complete verse (Revelation 7:16)

Following are a number of back-translations of Revelation 7:16:

  • Uma: “They are no longer hungry, they are no longer thirsty, they are no longer shined upon by the intense/blazing sun.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “They will no longer be hungry or thirsty. They will not be caused to be hot by the sun or by anything else hot.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “They no longer get hungry, they no longer get thirsty, they also no longer get burned by the sun or anything hot.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “They will absolutely-never again be-left-hungry and thirsty, and neither will they be sunburned or hardshipped by other hot-things.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “They won’t any more be aware of hunger and thirst. It will no longer be necessary for them to expose themselves to the heat of the sun or for them to suffer whatever form of heat.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “No longer will they hunger. No longer will they thirst. No longer will they suffer from the heat of the sun.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Revelation 7:16

The language in verses 16-17 reflects Isa 49.10.

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more: this may be translated “Never again will they be hungry or thirsty” or “They will never be hungry again or ever be thirsty again.”

The sun shall not strike them: this means that the hot rays of the sun will not harm them (see Psa 121.6). The Greek word translated scorching heat may mean “the (desert) wind,” reflecting the meaning of Isa 49.10 (so New Jerusalem Bible). Or else sun and scorching heat may refer only to the sun’s heat: “the burning heat of the sun will not harm them” (so Translator’s New Testament).

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 .