A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 2:7

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 2:7

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 2:7

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God." — Revelation 2:7 (ASV)

He that hath an ear (ο εχων ους). An individualizing note calling on each of the hearers (1:3) to listen (2:7,11,17,28; 3:3,6,13,22) and a reminiscence of the words of Jesus in the Synoptics (Matthew 11:15; 13:9,43; Mr 4:9,23; Luke 8:8; Luke 14:35), but not in John's Gospel.

The spirit (το πνευμα). The Holy Spirit as in 14:13; 22:17. Both Christ and the Holy Spirit deliver this message. "The Spirit of Christ in the prophet is the interpreter of Christ's voice" (Swete).

To him that overcometh (τω νικωντ). Dative of the present (continuous victory) active articular participle of νικαω, a common Johannine verb (John 16:33; 1 John 2:13f; John 4:4; 5:4f.; Revelation 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21; John 5:5; John 12:11; John 15:2; John 17:14; John 21:7). Faith is dominant in Paul, victory in John, faith is victory (1 John 5:4). So in each promise to these churches.

I will give (δωσω). Future active of διδωμ as in 2:10,17,23,26,28; 3:8,21; 6:4; 11:3; 21:6.

To eat (φαγειν). Second aorist active infinitive of εσθιω.

Of the tree of life (εκ του ξυλου της ζωης). Note εκ with the ablative with φαγειν, like our "eat of" (from or part of). From Ge 2:9; 3:22. Again in Re 22:2,14 as here for immortality. This tree is now in the Garden of God. For the water of life see 21:6; 22:17 (Cf. John 4:10,13f.).

Which (ο). The ξυλον (tree).

In the Paradise of God (εν τω παραδεισω του θεου). Persian word, for which see Lu 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4. The abode of God and the home of the redeemed with Christ, not a mere intermediate state. It was originally a garden of delight and finally heaven itself (Trench), as here.