The Meaning of Revelation 14:4 Explained

Revelation 14:4

KJV: These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

YLT: these are they who with women were not defiled, for they are virgin; these are they who are following the Lamb whithersoever he may go; these were bought from among men -- a first-fruit to God and to the Lamb --

Darby: These are they who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they who follow the Lamb wheresoever it goes. These have been bought from men as first-fruits to God and to the Lamb:

ASV: These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

These  are they  which  were  not  defiled  with  women;  for  they are  virgins.  These  are they  which  follow  the Lamb  whithersoever  he goeth.  These  were redeemed  from  among men,  [being] the firstfruits  unto God  and  to the Lamb. 

What does Revelation 14:4 Mean?

Study Notes

redeemed
.
Redemption
Redemption, "to deliver by paying a price." The N.T. doctrine. The N.T. records the fulfilment of the O.T. types and prophecies of redemption through the sacrifice of Christ. The completed truth is set forth in the three words which are translated redemption
(1) agorazo, "to purchase in the market." The underlying thought is of a slave-market. The subjects of redemption are "sold under sin" Romans 7:14 but are, moreover, under sentence of death; Ezekiel 18:4 ,; John 3:18 ; John 3:19 ; Romans 3:19 ; Galatians 3:10 , and the purchase price is the blood of the Redeemer who dies in their stead; Galatians 3:13 ; 2 Corinthians 5:21 ; Matthew 20:28 ,; Mark 10:45 ; 1 Timothy 2:6 ; 1 Peter 1:18 .
(2) exagorazo, "to buy out of the market." The redeemed are never again to be exposed to sale;
(3) lutroo, "to loose," "to set free by paying a price" John 8:32 ; Galatians 4:4 ; Galatians 4:5 ; Galatians 4:31 ; Galatians 5:13 ; Romans 8:21 . Redemption is by sacrifice and by power (See Scofield " Exodus 14:30 ") Christ paid the price, the Holy Spirit makes deliverance actual in experience Romans 8:2 .
(See Scofield " Isaiah 59:20 ") . See Scofield " Romans 1:16 ".
grace Grace (in salvation), Romans 4:4-16 ; Romans 3:24 . (See Scofield " John 1:17 ") .

Verse Meaning

Three occurrences of "these" (Gr. houtoi) in this verse identify the144 ,000 as worthy of special honor. First, with women (emphatic in the Greek text) they had not been defiled because they were celibates (Gr. parthenoi, virgins). Should we understand this word literally or figuratively? Literally the text would mean that these males had no sexual relations with women.
"One of the special criteria for these slaves of God was that they have no intercourse with women.... So in the future Great Tribulation, virginity will be requisite for this special group." [1]
Figuratively it would mean that they had remained faithful to the Lord, as the NIV translation "they kept themselves pure" suggests (cf. 2 Kings 19:21; Isaiah 37:22; Jeremiah 18:13; Jeremiah 31:4; Jeremiah 31:21; Lamentations 2:13; Amos 5:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2).
"It is better ... to relate the reference to purity to the defilement of idolatry. In fact, John seems to use molyno [2] this way elsewhere of cult prostitution ( Revelation 3:4; cf. Revelation 2:14; Revelation 2:20; Revelation 2:22)." [3]
I think the balance of evidence is slightly in favor of the literal interpretation. If this seems too severe, it may be helpful to remember that Paul advised the Corinthians to remain unmarried because of the nature of the distressing times in which they lived ( 1 Corinthians 7:26; cf. Matthew 19:12). A figurative interpretation of "celibates" could be the correct one, however. Of course, both may be true; they may be unmarried and faithful spiritually. [4]
Second, the144 ,000 receive special commendation because they followed the Lamb faithfully during their lives. This was especially difficult due to the time in which they lived, the Great Tribulation.
Third, they receive honor because they not only experienced purchase by God but because they were firstfruits to God. Some view this as expressing the idea that they are the first of others who will follow, specifically believers who will enter the Millennium as living believers. [5] However there will be no others who follow that are just like the144 ,000; they are unique. Probably the firstfruits figure represents them as a special gift to God. This is the idea behind abut two-thirds of the references to firstfruits in the Old Testament. [6]

