Revelation 14:1

KJV

¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I looked {G1492}, and {G2532}, lo {G2400}, a Lamb {G721} stood {G2476} on {G1909} the mount {G3735} Sion {G4622}, and {G2532} with {G3326} him {G846} an hundred {G1540} forty {G5062} and four {G5064} thousand {G5505}, having {G2192} his {G846} Father's {G3962} name {G3686} written {G1125} in {G1909} their {G846} foreheads {G3359}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I looked, and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Tziyon; and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.

American Standard Version

And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 14:1 presents a pivotal and comforting vision, contrasting sharply with the preceding imagery of the beast's dominion by revealing the triumphant Lamb, Jesus Christ, standing on Mount Sion. He is accompanied by a multitude of one hundred forty-four thousand, who bear the Father's name inscribed on their foreheads, signifying their divine ownership, unwavering allegiance, and ultimate security in God's presence amidst the unfolding cosmic conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a dramatic shift in Revelation's narrative. Immediately preceding it, [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast and its Mark") vividly portrays the rise of two beasts, representing oppressive earthly powers and false religious systems, which demand worship and enforce their authority through a "mark" that enables economic participation and identifies allegiance to them. The vision of the Lamb on Mount Sion in [Revelation 14:1](/revelation/14-1 "Revelation 14:1 - The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Sion") serves as a powerful counter-vision, offering hope and reassurance to the persecuted saints. It directly contrasts the beast's mark with the Father's name, and the beast's earthly dominion with the Lamb's heavenly sovereignty, providing a glimpse of divine protection and ultimate victory for God's faithful remnant before the final series of judgments.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Revelation 14:1 draws upon rich Old Testament themes and contemporary Roman imperial practices. "Mount Sion" evokes the historical city of Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God and the center of Israel's worship, but here it transcends its earthly counterpart to represent the heavenly Jerusalem, the true spiritual dwelling of God and His people (as seen in [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). The concept of a "name on the forehead" was culturally significant, often indicating ownership, allegiance, or religious devotion, whether for slaves, soldiers, or devotees of a deity. In contrast to the forced mark of the beast, which symbolized economic and political control, the Father's name on the foreheads of the 144,000 signifies a voluntary, intimate, and protective relationship with God, echoing the divine mark of protection seen in [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - Mark on the Foreheads").

* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout Revelation and biblical theology. The central theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Protection**, as the Lamb, despite the beast's apparent power, stands supreme on Mount Sion, symbolizing His ultimate authority and the security of His people. This vision underscores the theme of **Faithful Remnant**, represented by the one hundred forty-four thousand, who remain undefiled and loyal to God even in the face of intense tribulation, demonstrating that God always preserves a people for Himself. Finally, the **Mark of Divine Ownership and Allegiance** is profoundly significant; the Father's name on the foreheads stands in stark opposition to the beast's mark, symbolizing a deep, covenantal relationship and public declaration of belonging to God, culminating in the promise that God's servants will see His face and have [His name on their foreheads](/revelation/22-4 "Revelation 22:4 - God's Name on Foreheads in New Jerusalem") in the New Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in the aorist tense, signifies a sudden, direct, and purposeful act of seeing or perceiving. In the context of Revelation, John's "looking" often introduces a new, significant vision, emphasizing that these are not mere imaginings but divinely revealed realities that he is called to witness and record. It implies a direct, revelatory encounter.
* **Lamb (Greek, _arníon'_):** This diminutive noun refers to a "lambkin" or "little lamb." While the broader Greek term _amnos_ is used for the Passover lamb, _arníon_ is almost exclusively used in Revelation to refer to Jesus Christ. The diminutive form emphasizes not weakness, but rather His sacrificial nature (like a Passover lamb), His unique tenderness, and His intimate relationship with His followers, while simultaneously conveying His ultimate power and authority as the one worthy to open the scroll and execute judgment.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** This primary verb means "to grave" or "to write." In this context, it indicates a permanent, indelible inscription. The Father's name being "written" on their foreheads signifies a deep, unchangeable identification, a public declaration of ownership and allegiance that is divinely ordained and protected. It is not a temporary mark, but a permanent seal of belonging.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion":** John's vision immediately shifts from the oppressive earthly realm of the beast to a heavenly scene. The "Lamb" (Jesus Christ), who was slain yet lives and reigns, is seen "standing" (a posture of authority, readiness, and victory) on "Mount Sion." This Mount Sion is not merely the earthly hill in Jerusalem but represents the heavenly Jerusalem, the true dwelling place of God and His redeemed, signifying divine sovereignty and security.
* **"and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand":** The Lamb is not alone but is accompanied by a specific multitude. This group, the "hundred forty and four thousand," was previously introduced in [Revelation 7:4](/revelation/7-4 "Revelation 7:4 - Sealing of the 144,000") as those sealed from the tribes of Israel. They represent God's faithful remnant, preserved and purified through tribulation, standing in intimate fellowship with Christ. Their number, often understood symbolically (12x12x1000), signifies completeness and the full company of God's redeemed people.
* **"having his Father's name written in their foreheads":** This is the distinguishing mark of the 144,000. Unlike the coerced mark of the beast, this is the "Father's name," signifying divine ownership, intimate relationship, and unwavering allegiance to God. The forehead, a prominent and visible part of the body, symbolizes a public and unashamed declaration of their identity and devotion. This mark is a seal of protection and an antithesis to the beast's mark, indicating spiritual purity and covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 14:1 is rich in **Symbolism**, with each element carrying profound theological meaning. The **Lamb** is a central symbol for Jesus Christ, representing His sacrificial atonement and His sovereign power. **Mount Sion** symbolizes the heavenly Jerusalem, the secure and holy dwelling place of God and His redeemed, contrasting with the earthly chaos and the beast's temporary reign. The **one hundred forty-four thousand** symbolize the complete and faithful remnant of God's people, preserved through tribulation. The **Father's name written on their foreheads** is a powerful symbol of divine ownership, covenant loyalty, and spiritual purity, standing in stark **Contrast** to the mark of the beast in [Revelation 13:16-17](/revelation/13-16-17 "Revelation 13:16-17 - The Mark of the Beast"). This **Antithesis** highlights the two opposing allegiances in the cosmic conflict: allegiance to God versus allegiance to the beast. The verse also employs vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of a triumphant, secure heavenly scene that offers hope amidst the preceding dark visions of persecution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 14:1 provides a profound theological counterpoint to the preceding chapter, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty and the security of His people despite the apparent triumph of evil. The vision of the Lamb on Mount Sion, accompanied by His sealed followers, reinforces the biblical truth that God always preserves a faithful remnant. This remnant, identified by the Father's name, signifies a deep, personal covenant relationship and divine ownership, demonstrating that true identity and security are found not in worldly systems but in unwavering allegiance to God. This scene offers immense comfort, assuring believers that their ultimate destiny is with Christ in His heavenly kingdom, protected and vindicated.

* [Revelation 7:3-4](/revelation/7-3-4 "Revelation 7:3-4 - Sealing of God's Servants")
* [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")
* [Revelation 22:3-4](/revelation/22-3-4 "Revelation 22:3-4 - God's Servants in New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 14:1 serves as a powerful beacon of hope and a call to unwavering faithfulness for believers living in a world often hostile to God's truth. In an age where various "marks" of allegiance—whether cultural, political, or ideological—seek to define and control individuals, this verse reminds us that our ultimate identity and security are found solely in belonging to God. The vision of the Lamb on Mount Sion assures us that Christ is sovereign, even when evil seems to prevail, and that His faithful remnant will be preserved and ultimately stand secure with Him. This calls us to examine our own lives: Are we truly bearing the Father's name, publicly and privately, through our words, actions, and deepest loyalties? Do we resist the subtle and overt pressures to conform to worldly systems, choosing instead to live as those who are owned and protected by God? This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, allowing His name to be truly "written" on our hearts and lives, so that we may stand undefiled and triumphant with the Lamb.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of the Lamb on Mount Sion offer comfort and encouragement in times of spiritual or worldly pressure?**
* **What does it mean practically to have "the Father's name written in your forehead" in your daily life?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our allegiance to God, and how can this verse strengthen our resolve to remain faithful?**
* **How does the contrast between the mark of the beast and the Father's name inform your understanding of spiritual identity and belonging?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "hundred forty and four thousand" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "hundred forty and four thousand" are first introduced in [Revelation 7:4](/revelation/7-4 "Revelation 7:4 - Sealing of the 144,000") as those "sealed" from "all the tribes of the children of Israel." There are two primary interpretations:
* **Literal Israel:** This view holds that they are a literal number of Jewish evangelists or believers, preserved by God during the tribulation, who will play a key role in proclaiming the gospel.
* **Symbolic Representation:** This view sees the number as symbolic (12 x 12 x 1,000, representing the completeness of God's people, both Old Testament Israel and the New Testament Church). In this interpretation, they represent the entire body of faithful believers—the true spiritual Israel—who remain loyal to God and are preserved through tribulation, whether through physical protection or spiritual endurance leading to ultimate vindication. Regardless of the precise identity, they represent God's faithful remnant, undefiled by the world system, who stand in allegiance to Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 14:1 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the Lamb of God. The "Lamb" standing on Mount Sion is not merely a symbolic figure but is Jesus Christ Himself, whose sacrificial death on the cross (foreshadowed by the Passover lamb in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover")) is the foundation of salvation and the basis for His ultimate victory. His standing on Mount Sion, the heavenly Jerusalem, signifies His triumphant resurrection and ascension, where He now reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, fulfilling prophecies of a reigning Messiah (as seen in [Psalm 2:6](/psalm/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's Anointed King on Zion")). The one hundred forty-four thousand, bearing the Father's name, represent those redeemed by the Lamb's blood, united with Him through faith and sealed by the Holy Spirit (as described in [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Their identification with the Father's name on their foreheads speaks to the New Covenant reality where believers are adopted as children of God (as taught in [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")), bearing His divine likeness and experiencing intimate fellowship. This vision is a powerful assurance that Christ's redemptive work guarantees not only individual salvation but also the preservation and ultimate triumph of His entire redeemed people, who will forever dwell securely with Him in His heavenly kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 2:32

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Revelation 7:3

Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Revelation 3:12

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

Luke 12:8

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.