Revelation 22:1
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποταμὸν
river
G4215
ποταμὸν
river
Strong's:
G4215
Word #:
5 of 19
a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water
λαμπρὸν
clear
G2986
λαμπρὸν
clear
Strong's:
G2986
Word #:
8 of 19
radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐκπορευόμενον
proceeding
G1607
ἐκπορευόμενον
proceeding
Strong's:
G1607
Word #:
11 of 19
to depart, be discharged, proceed, project
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θρόνου
the throne
G2362
θρόνου
the throne
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
14 of 19
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 7:17For 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.John 4:14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.Revelation 21:6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.Zechariah 14:8And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.Psalms 46:4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.Jeremiah 17:13O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.Jeremiah 2:13For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.Isaiah 41:18I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Historical Context
John wrote Revelation circa AD 95 from exile on Patmos during Domitian's persecution. His original audience—seven churches in Asia Minor—faced pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan rituals. This vision of the New Jerusalem concludes the entire biblical narrative: from Eden's garden with its river (Genesis 2) to the consummated city-garden with its river of life. First-century believers suffering under Roman oppression would recognize the Ezekiel allusions and find hope that God's dwelling with humanity would be perfectly realized.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the river proceeding from God's throne challenge any notion that eternal life comes from human achievement rather than divine grace?
- What does the crystal purity of this water reveal about the holiness and perfection of the age to come, and how should that shape your present pursuit of sanctification?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A pure river of water of life, clear as crystal (ποταμὸν ὕδατος ζωῆς λαμπρὸν ὡς κρύσταλλον, potamon hydatos zōēs lampron hōs krystallon)—This climactic vision echoes Ezekiel 47:1-12 where water flows from the temple, and Zechariah 14:8 where living waters flow from Jerusalem. The Greek hydatos zōēs (water of life) recalls Jesus's promise to the Samaritan woman: "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst" (John 4:14). The absolute purity and crystal clarity contrasts with the polluted, death-bringing waters of Babylon (Revelation 17-18).
Proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb—The singular throne (not thrones) affirms Christ's full deity, sharing God's eternal throne. This river doesn't originate from the ground but from God's very throne, signifying that eternal life flows solely from divine grace. Eden's river (Genesis 2:10) divided into four branches spreading outward; here one unified river flows from God to His redeemed humanity—Paradise not merely restored but gloriously consummated. The imagery fulfills Psalm 46:4, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God."