Context Summary

Revelation 14:1-8 - The Lamb's Chosen Worshipers
The blessed ones with whom this chapter opens are only the first-fruit sheaf from the great harvest field. Think of it! If one sheaf consists of 144,000, what will be the entire number of the saved? The characteristics attributed to them may be realized by us all now and here. We must bear the name, that is, the nature and character of Jesus, in our faces; we must be pure in heart and life; and we must go wherever He goes. If to Gethsemane, we must follow Him; if to Calvary, we must take up our cross and go thither; if to Heaven, we shall be with Him there also. It is thought by some that this first-fruit sheaf represents the dear children who have died in early life and have become the Savior's body-guard and close associates. It may be so, but more likely it stands for the possessors of the child-heart.
In majestic procession, one after another, strong angels are seen issuing from the heavenly portals, with "their sublime announcements. Notice the phrase, the everlasting gospel, Revelation 14:6. In other words, the gospel of the grace of God is no expedient brought in to patch up a program which has been seriously spoiled; it is as old as eternity and brings to men eternal joy, and peace, and hope. [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 14

1  The Lamb standing on Mount Zion with his company
6  An angel preaches the gospel
8  The fall of Babylon
15  The harvest of the world
20  The winepress of the wrath of God

Greek Commentary for Revelation 14:4

Were not defiled with women [μετα γυναικων ουκ εμολυντησαν]
First aorist passive indicative of μολυνω — molunō old verb, to stain, already in Revelation 3:4, which see. The use of this word rules out marriage, which was not considered sinful. [source]
For they are virgins [παρτενοι γαρ εισιν]
Παρτενος — Parthenos can be applied to men as well as women. Swete takes this language “metaphorically, as the symbolical character of the Book suggests.” Charles considers it an interpolation in the interest of celibacy for both men and women. If taken literally, the words can refer only to adultery or fornication (Beckwith). Jesus recognised abstinence only for those able to receive it (Matthew 19:12), as did Paul (1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:32, 1 Corinthians 7:36). Marriage is approved by Paul in 1 Timothy 4:3 and by Hebrews 13:4. The New Testament exalts marriage and this passage should not be construed as degrading it.Whithersoever he goeth (οπου αν υπαγει — hopou an hupagei). Indefinite local clause with modal αν — an and the present active indicative of υπαγω — hupagō The Christian life is following the Lamb of God as Jesus taught (Mark 2:14; Mark 10:21; Luke 9:59; John 1:43; John 21:19, etc.) and as Peter taught (1 Peter 2:21) and John (1 John 2:6).Were purchased from among men First aorist passive indicative of αγοραζω — agorazō repeating the close of Revelation 14:3.First fruits (απαρχη — aparchē). See for this word 1 Corinthians 16:15; Romans 11:16; Romans 16:5. This seems to mean that the 144,000 represent not the whole, but only a portion of the great harvest to come (Matthew 9:37), not only the first installment, but those marked by high spiritual service to God and the Lamb (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:5). [source]
Whithersoever he goeth [οπου αν υπαγει]
Indefinite local clause with modal αν — an and the present active indicative of υπαγω — hupagō The Christian life is following the Lamb of God as Jesus taught (Mark 2:14; Mark 10:21; Luke 9:59; John 1:43; John 21:19, etc.) and as Peter taught (1 Peter 2:21) and John (1 John 2:6). [source]
Were purchased from among men [ηγοραστησαν απο των αντρωπων]
First aorist passive indicative of αγοραζω — agorazō repeating the close of Revelation 14:3.First fruits (απαρχη — aparchē). See for this word 1 Corinthians 16:15; Romans 11:16; Romans 16:5. This seems to mean that the 144,000 represent not the whole, but only a portion of the great harvest to come (Matthew 9:37), not only the first installment, but those marked by high spiritual service to God and the Lamb (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:5). [source]
First fruits [απαρχη]
See for this word 1 Corinthians 16:15; Romans 11:16; Romans 16:5. This seems to mean that the 144,000 represent not the whole, but only a portion of the great harvest to come (Matthew 9:37), not only the first installment, but those marked by high spiritual service to God and the Lamb (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:5). [source]
Were not defiled [οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν]
The verb means properly to besmear or besmirch, and is never used in a good sense, as μιαίνειν (John 18:28; Judges 1:8), which in classical Greek is sometimes applied to staining with color. See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
Virgins [παρθένοι]
Either celibate or living in chastity whether in married or single life. See 1 Corinthians 7:1-7, 1 Corinthians 7:29; 2 Corinthians 11:2. [source]
First-fruits [ἀπαρχὴ]
See on James 1:18. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 14:4

1 Corinthians 8:7 Is defiled [μολύνεται]
See on Revelation 14:4. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:25 Virgins [παρθένων]
Not the unmarried of both sexes, as Bengel. The use of the word by ecclesiastical writers for an unmarried man has no warrant in classical usage, and may have arisen from the misinterpretation of Revelation 14:4, where it is employed adjectivally and metaphorically. In every other case in the New Testament the meaning is unquestionable. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:25 I have no commandment of the Lord [επιταγην Κυριου ουκ εχω]
A late word from επιτασσω — epitassō old Greek verb to enjoin, to give orders to. Paul did have (1 Corinthians 7:10) a command from the Lord as we have in Matthew and Mark. It was quite possible for Paul to know this command of Jesus as he did other sayings of Jesus (Acts 20:35) even if he had as yet no access to a written gospel or had received no direct revelation on the subject from Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23). Sayings of Jesus were passed on among the believers. But Paul had no specific word from Jesus on the subject of virgins. They call for special treatment, young unmarried women only Paul means (1 Corinthians 7:25, 1 Corinthians 7:28, 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:36-38) and not as in Revelation 14:4 (metaphor). It is probable that in the letter (1 Corinthians 7:1) the Corinthians had asked about this problem. [source]
2 Corinthians 7:1 Filthiness [μολυσμοῦ]
Rev., defilement. Only here in the New Testament. For the kindred verb μολύνω todefile, see on Revelation 14:4. Compare 1 Corinthians 8:7. [source]
Titus 2:14 Might redeem [λυτρώσηται]
Only here, Luke 24:21; 1 Peter 1:18. See on 1 Timothy 2:6. Neither λύτρον ransom, λύτρωσις redemption, nor λυτρωτής redeemer occur in Paul. He has the figure of purchase ( ἀγοράζεσθαι, ἐξαγοράζεσθαι ), 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:5. Comp. Revelation 5:9; Revelation 14:3, Revelation 14:4; 2 Peter 2:1. [source]
James 1:18 A kind of first-fruits [ἀπαρχήν τινα]
A kind of indicates the figurative nature of the term. Time figure is taken from the requirement of the Jewish law that the first-born of men and cattle, and the first growth of fruits and grain should be consecrated to the Lord. The point of the illustration is that Christians, like first-fruits, should be consecrated to God. The expression “first-fruits ” is common in the New Testament. See Romans 8:23; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:23; Revelation 14:4. [source]
Revelation 1:5 Washed [λούσαντι]
Read λύσαντι loosedTrench remarks on the variation of readings as having grown out of a play on the words λουτρόν , a bathing, and λύτρον aransom, both of which express the central benefits which redound to us through the sacrifice and death of Christ. He refers to this play upon words as involved in the etymology of the name Apollo as given by Plato; viz., the washer ( ὁ ἀπολούων ) and the absolver ( ὁ ἀπολύων ) from all impurities. Either reading falls in with a beautiful circle of imagery. If washed, compare Psalm 51:2; Isaiah 1:16, Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 36:25; Acts 22:16; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5. If loosed, compare Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 1:18; Hebrews 9:12; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:5; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 14:3, Revelation 14:4. [source]
Revelation 15:2 Mingled with fire [μεμιγμενην πυρι]
Perfect passive participle of μιγνυμι — mignumi to mix, and the associative instrumental case πυρι — puri This item not in Revelation 4:6 (a vision of peace), but here it adds to the splendour of the vision. This parenthesis (Revelation 15:2-4) gives a picture of the martyrs in their state of bliss.Them that come off victorious (τους νικωντας — tous nikōntas). Present active articular participle of νικαω — nikaō accusative after ειδον — eidon “those that come off victorious” (Revelation 14:4).From the beast and from his image This use of εκ — ek after νικαω — nikaō is unusual, also with εκ του αριτμου — ek tou arithmou For these items see Revelation 13:1, Revelation 13:14, Revelation 13:17; Revelation 14:9, Revelation 14:11; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:4.By the glassy sea (επι την ταλασσαν την υαλινην — epi tēn thalassan tēn hualinēn). Or “upon” more likely (Revelation 4:6) with the accusative as in Matthew 14:25.Harps of God Objective genitive, for the worship of God (Revelation 5:8; Revelation 14:2; 1 Chronicles 16:42). [source]
Revelation 15:2 Them that come off victorious [τους νικωντας]
Present active articular participle of νικαω — nikaō accusative after ειδον — eidon “those that come off victorious” (Revelation 14:4). [source]
Revelation 7:17 Shall be their shepherd [παιμανει αυτους]
“Shall shepherd them,” future active of ποιμαινω — poimainō (from ποιμην — poimēn shepherd), in John 21:16; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 7:17; Revelation 12:5; Revelation 19:15. Jesus is still the Good Shepherd of his sheep (John 10:11, John 10:14.). Cf. Psalm 23:1.Shall guide them (οδη γησει αυτους — hodē gēsei autous). Future active of οδηγεω — hodēgeō old word (from οδηγος — hodēgos guide, Matthew 15:14), used of God‘s guidance of Israel (Exodus 15:13), of God‘s guidance of individual lives (Psalm 5:9), of the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), of Christ‘s own guidance here (cf. John 14:4; Revelation 14:4).Unto fountains of waters of life The language is like that in Isaiah 49:10; Jeremiah 2:13. Note the order, “to life‘s water springs” (Swete) like the Vulgate ad vitae fontes aquarum, with emphasis on ζωης — zōēs (life‘s). For this idea see also John 4:12, John 4:14; John 7:38.; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:1, Revelation 22:17. No special emphasis on the plural here or in Revelation 8:10; Revelation 14:7; Revelation 16:4.And God shall wipe away (και εχαλειπσει ο τεος — kai exaleipsei ho theos). Repeated in Revelation 21:4 from Isaiah 25:8. Future active of εχαλειπω — exaleiphō old compound, to wipe out (εχ — ex), off, away, already in Revelation 3:5 for erasing a name and in Acts 3:19 for removing the stain (guilt) of sin.Every tear Old word, with other form, δακρυ — dakru in Luke 7:38, Luke 7:44. Note repetition of εκ — ek with οπταλμων — ophthalmōn (out of their eyes). “Words like these of Revelation 7:15-17 must sound as a divine music in the ears of the persecuted. God will comfort as a mother comforts” (Baljon). [source]
Revelation 7:17 Shall guide them [οδη γησει αυτους]
Future active of οδηγεω — hodēgeō old word (from οδηγος — hodēgos guide, Matthew 15:14), used of God‘s guidance of Israel (Exodus 15:13), of God‘s guidance of individual lives (Psalm 5:9), of the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), of Christ‘s own guidance here (cf. John 14:4; Revelation 14:4). [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 14:4 mean?

These are they who with women not have not been defiled pure for they are these - following the Lamb wherever - He shall go have been redeemed out from - men [as] firstfruits - to God and to the
οὗτοί εἰσιν οἳ μετὰ γυναικῶν οὐκ ἐμολύνθησαν παρθένοι γάρ εἰσιν οὗτοι οἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες τῷ Ἀρνίῳ ὅπου ἂν ὑπάγῃ ἠγοράσθησαν ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπαρχὴ τῷ Θεῷ καὶ τῷ

οὗτοί  These 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
οἳ  they  who 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
γυναικῶν  women 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: γυνή  
Sense: a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow.
ἐμολύνθησαν  have  not  been  defiled 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: μολύνω  
Sense: to pollute, stain, contaminate, defile.
παρθένοι  pure 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: παρθένος  
Sense: a virgin.
εἰσιν  they  are 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
οὗτοι  these 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
οἱ  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀκολουθοῦντες  following 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀκολουθέω  
Sense: to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him.
Ἀρνίῳ  Lamb 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: ἀρνίον  
Sense: .
ὅπου  wherever 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὅπου  
Sense: where, whereas.
ἂν  - 
Parse: Particle
Root: ἄν  
Sense: has no exact English equivalent, see definitions under AV.
ὑπάγῃ  He  shall  go 
Parse: Verb, Present Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ὑπάγω  
Sense: to lead under, bring under.
ἠγοράσθησαν  have  been  redeemed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἀγοράζω  
Sense: to be in the market place, to attend it.
ἀπὸ  out  from 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἀπό 
Sense: of separation.
τῶν  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀνθρώπων  men 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ἄνθρωπος  
Sense: a human being, whether male or female.
ἀπαρχὴ  [as]  firstfruits 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀπαρχή  
Sense: to offer firstlings or firstfruits.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεῷ  to  God 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
τῷ  to  the 
Parse: Article, Dative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.