King James Version

What Does Revelation 7:14 Mean?

Revelation 7:14 in the King James Version says “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7:14 · KJV


Context

12

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

13

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.... This verse from Revelation's vision of sealed servants and innumerable multitude - god's protection and salvation 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 7:14 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 · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

εἴρηκα2 of 32

I said

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτῷ3 of 32
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Κύριέ4 of 32

Sir

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

σὺ5 of 32

thou

G4771

thou

οἶδας6 of 32

knowest

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

καὶ7 of 32

And

G2532

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

εἶπέν8 of 32

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι9 of 32

to me

G3427

to me

Οὗτοί10 of 32

These

G3778

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

εἰσιν11 of 32

are they

G1526

they are

οἱ12 of 32
G3588

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

ἐρχόμενοι13 of 32

which came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐκ14 of 32

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς15 of 32
G3588

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

θλίψεως16 of 32

tribulation

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

τῆς17 of 32
G3588

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

μεγάλης18 of 32

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ19 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἔπλυναν20 of 32

have washed

G4150

to "plunge", i.e., launder clothing

τὰς21 of 32
G3588

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

στολὰς22 of 32

robes

G4749

equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)

αὐτῶν23 of 32
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ24 of 32

And

G2532

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

ἐλεύκαναν25 of 32

made

G3021

to whiten

στολὰς26 of 32

robes

G4749

equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)

αὐτῶν27 of 32
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐν28 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ29 of 32
G3588

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

αἵματι30 of 32

the blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

τοῦ31 of 32
G3588

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

ἀρνίου32 of 32

of 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 7:14 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 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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