Revelation 7:17
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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The most striking aspect here is the intimate, personal relationship described: God, the Creator of all things, will personally wipe away every single tear from their eyes. This isn't a distant, administrative act, but a tender, comforting gesture from the very source of life and glory, underscoring the deep affection He holds for His redeemed people.
This passage concludes John's vision of the immense, redeemed multitude standing before God's throne. After an elder explains their white robes signify their cleansing through the Lamb's sacrifice and their emergence from great tribulation, this verse describes their eternal blessedness in heaven. It paints a picture of ultimate comfort and care provided by the glorified Lamb, assuring them of unending sustenance and joy in God's presence.
We often picture God on His throne, but who is 'in the midst of the throne'? This verse reveals a powerful image of Christ's divine authority and intimate presence.
Revelation 7:17 places the Lamb, Jesus Christ, right in the center of God's throne. This isn't just a symbolic location; it signifies His equality with God the Father and His active role in ruling the universe. He isn't merely near the throne; He is in the midst of it, sharing in the divine authority and power. This unique position emphasizes that access to God's presence and rule is through Christ.
Imagine the ultimate relief from all thirst and need. This verse paints a picture of constant, abundant refreshment provided by our divine Shepherd.
The Lamb acts as a Shepherd, not in the earthly sense of merely providing food, but in leading His flock to "springs of living water." This imagery speaks of deep, unending refreshment and satisfaction. 'Living water' refers to a source that is perpetually flowing and life-giving, symbolizing God's unending grace, love, and presence. It's a promise that in eternity, all spiritual thirst will be quenched at the very source of life itself, which originates from God and the Lamb.
Tears are a universal human experience. This verse promises an end to all sorrow, wiping away every tear with God's own hand.
The final promise, 'God will wipe away every tear from their eyes,' is the ultimate comfort. It signifies a complete eradication of sorrow, pain, and suffering. This isn't just a passive absence of tears, but an active, tender gesture from God Himself. It means all causes for grief—loss, sin, hardship, pain—will be gone forever. This promise is a profound assurance that our heavenly Father deeply cares for His children and will bring them into a state of perfect peace and joy, where tears are a forgotten experience.
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.
This Psalm beautifully echoes the imagery of the Lamb as a shepherd, promising guidance, provision, and protection, just as Revelation 7:17 describes the Lamb leading His people to springs of living water and ensuring their well-being.
Isaiah 25:8This prophetic passage directly foretells God's action of 'swallowing up death' and 'wiping away tears from off all faces,' which Revelation 7:17 fulfills in the eternal state, highlighting the complete eradication of sorrow.
John 4:14Jesus' promise of 'water I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life' directly parallels the 'springs of living water' mentioned in Revelation, pointing to the source of unending spiritual nourishment found in Christ.
Ezekiel 47:1-12This vision describes a river flowing from the sanctuary, bringing life and healing wherever it goes, much like the 'living fountains of water' in Revelation 7:17 that originate from God's presence and bring eternal refreshment.
Revelation 21:4This verse in Revelation reiterates the promise that 'he will wipe away every tear from their eyes,' reinforcing the ultimate hope and comfort found in God's final redemption and the end of all suffering for His people.
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 most striking aspect here is the intimate, personal relationship described: God, the Creator of all things, will personally wipe away every single tear from their eyes. This isn't a distant, administrative act, but a tender, comforting gesture from the very source of life and glory, underscoring the deep affection He holds for His redeemed people.
This passage concludes John's vision of the immense, redeemed multitude standing before God's throne. After an elder explains their white robes signify their cleansing through the Lamb's sacrifice and their emergence from great tribulation, this verse describes their eternal blessedness in heaven. It paints a picture of ultimate comfort and care provided by the glorified Lamb, assuring them of unending sustenance and joy in God's presence.
This passage concludes John's vision of the immense, redeemed multitude standing before God's throne. After an elder explains their white robes signify their cleansing through the Lamb's sacrifice and their emergence from great tribulation, this verse describes their eternal blessedness in heaven. It paints a picture of ultimate comfort and care provided by the glorified Lamb, assuring them of unending sustenance and joy in God's presence.
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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.
"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 most striking aspect here is the intimate, personal relationship described: God, the Creator of all things, will personally wipe away every single tear from their eyes. This isn't a distant, ad…
