What does Revelation 7:17 mean?

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

Explanation

Revelation 7:17 offers a vision of comfort and provision, depicting a scene where the Lamb, identified as Christ, is at the center of all existence, symbolizing his divine authority and central role in redemption. The verse asserts that the Lamb will shepherd the faithful, leading them to “living fountains of waters,” which represent eternal life and spiritual sustenance. The phrase “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” conveys the ultimate compassion and solace that believers will experience in the divine presence, free from sorrow and suffering.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle and is dated to the late first century AD, a time when Christians faced persecution under Roman rule. The text is apocalyptic literature, which uses visionary and symbolic language to convey hope to the oppressed and affirm God’s justice and sovereignty. The specific vision in Revelation 7 comes after the opening of the sixth seal and describes the sealing of 144,000 from the tribes of Israel and a great multitude from every nation standing before the throne.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is rich in symbolism. The “Lamb” is a well-established title for Jesus, relating to the Old Testament sacrificial system and pointing to his sacrifice on the cross. His role as a shepherd aligns with biblical passages such as Psalm 23 and John 10, emphasizing guidance, care, and protection. The image of God wiping away tears evokes the promise of an end to the suffering and evil in the world, as interpreted within Christian eschatology.

Different theological viewpoints may emphasize various aspects of the verse, such as its eschatological promise (dispensationalism), its symbolic representation of the church’s triumph (amillennialism), or its call to social justice (liberation theology).

Practical Applications

This verse can offer comfort to individuals facing grief, hardship, or injustice, reassuring them of God’s ultimate redemptive plan. It encourages believers to trust in the divine shepherd’s guidance and care. The passage can also inspire acts of compassion and ministry, as Christians might seek to embody the comfort and provision depicted here.

Cross-References

• Revelation 21:4 – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
• John 4:14 – “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
• Psalm 23:1-2 – “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text of Revelation 7:17 include:

• “Lamb” (ἀρνίον, arnion): A diminutive form of “lamb,” suggesting both the innocence of a young sheep and the sacrifice of Christ.
• “Throne” (θρόνου, thronou): Indicating royal and divine authority.
• “Feed” (ποιμανεῖ, poimanei): From the verb “to shepherd,” implying leadership, care, and guidance.
• “Living fountains of waters” (ζωῆς πηγῶν ὑδάτων, zōēs pēgōn hudatōn): “Living” implies ongoing and life-giving; “fountains” implies an abundant and eternal source.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the motif of a divine shepherd was common, with gods often portrayed as caretakers of their people. The imagery of godly beings wiping away tears can also be found in other religious texts, signaling divine compassion and a hopeful afterlife. However, the Christian narrative uniquely centers on the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus, which is integral to the understanding of Revelation 7:17.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives may be less relevant to the interpretation of this verse, as it deals with eschatological and spiritual concepts rather than empirical claims. However, discussions on the psychological and sociological effects of religious hope and consolation could be pertinent, as beliefs about a compassionate deity and a promised end to suffering can significantly impact human wellbeing and social structures.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various interpretations of Revelation 7:17. Some traditional Christian commentators view it as a literal promise of heaven and a physical new creation where suffering is abolished. Others treat the passage symbolically, suggesting that the verse speaks to the spiritual realities of the Christian life and the church’s ultimate destiny. It finds particular emphasis in discussions of the “beatific vision,” the ultimate direct self-communication of God to the individual person, a theme common in Catholic theology. Additionally, scholars discuss the Old Testament roots of the language and imagery and how the passage fits within the broader apocalyptic genre and its goals.