Rev 7:17 | RWP | e4.org | In the midst ( ανα μεσον ). In we have εν μεσω του θρονου as the position of the Lamb, and so that is apparently the sense of ανα μεσον here as in , though it can mean "between," as clearly so in . Shall be their shepherd ( παιμανε αυτους ). "Shall shepherd them," future active of ποιμαινω (from ποιμην , shepherd), in ; ; ; ; ; ; . Jesus is still the Good Shepherd of his sheep ( , .). Cf. . Shall guide them ( οδη γησε αυτους ). Future active of οδηγεω , old word (from οδηγος , guide, ), used of God's guidance of Israel ( ), of God's guidance of individual lives ( ), of the guidance of the Holy Spirit ( ), of Christ's own guidance here (cf. ; ). Unto fountains of waters of life ( επ ζωης πηγας υδατων ). The language is like that in ; . Note the order, "to life's water springs" (Swete) like the Vulgate ad vitae fontes aquarum , with emphasis on ζωης (life's). For this idea see also , ; .; ; , . No special emphasis on the plural here or in ; ; . And God shall wipe away ( κα εξαλειψε ο θεος ). Repeated in from . Future active of εξαλειφω , old compound, to wipe out ( εξ ), off, away, already in for erasing a name and in for removing the stain (guilt) of sin. Every tear ( παν δακρυον ). Old word, with other form, δακρυ , in , . Note repetition of εκ with οφθαλμων (out of their eyes). "Words like these of vv. must sound as a divine music in the ears of the persecuted. God will comfort as a mother comforts" (Baljon).

‏ Revelation of John 7:17

In the midst ( ανα μεσον ). In 5:6 we have εν μεσω του θρονου as the position of the Lamb, and so that is apparently the sense of ανα μεσον here as in Mt 13:25, though it can mean "between," as clearly so in 1Co 6:5.

Shall be their shepherd ( παιμανε αυτους ). "Shall shepherd them," future active of ποιμαινω (from ποιμην, shepherd), in Joh 21:16; Ac 20:28; 1Pe 5:2; Re 2:27; 7:17; 12:5; 19:15. Jesus is still the Good Shepherd of his sheep (Joh 10:11, 14ff.). Cf. Ps 23:1.

Shall guide them ( οδη γησε αυτους ). Future active of οδηγεω, old word (from οδηγος, guide, Mt 15:14), used of God's guidance of Israel (Ex 15:13), of God's guidance of individual lives (Ps 5:9), of the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Joh 16:13), of Christ's own guidance here (cf. Joh 14:4; Re 14:4).

Unto fountains of waters of life ( επ ζωης πηγας υδατων ). The language is like that in Isa 49:10; Jer 2:13. Note the order, "to life's water springs" (Swete) like the Vulgate ad vitae fontes aquarum, with emphasis on ζωης (life's). For this idea see also Joh 4:12, 14; 7:38f.; Re 21:6; 22:1, 17. No special emphasis on the plural here or in 8:10; 14:7; 16:4.

And God shall wipe away ( κα εξαλειψε ο θεος ). Repeated in 21:4 from Isa 25:8. Future active of εξαλειφω, old compound, to wipe out ( εξ ), off, away, already in 3:5 for erasing a name and in Ac 3:19 for removing the stain (guilt) of sin.

Every tear ( παν δακρυον ). Old word, with other form, δακρυ, in Lu 7:38, 44. Note repetition of εκ with οφθαλμων (out of their eyes). "Words like these of vv. 15-17 must sound as a divine music in the ears of the persecuted. God will comfort as a mother comforts" (Baljon).