Revelation 14 4

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.

Revelation 14:4 nkjv

These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.

Revelation 14:4 niv

These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.

Revelation 14:4 esv

It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb,

Revelation 14:4 nlt

They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb.

Revelation 14 verses

Revelation 14 4 Meaning

Revelation 14:4 describes a select group of 144,000 who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. This verse characterizes them by their spiritual purity, unwavering devotion to Christ, and unique redemption. They are presented as undefiled, spiritually virgin, wholly committed to following Jesus wherever He leads, and designated as a special "firstfruits" offering to God and the Lamb, signifying their consecration and prime position.

Revelation 14 4 Context

Revelation 14 is pivotal, shifting focus from the judgments and beast worship of previous chapters to the redeemed standing with the Lamb, contrasted with those who worship the Beast. The chapter presents a vision of hope and assurance for God's faithful followers in the midst of severe tribulation. Verse 4 specifically introduces the 144,000, presenting them as a distinct and highly consecrated group chosen from humanity, signifying their spiritual purity and absolute fidelity to the Lamb, especially in contrast to those who defile themselves with the "great harlot" Babylon (Rev 17:1-6) and succumb to the mark of the Beast (Rev 14:9-11). Their identity and character establish a strong polemic against the idolatry, spiritual prostitution, and compromise prevalent in the world and associated with the Beast's system. Historically and culturally, the imagery draws upon Old Testament concepts of covenant faithfulness, ritual purity, and firstfruits offerings, all pointing to a profound dedication to God over any worldly power or allure.

Revelation 14 4 Word analysis

• These: Gr. houtoi. Indicates a specific, identified group, distinct from others described in Revelation.
• are they who were not defiled with women: Gr. emolynthēsan (aorist passive of molynō), meaning "to pollute, soil, stain, defile." In a highly symbolic book like Revelation, "defiled with women" (often gunaikōn, women) is overwhelmingly understood spiritually, not literally regarding sexual intercourse. This defilement refers to spiritual adultery, unfaithfulness to God through idolatry, engaging with the "great harlot" Babylon (Rev 17-18) and her illicit "fornications" (πορνεία - porneia, which refers to spiritual prostitution or illicit dealings), or aligning with the Beast and its system. It signifies a refusal to engage in spiritual apostasy or to participate in the corruptions of the world system symbolized by the "harlot."
• for they are virgins: Gr. parthenoi gar eisin. "Virgins" (παρθένοι - parthenoi) reinforces the spiritual interpretation of "not defiled with women." It means they maintained a pure and exclusive devotion to Christ, uncorrupted by the spiritual allurements or false doctrines of the world or its counterfeit worship systems. This state reflects faithfulness and undivided loyalty, not necessarily a literal marital status.
• These are they who follow: Gr. houtoi eisin hoi akolouthountes. Emphasizes continuous, loyal discipleship. Akolouthountes (present participle) suggests an ongoing act of following.
• the Lamb: Gr. tō Arniō. Referring to Jesus Christ, the slain yet risen Messiah. The Lamb symbolizes sacrifice, redemption, and leadership.
• wherever He goes: Gr. hopou an hypagē. Implies absolute submission, unwavering obedience, and commitment to Christ's leadership and will, even to suffering or death. It speaks to complete fidelity and trust, unlike those who follow the Beast.
• These were redeemed: Gr. ēgorasthēsan (aorist passive of agorazō), meaning "to purchase in the marketplace, buy." This term signifies that they were bought with a price, underscoring the salvific work of Christ. It implies being delivered from bondage or judgment through payment.
• from among men: Gr. apo tōn anthrōpōn. Suggests they are taken out of or set apart from the general mass of humanity, distinct from those who give allegiance to the Beast and receive his mark.
• being firstfruits: Gr. aparchē. Refers to the first and choicest portion of a harvest offered to God. It indicates a special, dedicated, and sanctified status. As firstfruits, they may represent a paradigm of believers, particularly those who demonstrate supreme faithfulness during the end times, or they might signify an initial, exemplary group within a larger spiritual harvest.
• to God and to the Lamb: Gr. tō Theō kai tō Arniō. Highlights their supreme dedication and ownership by both the Father and the Son, emphasizing their complete consecration and loyalty within the Godhead.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "These are they who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins." This phrase collectively defines the group's unblemished spiritual state. Their "virginity" is not about marital status but spiritual integrity, purity of devotion, and unwavering commitment to God alone. It serves as a stark contrast to the spiritual "fornication" of the world and those allied with the "great harlot" Babylon (Rev 17-18), reinforcing a consistent theme in Revelation of separating from spiritual impurity and idolatry. Their identity is thus defined by purity of faith and exclusive devotion to God and the Lamb.
• "These are they who follow the Lamb wherever He goes." This group of words emphasizes their complete and unreserved discipleship. It points to a dynamic and active relationship, where their every step and direction is dictated by Christ. This speaks to perfect obedience, trust, and devotion, particularly critical in a time of intense pressure and temptation. It implies not just mental assent but a life of active following, even to hardship or death, standing in direct opposition to those who follow the Beast (Rev 13:3-4).
• "These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb." This identifies their foundational identity in redemption and their ultimate purpose. They are "redeemed," signifying their salvation and deliverance through Christ's atoning work, and are therefore set apart. The designation "firstfruits" further elevates their special status as a consecrated offering, belonging entirely to God and the Lamb. It signifies their exceptional devotion and early allegiance during the difficult tribulation period, setting them apart as uniquely valuable to God.

Revelation 14 4 Bonus section

The specific mention of "firstfruits" (aparche) in Revelation 14:4 links these 144,000 to an Old Testament practice signifying dedication and holiness. In ancient Israel, the first part of the harvest or produce was given to God (Ex 23:19; Num 18:12), consecrating the entire harvest. This suggests the 144,000 may either represent the very initial, exceptionally faithful harvest of souls from among men, or serve as a holy representation of the wider body of believers. Their role as "firstfruits" further emphasizes their sanctity and divine ownership. Their presence with the Lamb on Mount Zion contrasts sharply with those who worship the Beast, establishing them as antithetical figures to the defilement and apostasy that characterizes the end-times world. This distinct character underscores the importance of choosing allegiance wholly to Christ, especially amidst spiritual pressures and temptations to compromise faith.

Revelation 14 4 Commentary

Revelation 14:4 introduces the 144,000 as a highly distinct group within God's people, characterized by an exceptional level of spiritual purity and commitment to Christ. Their "undefiled" status and spiritual "virginity" symbolize an absolute rejection of the world's spiritual idolatry and unfaithfulness, particularly the harlotries of "Babylon" which entice people away from God. This group represents unswerving devotion to the Lamb, exemplified by their willingness to follow Him without question or hesitation, even to the most challenging or unpopular paths. Their redemption signifies their ownership by Christ through His sacrifice, setting them apart from fallen humanity. Being "firstfruits" indicates a special, consecrated status, suggesting they are a highly dedicated and precious offering to God and the Lamb, likely representing the earliest or most exemplary group of redeemed from among men in the final conflict. This verse profoundly underscores the themes of purity, loyalty, and redemption, presenting an ideal of unwavering fidelity in the face of widespread spiritual defilement.