Revelation 7:8 kjv

Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

Revelation 7:8 nkjv

of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

Revelation 7:8 niv

from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.

Revelation 7:8 esv

12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.

Revelation 7:8 nlt

from Zebulun ? 12,000
from Joseph ? 12,000
from Benjamin ? 12,000

Revelation 7 verses

Revelation 7 8 Meaning

This verse completes the specific enumeration of the sealed 144,000 individuals, identifying the last three tribes: Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Each is listed as contributing twelve thousand. It emphasizes a divinely ordained, precise number of people from these tribes who are marked for preservation and protection from the impending judgments, highlighting God's meticulous care for His chosen ones.

Revelation 7 8 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 divine protection and universal worship. Before God's wrath is fully poured out, servants of God from every tribe of Israel are sealed on their foreheads, ensuring their spiritual and physical preservation through the tumultuous events. This action precedes the vision of the vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshipping before the throne. Verse 8 concludes the specific listing of the twelve tribes from which these 144,000 are drawn, providing a clear count for the final three, thereby completing the initial covenant people whom God sets apart. Historically, the first-century Christian audience, facing persecution and potentially questioning God's faithfulness amidst tribulation, would find reassurance in God's precise and ordered preservation of His people, whether ethnically Jewish or spiritually Abraham's seed through faith in Christ.

Revelation 7 8 Word analysis

• of the tribe of Zebulun (Ζαβουλών, Zaboulōn): Refers to one of the traditional twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's sixth son by Leah. Zebulun was traditionally associated with prosperity and trade due to its geographical location, but here, like all other tribes, it signifies an included segment within God's divinely protected people.
• were sealed (ἐσφραγισμένοι, esphragismenoi): A perfect passive participle, indicating a completed action with lasting results. They "have been sealed" by a divine act, emphasizing God's initiation and the permanence of this mark. This seal is for ownership, authenticity, and protection from the forthcoming judgments (Rev 9:4), differentiating them from those marked for destruction.
• twelve thousand (δώδεκα χιλιάδες, dōdeka chiliades): The number twelve is symbolically significant throughout the Bible, representing completeness and divine order, especially concerning God's people (12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles). Multiplied by 1,000 (a number of vast magnitude), it signifies a full and complete contingent from each tribal division. It points to a perfectly selected and preserved group rather than a literal census figure of 144,000 individuals, especially given the symbolic nature of Revelation.
• of the tribe of Joseph (Ἰωσὴφ, Iōsēph): This inclusion is unique in a tribal listing. Typically, Jacob's son Joseph is represented by his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, forming two distinct tribes to maintain the twelve (e.g., in tribal land distributions). Since Manasseh is explicitly named in Rev 7:6, the "tribe of Joseph" in Rev 7:8 is widely understood to signify Ephraim. The specific mention of "Joseph" rather than "Ephraim" itself is noteworthy, as Ephraim had a historical reputation for apostasy and idolatry as the leading tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel (e.g., Hos 4:17). This subtle naming may reflect divine sensitivity or judgment on past tribal failures while still ensuring that Joseph's line is fully represented in the sealed number. It also preserves the symbolic count of twelve tribes, compensating for the omission of Dan.
• of the tribe of Benjamin (Βενιαμίν, Beniamin): Refers to another of the traditional tribes, descendants of Jacob's youngest son. Benjamin was historically known for its prowess in battle and loyalty (e.g., to the kingdom of Judah), but also for periods of grave moral decline (Judges 19-21). Its inclusion completes the symbolic twelve tribes from which God preserves His faithful remnant.

• "of the tribe of... were sealed twelve thousand": This repetitive phrase across Rev 7:5-8 emphasizes the precise, uniform, and divinely ordained number chosen from each specified tribal division. It underlines the completeness and orderly nature of God's selection and protection. The sealing is not a human effort but a sovereign act of God.
• "Zebulun... Joseph... Benjamin": This final grouping of three tribes completes the count of the 144,000. These specific tribes contribute to the full representation of Jacob's lineage being preserved. The sequence and specific tribal inclusions (such as Levi and the designation of "Joseph" for Ephraim, and the absence of Dan) are intentional, communicating God's specific sovereign choices and, in some interpretations, His past dealings with those tribal lines.

Revelation 7 8 Bonus section

The tribal list in Revelation 7 is unique compared to other Old Testament lists (e.g., Num 1, Num 26, Deut 27). The most prominent differences are:

1. Exclusion of Dan: Dan is consistently omitted from this list. Possible reasons cited by scholars include Dan's historical leading role in idolatry (Judg 18:30-31; 1 Kgs 12:29-30, associating Jeroboam's calf worship with Dan) or their prophetic association with the Antichrist in early church tradition (though this is less biblical). Its omission suggests a form of divine disinheritance or symbolic exclusion for apostasy.
2. Inclusion of Levi: Levi, traditionally the priestly tribe and not given a land inheritance with the others, is included among the twelve. This emphasizes that God's people are sealed not just based on geographical tribal identity but on a spiritual designation, possibly highlighting their restored and purified role within God's ultimate plan.
3. "Joseph" instead of "Ephraim": As discussed, "Joseph" (Rev 7:8) likely substitutes for Ephraim, given Manasseh (Joseph's other son) is named separately (Rev 7:6). Ephraim, being the dominant northern tribe, was frequently chastised in the Old Testament for its idolatry (Hos 4:17). Naming the patriarchal ancestor "Joseph" might represent God's covenant faithfulness to the father while omitting the specifically apostate descendant, or symbolically redeeming the lineage through the name of a righteous patriarch.

This highly structured and intentionally variant list signifies a redefinition or purification of God's chosen remnant, one sealed not by old covenant law but by God's sovereign grace and the shed blood of the Lamb. It broadens the understanding of "Israel" in the New Covenant, encompassing both physical lineage and spiritual identity in Christ, while affirming God's specific election within His overall people.

Revelation 7 8 Commentary

Revelation 7:8 concludes the registry of the 144,000, showcasing God's meticulous and sovereign selection of His sealed servants. Each of the designated tribes—Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin—contributes exactly twelve thousand, signifying a complete and ordered representation of God's people set apart for protection amidst tribulation. This act of sealing serves as an unequivocal divine mark of ownership and safety, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises despite escalating judgments on the earth. The precise choice of tribes, especially the designation "Joseph" for Ephraim while Manasseh is already listed, underscores a purposeful, symbolic inclusion while potentially alluding to historical tribal conduct. This is not merely a literal census, but a profoundly symbolic revelation affirming God's unfailing commitment to preserve a chosen remnant from among the descendants of Israel, who often represent God's covenant people.