Revelation 7:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Original Language Analysis
Μετὰ
After
G3326
Μετὰ
After
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 38
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
εἶδον
I beheld
G1492
εἶδον
I beheld
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 38
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὄχλος
multitude
G3793
ὄχλος
multitude
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
6 of 38
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
πολύς
a great
G4183
πολύς
a great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
7 of 38
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 38
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 38
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
11 of 38
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 38
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔθνους
nations
G1484
ἔθνους
nations
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
15 of 38
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λαῶν
people
G2992
λαῶν
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
19 of 38
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γλωσσῶν
tongues
G1100
γλωσσῶν
tongues
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
21 of 38
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
ἑστῶτες
stood
G2476
ἑστῶτες
stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
22 of 38
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θρόνου
the throne
G2362
θρόνου
the throne
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
25 of 38
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιβεβλημένοι
clothed
G4016
περιβεβλημένοι
clothed
Strong's:
G4016
Word #:
30 of 38
to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)
στολὰς
robes
G4749
στολὰς
robes
Strong's:
G4749
Word #:
31 of 38
equipment, i.e., (specially), a "stole" or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
33 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
36 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;John 12:13Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.Psalms 2:8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.Zechariah 2:11And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.Revelation 3:18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.Revelation 6:11And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.Revelation 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.Psalms 22:27All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.Jeremiah 3:17At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 7:9 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robe... This verse from Revelation's vision of sealed servants and innumerable multitude - god's protection and salvation employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.