire, leading to suffering and martyrdom.
c. AD 64
Nero's Persecution
Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, initiating a brutal period of persecution that included widespread torture and executions.
c. AD 90-95— this verse
The Writing of Revelation
The Book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John, likely while exiled on the island of Patmos, during a time of intense persecution under the Roman Empire.
c. AD 313
Edict of Milan
The Edict of Milan granted religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire, effectively ending the widespread state-sponsored persecution of Christians.
c. AD 400-present
Ongoing Christian Hope and Worship
Throughout history, Christians have drawn hope from the promises in Revelation, envisioning a future where suffering ceases and God's reign is fully established.
This passage directly parallels the promise of God wiping away tears, emphasizing the ultimate cessation of sorrow and death in God's future kingdom.
Psalm 23:1-2It highlights the enduring imagery of God as a shepherd who guides and cares for His flock, mirroring the Lamb's role as shepherd in Revelation 7:17.
John 7:37-39This passage connects Jesus' promise of 'living water' flowing from believers to the imagery in Revelation of the Lamb leading His people to 'springs of living water'.
Ezekiel 47:1-12This vision of water flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing, resonates with the 'living fountains of waters' that the Lamb provides, signifying abundant divine provision.
Revelation 21:4This verse echoes Revelation 7:17 by stating that in the new creation, there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, reinforcing the ultimate fulfillment of God wiping away every tear.
pulpitRevelation 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."
Verse 17. - For the Lamb which is in the midst-of the throne shall feed them; shall be their Shepherd. Compare the description of the position of the Lamb given in Revelation 5:6. The position here indicated is the same as that there described. The Lamb is between the throne and those surrounding it, towards…
gillRevelation 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 the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne,.... See Revelation 5:6 ; not before the throne, as the great multitude are said to be, Revelation 7:9 ; nor round about it, as the angels in Revelation 7:11 ; but in the midst of it, being equal to him that sits upon it; sitting on the same throne with him, a…
The verse emphasizes Jesus not just as the Lamb, but as the "Lamb in the midst of the throne," highlighting his supreme authority and unique, central place in heaven's governance. This position means He personally provides— not through intermediaries—both sustenance ("living fountains of water") and comfort (wiping away every tear), offering an intimate, direct care that transcends earthly experience.
The vision describes a vast, redeemed multitude standing before God's throne, praising Him after escaping immense tribulation. An elder identifies them as those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, signifying their purification through Christ's sacrifice. This verse then reveals the ultimate fulfillment of their salvation, where the Lamb himself acts as their Shepherd, providing eternal sustenance and comfort.
The vision describes a vast, redeemed multitude standing before God's throne, praising Him after escaping immense tribulation. An elder identifies them as those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, signifying their purification through Christ's sacrifice. This verse then reveals the ultimate fulfillment of their salvation, where the Lamb himself acts as their Shepherd, providing eternal sustenance and comfort.
"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.”" — The verse emphasizes Jesus not just as the Lamb, but as the "Lamb in the midst of the throne," highlighting his supreme authority and unique, central place in heaven's governance. This position means…
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Last reviewed October 2026
