King James Version

What Does Revelation 7:16 Mean?

Revelation 7:16 in the King James Version says “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.”

Revelation 7:16 · KJV

Context

14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

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.

Read Revelation 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.... This verse from Revelation's vision of sealed servants and innumerable multitude - god's protection and salvation employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 7:16 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οὐ1 of 16

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

πεινάσουσιν2 of 16

“They shall hunger”

G3983

to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave

ἔτι3 of 16

“any more”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

οὐδὲ4 of 16

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

διψήσουσιν5 of 16

“thirst”

G1372

to thirst for (literally or figuratively)

ἔτι6 of 16

“any more”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

οὐδὲ7 of 16

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

μὴ8 of 16
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πέσῃ9 of 16

“light”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἐπ'10 of 16

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτοὺς11 of 16

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ12 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἥλιος13 of 16

“the sun”

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

οὐδὲ14 of 16

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

πᾶν15 of 16

“any”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καῦμα16 of 16

“heat”

G2738

properly, a burn (concretely), but used (abstractly) of a glow

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 7:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 7:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:10Psalms 121:6Matthew 5:6John 4:14Revelation 21:4Luke 6:21

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