Revelation 14:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὗτοι
G3778
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
εἰσιν
G1526
are they
they are
#3
οἳ
G3739
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#4
μετὰ
G3326
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#5
γυναικῶν
G1135
women
a woman; specially, a wife
#6
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
ἐμολύνθησαν
G3435
defiled
to soil (figuratively)
#8
παρθένοι
G3933
virgins
a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter
#9
γάρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#10
εἰσιν
G1526
are they
they are
#11
οὗτοι
G3778
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#12
εἰσιν
G1526
are they
they are
#13
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἀκολουθοῦντες
G190
follow
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#15
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἀρνίῳ
G721
the Lamb
a lambkin
#17
ὅπου
G3699
whithersoever
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
#18
ἂν
G302
whatsoever
#19
ὑπάγῃ
G5217
he goeth
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
#20
οὗτοι
G3778
These
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#21
ἠγοράσθησαν
G59
were redeemed
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
#22
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#23
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἀνθρώπων
G444
among men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#25
ἀπαρχὴ
G536
being the firstfruits
a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)
#26
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
θεῷ
G2316
unto God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#28
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#29
τῷ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#30
ἀρνίῳ
G721
the Lamb
a lambkin

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection