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 22:2KJV
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Revelation 22:2 (KJV)

What does Revelation 22:2 mean?

Revelation 22:2 describes a vision of the tree of life growing on both sides of a river in the New Jerusalem, producing twelve kinds of fruit—one for each month—and leaves that bring healing to all nations. This verse paints a picture of ongoing life, abundance, and restoration in the renewed creation promised at the end of the Bible.

John, the author of Revelation, is describing what he sees in his vision of the holy city, speaking to early Christian communities facing hardship. The tree of life here echoes the tree from Genesis, but now it is accessible and fruitful for everyone, symbolizing complete healing and unity for all peoples.

The Greek behind Revelation 22:2

  • ἐν (en, "in") and μέσῳ (mesō, "midst"): These words together show that the tree of life is right in the center of the city's main street, emphasizing its central importance to life in the city.
  • ξύλον (xylon, "tree") and ζωῆς (zōēs, "of life"): This phrase directly connects to the tree of life in Genesis, but here it is not forbidden; instead, it is freely available.
  • θεραπείαν (therapeian, "healing"): The Greek word here can mean both physical healing and general well-being, suggesting that the tree's leaves bring wholeness, not just cure from sickness.
  • ἔθνη (ethnē, "nations"): This word means all peoples or ethnic groups, highlighting that the healing is not limited to one group but is for everyone.

Why Revelation 22:2 matters

  • Revelation 22:2 clarifies that the blessings of the new creation are ongoing and abundant, not a one-time event, as shown by the tree producing fruit every month.
  • The verse emphasizes that God's restoration is for all nations, not just one people, countering any idea of exclusivity.
  • By connecting to the tree of life from Genesis, this verse shows the fulfillment and reversal of humanity's separation from God, bringing the Bible’s story full circle.

Where else these words appear

“healing” Greek G2322 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
  • Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

“leaves” Greek G5444 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

“street” Greek G4113 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

“side” Greek G1782 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
  • Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
  • John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.