Revelation 7:7 kjv

Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

Revelation 7:7 nkjv

of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed;

Revelation 7:7 niv

from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,

Revelation 7:7 esv

12,000 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,

Revelation 7:7 nlt

from Simeon ? 12,000
from Levi ? 12,000
from Issachar ? 12,000

Revelation 7 verses

Revelation 7 7 Meaning

Revelation 7:7 reveals the divine selection and sealing of twelve thousand individuals from the tribe of Simeon. This signifies God's preservation and protection of a specific number from the tribes of Israel, securing them from impending judgments and identifying them as His own during a critical period of tribulation. The inclusion of Simeon underscores God's meticulous and sovereign plan for all the tribes of Israel, demonstrating that none are forgotten in His ultimate redemption and protection.

Revelation 7 7 Context

Revelation chapter 7 serves as an interlude between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals, pausing the unfolding judgments of God to highlight His divine preservation. The chapter reveals two distinct groups that stand secure during the tribulation: the 144,000 sealed servants of God from every tribe of the sons of Israel (Rev 7:1-8) and an innumerable multitude from every nation, standing before the throne (Rev 7:9-17). Verse 7, specifically mentioning "the tribe of Simeon" and the number "twelve thousand," is part of the first segment. This sealing occurs on their foreheads, a mark of ownership and divine protection, shielding them from the harm that will be unleashed upon the earth. The careful listing of twelve tribes, each with twelve thousand sealed, emphasizes the complete and organized nature of God's redemptive plan for a specific number from the physical tribes of Israel. The sequence, beginning with Reuben and ending with Benjamin, presents a unique order of the tribes compared to other Old Testament lists, with certain omissions (Dan, Ephraim) and inclusions (Levi, Manasseh as separate tribes), highlighting God's particular sovereign selection in this eschatological context.

Revelation 7 7 Word analysis

• Of (Ἐκ - Ek): Greek preposition meaning "out of" or "from." It signifies origin or source, indicating that the sealed individuals physically come forth from or belong to the specified tribe. It denotes extraction or identification.

• the tribe (φυλῆς - phylēs): Greek noun "phylē," meaning "tribe, race, nation, people." In the biblical context, it specifically refers to one of the twelve divisions of the descendants of Jacob (Israel). Its use here strongly points to literal, historical tribal affiliations. The singular form used with each tribe emphasizes its distinct identity.

• of Simeon (Συμεὼν - Symeōn): A Hebrew proper noun transliterated into Greek. Simeon was the second son of Jacob by Leah (Gen 29:33). Historically, the tribe of Simeon was notable for its involvement in violence (Gen 34) and its prophesied dispersion within Israel (Gen 49:5-7), leading to a decline in prominence and territory (Josh 19:1, 9). Its specific mention here, amidst a divine act of preservation, underscores God's remembrance of all His covenant people and His reversal of historical trajectories.

• were sealed (ἐσφραγισμένοι - esphragismenoi): Greek perfect passive participle of σφραγίζω (sphragizō), meaning "to seal, mark, secure, confirm." The perfect tense signifies a completed action with lasting results; the passive voice indicates that they are the recipients of the sealing by a divine agent. The participle form functions adjectivally, describing the "twelve thousand" as those who have been sealed. This act signifies divine ownership, protection from judgment, authentication, and preservation for a specific purpose (Rev 9:4).

• twelve thousand (δώδεκα χιλιάδες - dōdeka chiliades):

  • twelve (δώδεκα - dōdeka): This number holds great symbolic significance in the Bible, representing divine governmental order, completeness, and perfection. It signifies the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles, twelve gates of the New Jerusalem, etc.
  • thousand (χιλιάδες - chiliades): Plural of χιλιάς (chilias), denoting a large, complete unit or multitude, often a military or administrative division. When combined with "twelve," it signifies a numerically complete and representative body chosen from each tribe. It implies not just an indefinite large number, but a precisely measured and complete selection for God's specific purpose.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Of the tribe of Simeon": This phrase directly identifies the lineage and tribal allegiance of this specific group being sealed. It grounds the future divine action firmly within the historical and genealogical framework of Israel. It affirms God's commitment to His chosen people according to their tribal designations.
  • "were sealed twelve thousand": This unit declares both the action performed and its scope. The "sealing" points to divine protection, preservation, and authorization. The "twelve thousand" denotes a precisely selected and divinely designated contingent from each tribe, highlighting order, completeness, and a pre-determined purpose by God, rather than a random collection.

Revelation 7 7 Bonus section

The list of twelve tribes in Revelation 7 (including Simeon in v.7) is distinct from other Old Testament tribal lists in its specific order and exclusions (notably the absence of Dan and Ephraim) and inclusions (Levi and Joseph, where Levi traditionally did not receive land and Joseph often stood for Ephraim and Manasseh combined, but here Manasseh is listed separately). This unique compilation is often understood not as a complete ethnographic record, but as a symbolic representation emphasizing the complete body of the "sons of Israel" chosen for God's specific protective sealing. The selection process highlights God's sovereign and unconditional choice, affirming His enduring covenant faithfulness to His chosen people Israel. Simeon's inclusion, given its historical struggles and reduction in status, particularly emphasizes that God's plan of redemption and preservation extends even to those tribes that might have diminished significantly or experienced divine dispersion according to ancient prophecies. It speaks to a comprehensive restoration or remembrance of "all Israel" in the end times (Rom 11:26), securing a perfect, complete number of God's chosen ones for His ultimate purposes.

Revelation 7 7 Commentary

Revelation 7:7 is a specific declaration within a pivotal interlude in the Revelation narrative, confirming God's purposeful action toward the tribe of Simeon. This verse illustrates that Simeon, despite its turbulent history and diminishing tribal prominence foreseen in Jacob's prophecy (Gen 49:7), is nevertheless remembered and included in God's end-time plan for Israel. The act of "sealing" underscores divine ownership, absolute protection from impending judgments, and a mark of unique identification as God's servants. The number "twelve thousand" is not arbitrary but profoundly symbolic; "twelve" represents divine governance and completeness, and "thousand" denotes a large, complete, and meticulously ordered unit. This suggests that the sealed 144,000 (12 x 12,000) represent a full, divinely ordained, and sovereignly chosen remnant from all the tribes of Israel, secured by God's hand for His specific purposes during the great tribulation. This passage reaffirms God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, ensuring that a remnant from each tribe will be preserved, showcasing His meticulous and just oversight of all humanity and His chosen people amidst judgment.