King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:3 Mean?

Revelation 14:3 in the King James Version says “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could lear... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

Revelation 14:3 · KJV


Context

1

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

2

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

3

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

4

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. redeemed: Gr. bought

5

And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed fro... This verse from Revelation's vision of lamb and 144,000 - redeemed firstfruits, three angels' messages, harvest judgment employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 14:3 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ᾄδουσιν2 of 34

they sung

G103

to sing

ὡς3 of 34

as it were

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ᾠδὴν4 of 34

song

G5603

a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially

καινὴν5 of 34

a new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

ἐνώπιον6 of 34

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τῆς7 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θρόνου8 of 34

the throne

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

καὶ9 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐνώπιον10 of 34

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τῆς11 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέσσαρες12 of 34

and four

G5064

four

ζῴων13 of 34

beasts

G2226

a live thing, i.e., an animal

καὶ14 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς15 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρεσβυτέρων16 of 34

the elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

καὶ17 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐδεὶς18 of 34

no man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἠδύνατο19 of 34

could

G1410

to be able or possible

μαθεῖν20 of 34

learn

G3129

to learn (in any way)

τῆς21 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ᾠδὴν22 of 34

song

G5603

a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially

εἰ23 of 34
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ24 of 34
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τῆς25 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑκατὸν26 of 34

the hundred

G1540

a hundred

τεσσαράκοντα27 of 34

and forty

G5062

forty

τέσσαρες28 of 34

and four

G5064

four

χιλιάδες29 of 34

thousand

G5505

one thousand ("chiliad")

τῆς30 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἠγορασμένοι31 of 34

were redeemed

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

ἀπὸ32 of 34

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς33 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆς34 of 34

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 14:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 14:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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