King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:4 Mean?

Revelation 14:4 in the King James Version says “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoev... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 14:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 ... 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 14:4 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 · 30 words
οὗτοι1 of 30

These

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

εἰσιν2 of 30

are they

G1526

they are

οἳ3 of 30

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μετὰ4 of 30

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

γυναικῶν5 of 30

women

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

οὐκ6 of 30

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐμολύνθησαν7 of 30

defiled

G3435

to soil (figuratively)

παρθένοι8 of 30

virgins

G3933

a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter

γάρ9 of 30

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰσιν10 of 30

are they

G1526

they are

οὗτοι11 of 30

These

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

εἰσιν12 of 30

are they

G1526

they are

τῷ13 of 30

which

G3588

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

ἀκολουθοῦντες14 of 30

follow

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

τῷ15 of 30

which

G3588

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

ἀρνίῳ16 of 30

the Lamb

G721

a lambkin

ὅπου17 of 30

whithersoever

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἂν18 of 30
G302

whatsoever

ὑπάγῃ19 of 30

he goeth

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

οὗτοι20 of 30

These

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἠγοράσθησαν21 of 30

were redeemed

G59

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

ἀπὸ22 of 30

from

G575

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

τῷ23 of 30

which

G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων24 of 30

among men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἀπαρχὴ25 of 30

being the firstfruits

G536

a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)

τῷ26 of 30

which

G3588

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

θεῷ27 of 30

unto God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ28 of 30

and

G2532

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

τῷ29 of 30

which

G3588

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

ἀρνίῳ30 of 30

the Lamb

G721

a lambkin


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 14:4 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 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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