Revelation of John 7:16
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‘Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.’
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
(Isa 49:10). hunger no more--as they did here. thirst any more-- (Joh 4:13). the sun--literally, scorching in the East. Also, symbolically, the sun of persecution. neither . . . light--Greek, "by no means at all . . . light" (fall). heat--as the sirocco.
Open source ↗The things contained in this chapter came in after the opening of the six seals, which foretold great calamities in the world; and before the sound of the seven trumpets, which gave notice of great corruptions arising in the church: between these comes in this comfortable chapter, which secures the graces and comforts of the people of God in times of common calamity. We have, I. An account of the restraint laid upon the winds (Rev 7:1-3). II. The sealing of the servants of God (Rev 7:4-8). III. The songs of angels and saints on this occasion (Rev 7:9-12). IV. A description of the honour and happiness of those who had faithfully served Christ, and suffered for him (Rev 7:13, etc.).
Open source ↗7:16-17 For desert-dwellers, life-giving water and relief from the scorching sun represent paradise (see also 21:6; 22:1, 17; Ps 23:1-2; Ezek 47:1-12; John 7:37-38). • on the throne (literally on the center of the throne): The Lamb is closely identified with God. • Christ’s designation as the Shepherd of God’s people (cp. Ps 23; Matt 15:24; John 10:3, 11, 14; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25) means that he protects and provides for the sheep, bringing hope and salvation to his people (see Ezek 34:11-16, 23-24).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.
For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like rain against a wall,
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame.