Definition: In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really beautiful and symbolic passage from Revelation 22:2! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a tree that represents something incredibly important – hope and healing for the entire world. It speaks of a future time when God will restore His creation and make it whole again. Let's unpack each part: “In the midst of the street of it…” - This refers to a place where people are busy, perhaps in a city or town. “Street” here is metaphorical for the world – a place filled with activity and problems. “…and on either side of the river…” - There’s a river running through this area, symbolizing a flowing stream of life and truth. “[was there] the tree of life…” - This is the key! The verse describes a specific type of tree . The word "tree" in Revelation isn't just about trees as we know them today. It’s a symbol of something precious, powerful, and full of life. “…which bare twelve [manner of] fruits…” - This is where it gets interesting. The "fruits" aren't just ordinary apples or oranges. They are specially blessed fruits. The word “bare” means “to have,” so this tree was fully grown and ready to bear fruit. “…and yielded her fruit every month…” - This is the most important part. It says that this tree produced fruit regularly , every month – like a consistent cycle of giving! “And the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.” - Finally, the leaves on this tree are specifically designed to heal and restore people . This is the core message of hope. It suggests that God's promise to restore His creation will bring healing and restoration to all who need it. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a future time when God will completely repair what has been damaged. He’s giving us a tangible sign – this tree – that will produce fruit, fruits that will offer healing and restoration to the entire world. It's about hope, promise, and the ultimate restoration of creation. Important Note: The "healing of the nations" part is often interpreted as a promise of forgiveness and reconciliation for those who have been hurt or wronged. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Talk about what this verse might be related to in the context of the Bible? Give you a little background on the symbolism used in Revelation?