King James Version

What Does Revelation 7:5 Mean?

Revelation 7:5 in the King James Version says “Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Ga...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.”

Revelation 7:5 · KJV

Context

3

Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

4

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

5

Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

6

Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

7

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sealing of 144,000 from Israel's tribes represents God's preservation of His elect during judgment. The number 144,000 (12 tribes × 12,000) symbolizes completeness, not a literal count. Reformed interpretation sees this as the church universal—both Jewish and Gentile believers, the true Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). The seal marks divine ownership and protection (cf. Ephesians 1:13), assuring that while judgments fall on the earth, God's elect are preserved for final salvation. This echoes Ezekiel 9, where the faithful received a mark before Jerusalem's judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jewish Christians maintained connection to their tribal heritage while recognizing fulfillment in Christ. The 12-tribe structure would resonate with their understanding of covenant continuity. The sealing before judgment parallels Passover's blood mark protecting Israel from Egypt's plague, a familiar redemptive pattern.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the completeness of the sealed number assure you that not one of God's elect will be lost despite earthly tribulations?
  2. What does the preservation of 'Judah' first (v. 5) signify about Christ the Lion of Judah's role in securing His people?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἐκ1 of 18

“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

φυλῆς2 of 18

“the tribe”

G5443

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

Ἰούδα3 of 18
G2448

judah (i.e., jehudah or juttah), a part of (or place in) palestine

ιβ'4 of 18

“twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

χιλιάδες5 of 18

“thousand”

G5505

one thousand ("chiliad")

ἐσφραγισμένοι·6 of 18

“were sealed”

G4972

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

ἐκ7 of 18

“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

φυλῆς8 of 18

“the tribe”

G5443

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

Ῥουβὴν9 of 18

“of Reuben”

G4502

ruben (i.e., reuben), an israelite

ιβ'10 of 18

“twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

χιλιάδες11 of 18

“thousand”

G5505

one thousand ("chiliad")

ἐσφραγισμένοι·12 of 18

“were sealed”

G4972

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

ἐκ13 of 18

“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

φυλῆς14 of 18

“the tribe”

G5443

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

Γὰδ15 of 18

“of Gad”

G1045

gad, a tribe of israelites

ιβ'16 of 18

“twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

χιλιάδες17 of 18

“thousand”

G5505

one thousand ("chiliad")

ἐσφραγισμένοι·18 of 18

“were sealed”

G4972

to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 1:2-4Numbers 1:4-15Numbers 10:14-27Numbers 13:4-161 Corinthians 2:1-2

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