Revelation 7:5

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
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
#2
φυλῆς
G5443
the tribe
an offshoot, i.e., race or clan
#3
Ἰούδα
G2448
judah (i.e., jehudah or juttah), a part of (or place in) palestine
#4
ιβ'
G1427
twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
#5
χιλιάδες
G5505
thousand
one thousand ("chiliad")
#6
ἐσφραγισμένοι·
G4972
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
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
#8
φυλῆς
G5443
the tribe
an offshoot, i.e., race or clan
#9
Ῥουβὴν
G4502
of Reuben
ruben (i.e., reuben), an israelite
#10
ιβ'
G1427
twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
#11
χιλιάδες
G5505
thousand
one thousand ("chiliad")
#12
ἐσφραγισμένοι·
G4972
were sealed
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
#13
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
#14
φυλῆς
G5443
the tribe
an offshoot, i.e., race or clan
#15
Γὰδ
G1045
of Gad
gad, a tribe of israelites
#16
ιβ'
G1427
twelve
two and ten, i.e., a dozen
#17
χιλιάδες
G5505
thousand
one thousand ("chiliad")
#18
ἐσφραγισμένοι·
G4972
were sealed
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection