Revelation of John 14
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
A Lamb stood on the mount Sion - This represents Jesus Christ in his sacrificial office; mount Sion was a type of the Christian Church. And with him a hundred forty and four thousand - Representing those who were converted to Christianity from among the Jews. See Rev 7:4. His Father's name written in their foreheads - They were professedly, openly, and practically, the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus. Different sects of idolaters have the peculiar mark of their god on their foreheads. This is practised in the east to the present day, and the mark is called the sectarial mark. Between eighty and ninety different figures are found on the foreheads of different Hindoo deities and their followers. Almost every MS. of importance, as well as most of the versions and many of the fathers, read this clause thus: Having His Name and his Father's name written upon their foreheads. This is undoubtedly the true reading, and is properly received by Griesbach into the text.
Open source ↗THE LAMB SEEN ON ZION WITH THE 144,000. THEIR SONG. THE GOSPEL PROCLAIMED BEFORE THE END BY ONE ANGEL: THE FALL OF BABYLON, BY ANOTHER: THE DOOM OF THE BEAST WORSHIPPERS, BY A THIRD. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE DEAD IN THE LORD. THE HARVEST. THE VINTAGE. (Rev. 14:1-20) a--A, B, C, Coptic, and ORIGEN read, "the." Lamb . . . on . . . Sion--having left His position "in the midst of the throne," and now taking His stand on Sion. his Father's name--A, B, and C read, "His name and His Father's name." in--Greek, "upon." God's and Christ's name here answers to the seal "upon their foreheads" in Rev 7:3. As the 144,000 of Israel are "the first-fruits" (Rev 14:4), so "the harvest" (Rev 14:15) is the general assembly of Gentile saints to be translated by Christ as His first act in assuming His kingdom, prior to His judgment (Rev 16:17-21, the last seven vials) on the Antichristian world, in executing which His saints shall share. As Noah and Lot were taken seasonably out of the judgment, but exposed to the trial to the last moment [DE BURGH], so those who shall reign with Christ shall first suffer with Him, being delivered out of the judgments, but not out of the trials. The Jews are meant by "the saints of the Most High": against them Antichrist makes war, changing their times and laws; for true Israelites cannot join in the idolatry of the beast, any more than true Christians. The common affliction will draw closely together, in opposing the beast's worship, the Old Testament and New Testament people of God. Thus the way is paved for Israel's conversion. This last utter scattering of the holy people's power leads them, under the Spirit, to seek Messiah, and to cry at His approach, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord."
Open source ↗And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb,.... The Alexandrian copy, and some others, read "the Lamb"; the same that had been seen before in, the midst of the throne, Rev 5:6; and all the Oriental versions have the same article also; the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for mention is made of his Father in a following clause; the King of Zion, where he is seen standing, and the Redeemer of his people, who are at large described; it is the same Lamb who is so often spoken of in this book before: in the two preceding chapters an account is given of the state of the church, as oppressed under Rome Pagan, and Rome Papal, and here of its more glorious and victorious condition, with Christ at the head of it; in the last chapter antichrist is described, with his followers and worshippers, and as exercising tyranny and cruelty upon the saints, and here Christ and his followers are represented in vision, and some hints given of the fall of Babylon, and of the wrath of God upon the worshippers of the beast, and of the happiness of those who belong to the Lamb: and of him it is here said, that he stood on the Mount Zion; by which is meant not heaven, but the church on earth; why that is called Mount Zion; see Gill on Heb 12:22; here Christ the Lamb stood, as presiding over it, being King of Zion, or the church; where he stood and fed, or ruled, in the name of the Lord, and in the majesty of his God; and where he appeared in the defence of his church and people, oppressed by antichrist; for he is Michael that standeth for the children of his people, and who stands with courage, and in the greatness of his strength, and is invincible; nor does he stand here alone: and with him an hundred forty and four thousand; the same with those in Rev 7:3, though all the world wondered after the beast, an…
Open source ↗Here we have one of the most pleasing sights that can be viewed in this world - the Lord Jesus Christ at the head of his faithful adherents and attendants. Here observe, 1. How Christ appears: as a Lamb standing upon mount Zion. Mount Zion is the gospel church. Christ is with his church and in the midst of her in all her troubles, and therefore she is not consumed. It is his presence that secures her perseverance; he appears as a Lamb, a true Lamb, the Lamb of God. A counterfeit lamb is mentioned as rising out of the earth in the last chapter, which was really a dragon; here Christ appears as the true paschal Lamb, to show that his mediatorial government is the fruit of his sufferings, and the cause of his people's safety and fidelity. 2. How his people appear: very honourably. (1.) As to the numbers, they are many, even all who are sealed; not one of them lost in all the tribulations through which they have gone. (2.) Their distinguishing badge: they had the name of God written in their foreheads; they made a bold and open profession of their faith in God and Christ, and, this being followed by suitable actings, they are known and approved. (3.) Their congratulations and songs of praise, which were peculiar to the redeemed (Rev 14:3); their praises were loud as thunder, or as the voice of many waters; they were melodious, as of harpers; they were heavenly, before the throne of God. The song was new, suited to the new covenant, and unto that new and gracious dispensation of Providence under which they now were; and their song was a secret to others, strangers intermeddled not with their joy; others might repeat the words of the song, but they were strangers to the true sense and spirit of it. (4.) Their character and description. [1.] They are described by their chastit…
