Revelation 7:17

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
G3754
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἀρνίον
G721
the Lamb
a lambkin
#4
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀνὰ
G303
is in
properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)
#6
μέσον
G3319
the midst
middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)
#7
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
θρόνου
G2362
of the throne
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#9
ποιμανεῖ
G4165
shall feed
to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)
#10
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ὁδηγήσει
G3594
shall lead
to show the way (literally or figuratively (teach))
#13
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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
#14
ἐπὶ
G1909
unto
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#15
ζώσας
G2198
living
to live (literally or figuratively)
#16
πηγὰς
G4077
fountains
a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)
#17
ὑδάτων
G5204
of waters
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#18
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἐξαλείψει
G1813
shall wipe away
to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)
#20
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#22
πᾶν
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#23
δάκρυον
G1144
tears
a tear
#24
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#25
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
ὀφθαλμῶν
G3788
eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#27
αὐτῶν
G846
their
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

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection