Revelation 22:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ

G3319

the midst

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τῆς

G3588

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

πλατείας

G4113

of the street

a wide "plat" or "place", i.e., open square

αὐτοῦ

G846

of it

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τοῦ

G3588

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

ποταμοῦ

G4215

of the river

a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e., running water

ἐντεῦθεν

G1782

side

hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#11

ἐντεῦθεν

G1782

side

hence (literally or figuratively); (repeated) on both sides

#12

ξύλου

G3586

of the tree

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance

#13

ζωῆς

G2222

of life

life (literally or figuratively)

#14

ποιοῦν

G4160

which bare

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#15

καρπὸν

G2590

fruit

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

#16

δώδεκα

G1427

twelve

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

#17

κατὰ

G2596

every

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#18

μῆνα

G3376

month

a month

#19

ἕνα

G1520

one

#20

ἕκαστον

G1538

each or every

#21

ἀποδιδοῦν

G591

and yielded

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

#22

τὸν

G3588

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

#23

καρπὸν

G2590

fruit

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

#24

αὐτοῦ

G846

of it

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

#25

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#26

τὰ

G3588

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

#27

φύλλα

G5444

the leaves

a sprout, i.e., leaf

#28

τοῦ

G3588

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

#29

ξύλου

G3586

of the tree

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance

#30

εἰς

G1519

were for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#31

θεραπείαν

G2322

the healing

attendance (specially, medical, i.e., cure); figuratively and collectively, domestics

#32

τῶν

G3588

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

#33

ἐθνῶν

G1484

of the nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Analysis

This verse develops the hope and restoration theme central to Revelation. The concept of life reflects the development of hope and restoration within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of hope and restoration, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?