Translation commentary on Revelation 7:17

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 .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Revelation 7:17

7:17a

For: This conjunction introduces the reason why believers will no longer suffer from hunger, thirst, or heat. For example:

because (Good News Translation)

the Lamb in the center of the throne: The Greek words are literally “the Lamb in the middle/midst of the throne.” This phrase probably has the same meaning as in 5:6b–c. There the Lamb is in the midst of the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the Lamb at the throne
-or-
The lamb in the center near the throne (God’s Word)

See how you translated this phrase in 5:6.

will be their shepherd: The Greek words are literally “will shepherd them.” The verb “shepherd” refers to watching over, protecting, and leading sheep or goats to new pasture. Here the phrase indicates that the Lamb watches over, protects, and provides for his people. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

will shepherd them (NET Bible)
-or-
will watch over them

7:17b

‘He will lead them to springs of living water’: This clause refers figuratively to providing for people’s needs. Like shepherds lead sheep to food and water, the Lamb will lead believers to the things they need. For example:

he will guide them to springs of life-giving water (Good News Translation)

springs: Here the word springs refers to places where water arises out of the ground.

living water: The Greek phrase is literally “water of life.” This phrase indicates that the water is the source of life. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the water of life (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
water that gives ⌊eternal⌋ life
-or-
life-giving water (Good News Translation)

7:17c

‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’: This clause implies that believers will not suffer or be sad again. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to wiping tears, without giving true comfort. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Include this implied information in your translation. For example:

He will wipe every tear from their eyes ⌊so that they will not be sad ever again⌋

• Translate the meaning with this implied information. For example:

God will remove all their grief and sorrows
-or-
God will comfort them so that they never cry/weep again

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