Revelation 7:6
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.
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
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
Νεφθαλείμ
of Nepthalim
G3508
Νεφθαλείμ
of Nepthalim
Strong's:
G3508
Word #:
9 of 18
nephthaleim (i.e., naphthali), a tribe in palestine
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
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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the precision of God's sealing combat fear that you might somehow slip from His covenant protection?
- What does the inclusion of all tribes teach about God's faithfulness to His promises despite human failure and dispersion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.