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 7:17KJV
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Revelation 7:17 (KJV)

What does Revelation 7:17 mean?

Revelation 7:17 describes how the Lamb, who is at the center of God's throne, will care for and guide God's people, leading them to sources of life and comfort, and that God Himself will remove every tear from their eyes. This verse paints a picture of complete care, provision, and comfort for those who belong to God.

In the book of Revelation, the "Lamb" refers to Jesus, and the scene is part of a vision given to John about a future time when God's people are gathered before Him. The verse comes after a description of a great multitude who have come through hardship, and it emphasizes that Jesus will personally shepherd them, providing for their needs and bringing them into a place of peace where sorrow is gone.

The Greek behind Revelation 7:17

  • "Lamb" (ἀρνίον, arnion): This word is used throughout Revelation to refer to Jesus in a gentle and sacrificial sense, highlighting His role as both leader and redeemer for God's people.
  • "Feed" (ποιμανεῖ, poimanei): The Greek here means "to shepherd" or "to tend as a shepherd," which is more than just giving food—it means caring for, guiding, and protecting.
  • "Living" (ζωῆς, zōēs): This word means "alive" or "life-giving," so the "living fountains of waters" are not just literal water but symbolize ongoing, abundant life.
  • "Wipe away" (ἐξαλείψει, exaleipsei): This word means to completely remove or erase, showing that God’s comfort is total—He removes the cause of sorrow, not just the tears themselves.

Why Revelation 7:17 matters

  • Revelation 7:17 clarifies that the care Jesus gives is personal and ongoing, not just a one-time act—He continues to shepherd and lead His people.
  • The verse connects the image of God’s people coming out of suffering with a promise of lasting comfort and restoration, showing the end of all pain and sorrow.
  • This verse ties into the larger theme of Revelation, where God’s ultimate plan is to bring His people into His presence, fully cared for and comforted, with all suffering behind them.

Where else these words appear

“lead” Greek G3594 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
  • Luke 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
  • John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

“away” Greek G1813 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
  • Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
  • Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

“feed” Greek G4165 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
  • Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

“fountains” Greek G4077 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
  • James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
  • Revelation 8:10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;