What does Revelation 22:2 mean?

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2

Explanation

Revelation 22:2 depicts a vision described by John, where the tree of life is positioned in the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city envisioned by Christians as the ultimate paradise. The description is rich with symbolism; it is crucial to understand that much of the Book of Revelation employs metaphorical and allegorical language to convey spiritual truths. The tree of life is mentioned as sitting in the midst of the city’s street, and also along the banks of the river of life that flows from the throne of God. The tree yields twelve kinds of fruits, providing a new fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are said to have healing properties for the nations.

The image here is one of abundant provision and perpetual sustenance, indicating a place where there is no want or suffering. The twelve fruits may represent the diversity and completeness of God’s provision, while the healing properties of the leaves may symbolize restoration and peace among nations. This tree of life draws a stark contrast to the biblical narrative’s earlier tree of life in the Garden of Eden, from which humanity was banished after the fall.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written by John, traditionally identified as John the Apostle, although the true authorship is a subject of debate among scholars. It is believed to have been written around the end of the first century A.D., a time when Christians were experiencing persecution under Roman rule. The book served to reassure Christians of God’s ultimate victory over evil and to offer hope of salvation and a return to a state of blessedness that had been lost after Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions interpret Revelation 22:2 in various ways:

• Evangelical Viewpoint: It symbolizes the complete restoration of communion with God, as humanity can once again access the tree of life, which was denied after the Fall.

• Catholic Perspective: Along with the evangelical view, the Catholic Church also sees the Eucharistic connotations where the fruit of the tree can represent the Body of Christ, which believers partake of regularly.

• Orthodox Interpretation: Aligns with the Catholic and Evangelical in the view of restoration but can also contain nuances related to theosis, the process of becoming one with God.

• Eschatological Interpretation: The view focuses on end times, seeing the tree as a real feature of the heavenly city in the afterlife.

Practical Applications

The verse serves as a reminder that healing and provision are in God’s hands. It encourages believers to trust in divine providence and the hope of eternal life. It can inspire acts of reconciliation and care for others, reflecting the healing ‘leaves’ for the nations.

Cross-References

• Genesis 2:9 – “And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.”
• Ezekiel 47:12 – “And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.”

Language Study

The original Greek words used in this verse offer deeper insight:

• “Tree of Life” (ξύλον τῆς ζωῆς): “ξύλον” can mean “wood,” “tree,” or “material for construction.” “Ζωῆς” is the genitive of “ζωή,” meaning “life.”

• “Healing” (θεραπεία): Often translated as “healing,” but also can be understood in a broader sense as “service” or “attendance.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, trees symbolize life, knowledge, and connectivity between the heavens and the earth. The concept of a tree that bestows immortality can be found in numerous mythologies, including the Norse Yggdrasil, the Hindu Ashvattha, and the Islamic Tree of Immortality.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, Revelation 22:2 is treated as symbolic rather than literal. The idea of a tree yielding different fruits every month and leaves that can heal nations does not align with known biological processes. However, the overall theme of a symbiotic relationship between trees and human well-being is well-established in ecological studies.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: He suggests the tree of life in Revelation points to Jesus Christ, who is to the soul what the tree of life was to Adam.

• Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Emphasizes the perpetuity of the blessings represented by the tree of life, with continuous fruit and perennial leaves for healing.

• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: Notes on the imagery’s consistency with the paradise described in Genesis, suggesting that what was lost will be fully restored in the New Jerusalem.