Open source ↗14:1-5 The true Lamb and his followers starkly contrast with the evil trinity. 14:1 standing: See 5:6; study note on 12:18. • 144,000: God’s righteous remnant (see study note on 7:4-8). • The brand on their foreheads (contrast 13:16-17) is the name of both the Lamb and his Father, reflecting the union of Jesus and the Father (see John 5:20-23; 14:5-10; 17:22).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ὄρος (óros, G3735) — perhaps akin to G142 (αἴρω); compare G3733 (ὄρνις)); a mountain (as lifting itself above… Σιών (Siṓn, G4622) — Sion (i.e. Tsijon), a hill of Jerusalem; figuratively, the Church (militant or triumphant) μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἑκατόν (hekatón, G1540) — a hundred τεσσαράκοντα (tessarákonta, G5062) — forty τέσσαρες (téssares, G5064) — four χιλιάς (chiliás, G5505) — one thousand ("chiliad")
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ὕδωρ (hýdōr, G5204) — water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) βροντή (brontḗ, G1027) — thunder κιθαρῳδός (kitharōidós, G2790) — a lyre-singer(-player), i.e. harpist κιθαρίζω (kitharízō, G2789) — to play on a lyre ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ᾄδω (áidō, G103) — to sing ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) καινός (kainós, G2537) ᾠδή (ōidḗ, G5603) — a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while G5215 (ὕμνος) denotes… ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate τέσσαρες (téssares, G5064) — four ζῶον (zōon, G2226) — a live thing, i.e. an animal πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible μανθάνω (manthánō, G3129) — to learn (in any way) εἰ μή (ei mḗ, G1508) — if not
Open source ↗οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that μολύνω (molýnō, G3435) — to soil (figuratively) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… παρθένος (parthénos, G3933) — a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἀκολουθέω (akolouthéō, G190) — properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple) ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin ὅπου (hópou, G3699) — what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot ἄν (án, G302)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… στόμα (stóma, G4750) — the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations);… εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not δόλος (dólos, G1388) — compare G1185 (δελεάζω)); a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ἄμωμος (ámōmos, G299) — unblemished (literally or figuratively) ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… πέτομαι (pétomai, G4072) — to fly ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μεσουράνημα (mesouránēma, G3321) — mid-sky ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… αἰώνιος (aiṓnios, G166) — perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well) εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, G2097) — to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel κατοικέω (katoikéō, G2730) — to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe…
Open source ↗λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… φοβέω (phobéō, G5399) — to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ὥρα (hṓra, G5610) — an "hour" (literally or figuratively) κρίσις (krísis, G2920) — decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκολουθέω (akolouthéō, G190) — properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple) ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… Βαβυλών (Babylṓn, G897) — Babylon, the capitol of Chaldæa (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny)) πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ποτίζω (potízō, G4222) — to furnish drink, irrigate πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τρίτος (trítos, G5154) — third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἀκολουθέω (akolouthéō, G190) — properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any προσκυνέω (proskynéō, G4352) — to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do… θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal εἰκών (eikṓn, G1504) — a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation,… λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove))
Open source ↗αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πίνω (pínō, G4095) — to imbibe (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) οἶνος (oînos, G3631) — "wine" (literally or figuratively) θυμός (thymós, G2372) — passion (as if breathing hard) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) κεράννυμι (keránnymi, G2767) — to mingle, i.e. (by implication) to pour out (for drinking) ἄκρατος (ákratos, G194) — undiluted ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ποτήριον (potḗrion, G4221) — a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e. a cupful (draught);… ὀργή (orgḗ, G3709) — properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy),… βασανίζω (basanízō, G928) — to torture
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καπνός (kapnós, G2586) — smoke αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… βασανισμός (basanismós, G929) — torture ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αἰών (aiṓn, G165) — properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world;… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἀνάπαυσις (anápausis, G372) — intermission; by implication, recreation ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) προσκυνέω (proskynéō, G4352) — to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do…
Open source ↗ὧδε (hōde, G5602) — in this same spot, i.e. here or hither ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ὑπομονή (hypomonḗ, G5281) — cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) τηρέω (tēréō, G5083) — perhaps akin to G2334 (θεωρέω)); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the… ἐντολή (entolḗ, G1785) — injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe μακάριος (makários, G3107) — supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; λευκός (leukós, G3022) — white νεφέλη (nephélē, G3507) — properly, cloudiness, i.e. (concretely) a cloud ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… ὅμοιος (hómoios, G3664) — similar (in appearance or character) υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… κεφαλή (kephalḗ, G2776) — the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively χρύσεος (chrýseos, G5552) — made of gold
Open source ↗Cross-references
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And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has promised, among the remnant called by the LORD.
The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.
I tell you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God.
And I will make the lame into a remnant, and the outcast into a strong nation. Then the LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever.
as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
“I have installed My King on Zion, upon My holy mountain.”
And I looked and saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand.
“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.
But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; the Lord has forgotten me!”
After this I looked, and the temple—the tabernacle of the Testimony—was opened in heaven.