Revelation 7:5
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
Of
G1537
ἐκ
Of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
1 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Ἰούδα
G2448
Ἰούδα
Strong's:
G2448
Word #:
3 of 18
judah (i.e., jehudah or juttah), a part of (or place in) palestine
ἐσφραγισμένοι·
were sealed
G4972
ἐσφραγισμένοι·
were sealed
Strong's:
G4972
Word #:
6 of 18
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
ἐκ
Of
G1537
ἐκ
Of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐσφραγισμένοι·
were sealed
G4972
ἐσφραγισμένοι·
were sealed
Strong's:
G4972
Word #:
12 of 18
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
ἐκ
Of
G1537
ἐκ
Of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the completeness of the sealed number assure you that not one of God's elect will be lost despite earthly tribulations?
- What does the preservation of 'Judah' first (v. 5) signify about Christ the Lion of Judah's role in securing His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.