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

REVELATION 7:16KJV
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Revelation 7:16 (KJV)

What does Revelation 7:16 mean?

Revelation 7:16 promises that those described in this vision will never again suffer from hunger, thirst, or the harsh effects of the sun and heat. This verse describes a future state of relief and protection for a specific group of people, assuring them that their hardships are over.

In the book of Revelation, John is seeing a vision where an angel speaks about people who have come out of great trouble and are now before God’s throne. The verse uses physical needs—hunger, thirst, and exposure to the sun—to picture the end of suffering for these people. The language is meant to show complete care and comfort in God’s presence, especially for those who have endured hardship.

The Greek behind Revelation 7:16

  • The word for "hunger" (πεινάω, peinaō) and "thirst" (διψάω, dipsaō) both point to real, physical needs. Their use here emphasizes that even the most basic human struggles will be removed.
  • The phrase "no more" (οὐκέτι, ouketi) and "neither" (οὐδέ, oude) are strong negatives in Greek, stressing the finality—these hardships will never return.
  • The word for "sun" (ἥλιος, hēlios) and "heat" (καῦμα, kauma) highlight dangers common in the ancient world, especially for travelers or the poor, making the promise of protection even more vivid.

Why Revelation 7:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the relief promised is total—both physical and emotional suffering are included, not just spiritual.
  • The emphasis on never again experiencing these hardships connects to the larger theme of Revelation 7, where God’s people are finally and fully cared for after enduring trials.
  • Understanding these promises in their original context helps readers see the depth of comfort being offered, especially to those who have faced real deprivation or persecution.

Where else these words appear

“heat” Greek G2738 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 16:9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

“thirst” Greek G1372 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
  • John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
  • John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

“hunger” Greek G3983 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Matthew 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
  • Luke 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

“sun” Greek G2246 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
  • Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
  • Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;