Revelation 14:4
What does Revelation 14:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 14:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 14:4 means
This verse describes the 144,000 as morally and spiritually pure. The imagery of virginity points to undivided devotion, not mere marital status. They are loyal followers who go wherever the Lamb leads, showing persevering discipleship. Being “purchased from among men” emphasizes grace: they are God’s by redemption, not self-claimed. As “firstfruits” to God and the Lamb, they are the initial offering of a larger harvest, holy to the Lord and signaling more to come. Their lives anticipate the final ingathering and reflect the character of the One they follow. The stress falls on fidelity, obedience, and consecration amid a corrupt world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949These are they who have not made themselves unclean with women; for they are virgins. These are they who go after the Lamb wherever he goes. These were taken from among men to be the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862these are they who with women were not defiled, for they are virgin; these are they who are following the Lamb whithersoever he may go; these were bought from among men--a first-fruit to God and to the Lamb--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These are they who were not defiled with women: for they are virgins. These follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These are they who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins: these are they who follow the Lamb wheresoever it goes. These have been bought from men [as] first-fruits toGod and to the Lamb:
Context
Following the exclusive song of verse 3, verse 4 unpacks the distinctive character of the 144,000. Their purity and attachment to the Lamb explain why they alone can learn the new song. The term “firstfruits” links them to the harvest imagery that will conclude the chapter (verses 14–20), creating a thematic bridge: the redeemed are an offering that anticipates a fuller harvest. The next verse (5) completes the portrait with their truthfulness and blamelessness. Then the scene will shift dramatically to a global perspective through the first of three angelic messages (verse 6), moving from the identity of the redeemed to the fate of the world.
v.3and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth.
v.4This passage
v.5And in their mouth was found no lie: they are without blemish.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.
- Revelation 5:9
And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,
- Song of Solomon 1:3
Thine oils have a goodly fragrance; Thy name is as oil poured forth; Therefore do the virgins love thee.
- 2 Corinthians 11:2
For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
- John 13:37
Peter saith unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee even now? I will lay down my life for thee.
- Jeremiah 2:3
Israel was holiness unto Jehovah, the first-fruits of his increase: all that devour him shall be held guilty; evil shall come upon them, saith Jehovah.
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