Revelation 7:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἤκουσα
G191
I heard
to hear (in various senses)
#3
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἀριθμὸν
G706
the number
a number (as reckoned up)
#5
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐσφραγισμένοι
G4972
and there were sealed
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
#7
ρμδ'
G9144
#8
χιλιάδες
G5505
thousand
one thousand ("chiliad")
#9
ἐσφραγισμένοι
G4972
and there were sealed
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
#10
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#11
πάσης
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#12
φυλῆς
G5443
the tribes
an offshoot, i.e., race or clan
#13
υἱῶν
G5207
of the children
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
#14
Ἰσραήλ·
G2474
of Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection