Revelation 7:16

Never again will they hunger, and never will they thirst; nor will the sun beat down upon them, nor any scorching heat.'

Study Bible

Never again will they hunger
This phrase speaks to the eternal satisfaction and provision that God promises to His people. The Greek word for "hunger" is "πεινάω" (peinaó), which means to be in need of food or to suffer want. In the historical context of the early church, many Christians faced physical hunger due to persecution and poverty. This promise assures believers that in the presence of God, all their needs will be met, and they will experience complete fulfillment. It echoes the assurance found in Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

never will they thirst
The Greek word for "thirst" is "διψάω" (dipsaó), which conveys a deep longing or need for water. Water is a symbol of life and sustenance throughout Scripture. In John 4:14, Jesus offers the living water that quenches spiritual thirst forever. This promise in Revelation assures believers that their spiritual and physical needs will be eternally satisfied in God's kingdom, where the living water flows freely.

nor will the sun beat down on them
The imagery of the sun beating down is reminiscent of the harsh conditions faced by those in the ancient Near East, where the sun could be relentless and oppressive. The Greek word "πῖπτω" (piptó) means to fall upon or strike. This phrase promises relief from suffering and hardship, symbolizing God's protection and care. It reflects the promise in Isaiah 49:10, where God assures His people that they will not hunger or thirst, nor will the desert heat or sun beat down on them.

nor any scorching heat
The term "scorching heat" refers to extreme conditions that cause distress and discomfort. The Greek word "καύσων" (kausón) means burning heat or a hot wind. This phrase emphasizes the complete removal of all forms of suffering and discomfort in the presence of God. It is a promise of eternal peace and rest, where believers are shielded from all harm and distress, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's protective care.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Great Multitude
This group is described earlier in Revelation 7 as a vast number of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes. They represent those who have come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

2. The Throne of God
The setting of this passage is in the heavenly throne room, where God is seated on His throne, surrounded by worship and adoration.

3. The Lamb
Referring to Jesus Christ, the Lamb is central to the vision in Revelation. He is the one who has redeemed the multitude and is the reason for their salvation and protection.

4. The Great Tribulation
This is a period of intense suffering and persecution that the multitude has endured. It is a time of testing and trial for believers.

5. Heavenly Realm
The context of this promise is in the heavenly realm, where the redeemed experience eternal comfort and provision.

Teaching Points

Eternal Provision
In heaven, God provides for all needs, eliminating hunger and thirst. This reflects His ultimate care and provision for His people.

Spiritual Fulfillment
The promise of no hunger or thirst symbolizes the complete spiritual fulfillment found in Christ. Believers are called to seek satisfaction in Him alone.

Protection from Harm
The assurance that the sun will not beat down upon them signifies God's protection from all harm. Believers can trust in God's safeguarding presence.

Hope in Tribulation
The context of this promise is after the great tribulation, offering hope and encouragement to persevere through trials, knowing that eternal comfort awaits.

Unity in Diversity
The great multitude from every nation highlights the unity and diversity in God's kingdom, encouraging believers to embrace and celebrate diversity within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of no hunger or thirst in Revelation 7:16 encourage you in your current spiritual journey?

2. In what ways can you seek spiritual fulfillment in Christ rather than in worldly things, as suggested by this passage?

3. How does the assurance of God's protection in Revelation 7:16 impact your perspective on facing trials and tribulations?

4. What practical steps can you take to embrace and celebrate diversity within your church community, reflecting the unity of the great multitude?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Isaiah 49:10 and John 6:35, deepen your understanding of God's provision and care for His people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 49:10
This verse echoes the promise of no hunger or thirst and protection from the sun, highlighting God's provision and care for His people.

John 6:35
Jesus declares Himself as the bread of life, promising that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst, connecting to the spiritual fulfillment found in Christ.

Psalm 121:6
This psalm assures that the sun will not harm God's people by day, nor the moon by night, emphasizing God's protection.

Matthew 5:6
The Beatitudes promise that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled, pointing to the spiritual satisfaction found in God's kingdom.