For the Lamb in the midst of the throne: see 5.6.

Will be their shepherd: this is a striking figure, representing Christ as shepherd of his people (see John 10.1-16; 21.15-17). Alternative ways to translate this clause are “will take care of them like a shepherd,” or in cultures where shepherds are unknown, one may say “will take care of them as a person who looks after animals (or, livestock) does,” or one may need to remove the figurative language and just say “will look after them” or “will take care of them.”

He will guide them to springs of living water: this recalls the language of Psa 23.2. This is not the quiet, stagnant water of a pool but the flowing water of a spring (21.6; 22.1, 17; John 4.14). Another way of phrasing this clause is “he will lead them to places where fresh, pure water is flowing.”

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes: see Isa 25.8. The meaning is that God will remove every source of pain and sorrow; but the vivid figure of wiping away all tears should be kept, if possible (also in 21.4).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .