King James Version

What Does Revelation 7:6 Mean?

Revelation 7:6 in the King James Version says “Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 7:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The continued enumeration emphasizes the methodical, complete sealing of all God's covenant people. Each tribe's inclusion demonstrates that God's promises to Israel find fulfillment in the church, with no faithful remnant forgotten. The specific number (12,000 per tribe) symbolizes ordered perfection—God knows each of His own by name. Reformed theology sees this as election's certainty; the Father gave a definite number to the Son (John 6:37-39), and all will be preserved. The systematic counting reassures believers of their security in God's eternal purpose.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By AD 95, the 12 tribes were scattered and largely unidentifiable ethnically, yet God's covenant faithfulness transcends historical discontinuity. This vision asserts that the true Israel is defined spiritually, not genetically. The order and precision counter any notion that God lost track of His promises or people through historical dispersion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the precision of God's sealing combat fear that you might somehow slip from His covenant protection?
  2. What does the inclusion of all tribes teach about God's faithfulness to His promises despite human failure and dispersion?

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

Ἀσὴρ3 of 18

“of Aser”

G768

aser (i.e., asher), an israelite tribe

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

Νεφθαλείμ9 of 18

“of Nepthalim”

G3508

nephthaleim (i.e., naphthali), a tribe in palestine

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

Μανασσῆ15 of 18

“of Manasses”

G3128

mannasses (i.e., menashsheh), an israelite

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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:36

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