Revelation 22:2a
Revelation 22, Page 2

Re-evaluation Translation
22:2  In the midst of these broad principles, and along side of the flow of purified belief, was the elevated structure of core beliefs, which bare twelve character qualities, a quality every month: and these core beliefs healed the people.

Bible, KJV Translation
22:2  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.

Significant Words and Comments:
Commentary on Revelation 22:2 (31 August 2008):   “In the midst of the street of it,” is, more correctly, “amidst the broad area.” Yehuveh’s truth is broad and encompassing and in the midst of this wisdom and elevating insight the tree of life stands elevated and distinct. Street applies more to a broad place or way than necessarily to a street, as discussed in notes on Revelation 11:8.
       
“On either side of the river,” should read “and also on the side of the river.” Rather than indicating that the tree of life is split at the base with a portion of the trunk on each side of the river, this is stating that along with the flow of truth and belief which nourishes humanity is the elevated truth structure identified as the tree of life. Either is from kai [G2532], a primary particle simply meaning “and, also, even, indeed, but.” Side, from enteuthen [G1782], which simply means “from this place, on this side,” is used only here in Revelation. River is discussed in notes on Revelation 8:10
       
“Was there the tree of life,” The tree of life is specifically discussed ten times in Scripture and alluded to an additional half dozen times. The ten references provide significant insights and for that reason are all included here. In essence, the tree of life is discussed in regard to three things, (1) humanity’s original creation and fall; (2) practical significances; and (3) humanity’s full and final restoration.
       
Regarding creation, we are told: “Out of the ground made Yehuveh Elohim to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” “Yehuveh Elohim said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever.” “So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” The tree of life which was given to man at creation was virtually taken from him by his own rebellion. It would follow, then, that as we return from rebellion we will again have access to this tree of true righteous wisdom. What a powerful appeal for us to return! Genesis 2:9; 3:22, 24.
       
Practical aspects of the tree of life: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. . . . She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” A life of wise, righteous living, satisfaction of our desires, and thoughtful kind words all produce elevating life. Proverbs 3:13-18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4.
       
Humanity’s full restoration: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of Elohim.” “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.” “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Obviously, like physical fruit trees, the tree of life is to nourish us, yet we only have a right to and will be able to enjoy its nourishment if we return to Yehuveh with our whole hearts. Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14.


Gael Bataman
Originally Written:               31 August 2008
Latest Update:                     31 August 2008


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