“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 (KJV)
“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 7:17 (NLT)
“The Lamb on the throne will shepherd them. He’ll lead them to springs of fresh water. God will wipe every last tear from their eyes.”– Revelation 7:17 (MSG)
What Does Revelation 7:17 Mean?
This verse captures the beautiful promise of God’s care and mercy for His people. It speaks about the Lamb, representing Jesus, who is not only the Savior but also our shepherd. Being in the midst of the throne, it reminds us of His authority and love. The imagery of Him feeding and leading His people gives us a picture of how God nurtures and cares for us in our spiritual journey.
The phrase “living fountains of waters” suggests that Jesus provides us with spiritual nourishment, just like how water is essential for life. It signifies that our soul can be refreshed and rejuvenated in His presence. It is here we find peace and relief from our struggles. This is not just about physical needs; it’s about emotional and spiritual support during difficult times.
Revelation 7:17 Explanation and Commentary
In the context of Revelation 7, we see a scene in heaven where a great multitude stands before the throne of God. They are wearing white robes, symbolizing purity and righteousness, and they are praising God. The verse assures us that the Lamb will take care of His people, continuously supplying their needs. It indicates that those who follow Him will be shepherded gently and lovingly.
Imagine walking through a beautiful meadow filled with green grass and fresh water. This image speaks to us about serenity and tranquility. It points us to the relationship we can have with Jesus; He desires to lead us with kindness and compassion. In our struggles, He promises to be our comforter, helping us navigate life’s challenges.
The latter phrase in this verse, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes,” provides hope. Tears often represent pain, sorrow, and loss, but this promise tells us that our Father cares immensely for us. He will bring an end to all suffering and wipe our tears away. This is a powerful image of God’s love, where He personally attends to our pain and transforms it into joy.
Moreover, this verse ties back to earlier scriptures in the Bible, like Psalm 23, where the Lord is our shepherd. It displays a consistent theme throughout God’s Word: He takes care of His people. We always see Him stepping in during our tough times, reminding us that we are not alone. It is a promise that we can hold on to during difficult seasons.
Context of Revelation 7:17
To fully grasp the meaning of Revelation 7:17, we need to consider its context. Revelation was written by John while he was on the island of Patmos. It describes the visions God gave him about the end times and the ultimate victory of Christ over evil.
In chapter 7, we see a vivid portrayal of tribulation. John is shown a great multitude that no one can number, from every nation, tribe, and language. They have come out of great tribulation, indicating that they faced severe trials on earth. But in heaven, they find themselves comforted and cared for by the Lamb.
This context is important because it assures us that despite the trials we face in life, there’s a greater promise awaiting us. God does not leave us to suffer alone; instead, He provides a way to healing and restoration. As we reflect on our struggles, this passage serves as a reminder that there is hope beyond this world’s difficulties.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 7:17
The verse splits into several key components. First, we have “the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne.” This imagery signifies His authority and prominence in heaven. Being in the middle of the throne shows us His central role as savior and protector.
Next, the phrase “He shall feed them” indicates His loving provision. It’s not just about physical food; it illustrates how He nourishes our souls through His Word and grace. Just as a shepherd takes care of their flock, Jesus tends to our spiritual needs, guiding us and leading us in the right direction.
Then we have “shall lead them unto living fountains of waters.” Water is vital for life. In our spiritual lives, it represents sustenance and refreshment. This living water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who empowers us, comforts us, and renews our strength. When we feel lost or drained, God offers this life source to revitalize our hearts.
Lastly, we reach “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” This is where we find a profound promise of hope. God expresses His intimate care for us. He understands our struggles and pledges to alleviate our sorrow. The image of Him wiping away our tears paints a tender scene where God comforts us personally during our most painful moments.
Lessons to Learn From Revelation 7:17
This verse provides comfort and reassurance to us as believers. One of the important lessons we can take away is the reminder of God’s unwavering love. No matter what we face in life, we can trust in His promise to take care of our needs. We are never alone; the Shepherd is always there, guiding us through challenges.
The imagery of the living water reminds us that we need to seek spiritual nourishment daily. Just as we drink water to stay hydrated, we need the Word of God to keep our spirits refreshed. Building up a relationship with God through prayer and reading the Bible is essential in embracing this living water He offers us.
Another key lesson is the significance of hope. Life can throw many hurdles our way, and we might find ourselves in pain or sorrow. However, Revelation 7:17 reassures us of a future without tears. By holding on to this promise, we can find strength to persevere in tough times, knowing that there’s a beautiful end waiting for us in God’s presence.
Lastly, the verse reveals God’s deep compassion for our suffering. It encourages us to extend that compassion to others as well. Just as God wipes our tears, we should seek to comfort those around us. Sharing in each other’s struggles is essential as part of being the body of Christ. Today, let us be vessels of God’s love by being present and supporting one another.
Final Thoughts
Revelation 7:17 is a powerful reminder of God’s compassion and love for us. As we reflect on its meaning, let us embrace the truth that we are cared for by the Good Shepherd, who knows our needs and sorrows. The promise of living water and the removal of our tears assures us of hope both in this life and the next.
May we learn to lean on Him in times of trouble and cherish the spiritual sustenance He provides. I encourage all of us to share this hope with others, fostering a community of support and love, just as God intended. For those drawn to explore more about God’s love, consider checking out additional passages like 1 John 4:19 and 1 John 4:15. Each piece of Scripture can guide us further in our understanding and relationship with Him.