King James Version

What Does Revelation 7:17 Mean?

Revelation 7:17 in the King James Version says “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: a... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 7:17 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 · 27 words
ὅτι1 of 27

For

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τῶν2 of 27

which

G3588

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

ἀρνίον3 of 27

the Lamb

G721

a lambkin

τῶν4 of 27

which

G3588

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

ἀνὰ5 of 27

is in

G303

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

μέσον6 of 27

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τῶν7 of 27

which

G3588

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

θρόνου8 of 27

of the throne

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

ποιμανεῖ9 of 27

shall feed

G4165

to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)

αὐτῶν10 of 27

their

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

καὶ11 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁδηγήσει12 of 27

shall lead

G3594

to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach))

αὐτῶν13 of 27

their

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

ἐπὶ14 of 27

unto

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

ζώσας15 of 27

living

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

πηγὰς16 of 27

fountains

G4077

a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)

ὑδάτων17 of 27

of waters

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

καὶ18 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξαλείψει19 of 27

shall wipe away

G1813

to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)

τῶν20 of 27

which

G3588

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

θεὸς21 of 27

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πᾶν22 of 27

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

δάκρυον23 of 27

tears

G1144

a tear

ἀπὸ24 of 27

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν25 of 27

which

G3588

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

ὀφθαλμῶν26 of 27

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

αὐτῶν27 of 27

their

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


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 7:17 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 7:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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