What is the context?
The angel shows John the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The tree of life stands on either side, bearing twelve kinds of fruit with a fresh crop each month. Its leaves are for the healing of the nations.
There is no longer any curse. God’s servants worship Him, see His face and bear His name on their foreheads. The marks of belonging to the beast have given way to a picture of people openly belonging to God.
God gives them light, with no night in the city and no need of lamp or sun. They reign forever and ever. This is also a life of worship and service in His presence; the vision does not describe their future as empty or inactive.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The main readings connect the river and tree with life supplied by God and with the garden and river imagery elsewhere in Scripture. Wesley understands the leaves as maintaining the nations’ health in a world without sickness. The USCCB notes point to the fruit and healing leaves in Ezekiel 47.
The word translated healing can be checked in Thayer’s entry, which lists this verse under curing or healing. Explaining how that picture relates to the promise of no more pain is a matter of interpretation. The vision itself holds together God’s life-giving provision and the removal of the curse.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The tree of life and river recall Genesis 2:8–10. After human disobedience, the ground was cursed and access to the tree barred in Genesis 3:17–24. Revelation answers those scenes with life, access to God and no more curse. The ending reaches back to the beginning while showing what God has brought to completion.
Ezekiel 47:1–12 describes water flowing from the sanctuary, bringing life, with fruit each month and leaves for healing. John’s vision places the source at the throne of God and the Lamb. The repeated picture directs attention to God as the giver of life.
The promise that His servants see His face also recalls Jesus’ blessing in Matthew 5:8 on the pure in heart who will see God. The goal is a restored relationship with Him, alongside the renewal of the world in which His people live.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.