Read & explore together
The River of Life
This vision shows a life-giving river, the tree of life, and the presence of God and the Lamb. Its images are rich and hopeful, focusing on what flows from God’s throne and what his servants receive there.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
These verses present a vision in picture-filled language. The passage describes a river of water of life, the tree of life, the throne of God and of the Lamb, the end of the curse, and the condition of God’s servants in that place. It highlights life, healing, light, and service.
Revelation 22:1–5Main takeaway
This vision presents life, healing, light, and lasting service in the presence of God and of the Lamb.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A river flowing from the throneThe vision begins with a river of water of life, described as clear as crystal. Its source is important: it proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Explanation
The vision begins with a river of water of life, described as clear as crystal. Its source is important: it proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The picture links life with God’s rule and with the Lamb, showing that this life comes from them.
02The tree of life and its healing leavesThe passage next speaks of the middle of the street, and then says that on this side of the river and on that side was the tree of life.
Explanation
The passage next speaks of the middle of the street, and then says that on this side of the river and on that side was the tree of life. The tree bears twelve kinds of fruits and yields fruit every month. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations.
03No more curse and service to GodThe vision then states that there will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will serve him.
Explanation
The vision then states that there will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will serve him. The passage joins the end of the curse with God’s presence and the ongoing service of those who belong to him.
04Seeing his face and living in his lightThe servants will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. The passage also says there will be no night and no need for lamp light or sun light, because the Lord God will illuminate them.
Explanation
The servants will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. The passage also says there will be no night and no need for lamp light or sun light, because the Lord God will illuminate them. It ends by saying they will reign forever and ever.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What details show that life in this vision comes from God and the Lamb?
Notice where the river begins and how both Revelation 22:1 and Revelation 22:3 centre on the throne of God and of the Lamb.
02What do the tree’s fruit and leaves add to the picture in this vision?
Look for the words about twelve kinds of fruits, fruit every month, and leaves for the healing of the nations.
03How does the end of the passage describe the relationship between God and his servants?
Pay attention to seeing his face, having his name on their foreheads, receiving light from the Lord God, and reigning forever and ever.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Revelation 22:1–5
1He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
2in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him.
4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5There will be no night, and they need no lamp light or sun light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.