Revelation 14:3

KJV

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they sung {G103} as it were {G5613} a new {G2537} song {G5603} before {G1799} the throne {G2362}, and {G2532} before {G1799} the four {G5064} beasts {G2226}, and {G2532} the elders {G4245}: and {G2532} no man {G3762} could {G1410} learn {G3129} that song {G5603} but {G1508} the hundred {G1540} and forty {G5062} and four {G5064} thousand {G5505}, which {G3588} were redeemed {G59} from {G575} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living beings and the elders, and no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who have been ransomed from the world.

Berean Standard Bible

And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

American Standard Version

and 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 14:3 presents a profound scene of heavenly worship where a unique group, the 144,000, sings a "new song" before God's throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. This song is exclusive to them, signifying their distinct experience of redemption and their special standing as those preserved and set apart from the earth. The verse highlights the intimate connection between their unique journey of salvation and their unparalleled capacity for worship in the divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal section of the Book of Revelation, immediately following the vision of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000 (Revelation 14:1). This group is introduced as pure, undefiled, and marked with the Father's name on their foreheads, standing in stark contrast to those who worship the Beast and receive his mark, as described in the preceding chapters. The "new song" of [Revelation 14:3](/revelation/14-3 "Revelation 14:3 - The New Song") serves as a celebratory anthem of their unique status and preservation, setting the stage for the subsequent angelic proclamations of judgment and the harvest of the earth in [Revelation 14:6-20](/revelation/14-6-20 "Revelation 14:6-20 - Angelic Proclamations and Harvest"). It underscores their identity as "firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb" (Revelation 14:4-5), linking their worship to their purity and faithfulness amidst tribulation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a heavenly throne room and celestial worship is deeply rooted in both Old Testament prophetic visions and ancient Near Eastern royal courts. John's vision draws heavily on Old Testament precedents, such as the throne scenes in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Vision of God") and [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of the Four Living Creatures"), which depict God's sovereignty surrounded by angelic beings. The concept of a "new song" frequently appears in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 33:3](/psalms/33-3 "Psalm 33:3 - Sing a New Song"), [Psalm 40:3](/psalms/40-3 "Psalm 40:3 - A New Song of Praise")), often signifying a fresh act of divine deliverance or a new revelation of God's character, prompting a renewed and unique expression of praise. The number 144,000, a symbolic number (12x12x1000), represents the completeness and totality of God's redeemed people, drawn from all tribes of Israel (cf. [Revelation 7:4-8](/revelation/7-4-8 "Revelation 7:4-8 - The 144,000 Sealed")).

* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Revelation. **Heavenly Worship** is paramount, as the scene unfolds "before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders," emphasizing the ultimate purpose of the redeemed: to worship God in His glorious presence. The **Exclusivity of the Song** highlights the distinct journey and privilege of the 144,000; their unique experience of redemption grants them a singular understanding and ability to praise God in a way others cannot. This points to the theme of **Redemption**, as the phrase "redeemed from the earth" signifies their being bought back and delivered from the power of sin and death, set apart for God. Finally, the **"New Song"** itself is a major theme, symbolizing a qualitatively new experience of salvation and deliverance, an unprecedented expression of praise born from their unique circumstances and God's mighty acts on their behalf, echoing the "new song" sung by the elders in [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sung (Greek, _áidō'_):** This primary verb signifies the act of singing, often in a celebratory or worshipful context. In Revelation 14:3, it denotes an active, vocal expression of praise, indicating that the 144,000 are not merely passive recipients of salvation but active participants in the heavenly liturgy, offering their unique worship.
* **new (Greek, _kainós'_):** This adjective describes something that is "new" not merely in terms of time (like _néos_), but in quality, freshness, and unprecedented nature. The "new song" is therefore not simply a recently composed melody, but a song born from a unique, unparalleled experience of God's redemptive work, reflecting a fresh revelation or a profound, never-before-seen act of salvation.
* **redeemed (Greek, _agorázō'_):** Derived from the word for "market," this verb literally means "to go to market" and, by extension, "to purchase" or "to buy." In a theological context, it specifically means "to redeem," emphasizing the act of buying back or setting free through a price. Here, it underscores that the 144,000 have been bought from the dominion of sin and death, signifying a costly and deliberate act of divine rescue that establishes their belonging to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they sung as it were a new song":** This phrase introduces the central act of worship. The "new song" is not just any song; it is qualitatively distinct, reflecting a fresh, unprecedented experience of God's redemptive power. The "as it were" (Greek: _hōs_) suggests that while it is a song, its nature might transcend human comprehension or expression, being uniquely suited to its singers and context.
* **"before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders":** This establishes the setting of the worship as the very presence of God in His heavenly court. The "throne" represents God's sovereign authority and majesty. The "four beasts" (Greek: _zōon_, "living creatures") are celestial beings often associated with guarding God's holiness and proclaiming His glory (cf. Revelation 4:6-8). The "elders" (Greek: _presbýteros_) are twenty-four figures, likely representing the totality of God's redeemed people (12 tribes of Israel + 12 apostles), who also participate in heavenly worship (cf. Revelation 4:4, 5:8). Their presence underscores the solemnity and significance of this worship.
* **"and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand":** This clause highlights the exclusive nature of the song. It is not universally accessible; only this specific group possesses the capacity to comprehend and sing it. This exclusivity implies that the song's meaning and depth are intrinsically tied to the unique experience and identity of the 144,000, suggesting a profound spiritual understanding that only their journey could impart.
* **"which were redeemed from the earth.":** This final phrase provides the defining characteristic of the 144,000 and the source of their unique song. Their "redemption from the earth" signifies their deliverance from the fallen world, its systems, and its judgments. It marks them as a people set apart, purchased by God for Himself, and preserved through trials, making their song a testimony to God's saving power and their unique covenant relationship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 14:3 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "new song" symbolizing a unique redemptive experience and the "144,000" representing the complete number of God's faithful, preserved people. The "throne," "four beasts," and "elders" are powerful symbols of divine authority, cosmic worship, and the redeemed community. **Contrast** is subtly employed by highlighting the exclusivity of the song ("no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand"), implicitly contrasting this specially redeemed group with the rest of humanity who are not privy to this unique experience. The verse also uses vivid **Imagery** to paint a picture of heavenly worship, engaging the reader's imagination with the sounds of praise and the grandeur of the divine court. The phrase "redeemed from the earth" serves as a concise **Metonymy**, where "earth" stands for the fallen, sinful world from which they were delivered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 14:3 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of redemption and worship. The "new song" is a recurring motif in Scripture, often marking a significant act of divine deliverance or a fresh revelation of God's character, prompting a unique expression of praise (e.g., the Song of Moses after the Red Sea, [Exodus 15:1-18](/exodus/15-1-18 "Exodus 15:1-18 - The Song of Moses")). The exclusivity of this song for the 144,000 underscores the personal and experiential nature of true worship; it is born out of a unique relationship with God and a specific experience of His saving grace. Their redemption from the earth points to God's sovereign act of choosing and preserving a people for Himself, a theme central to both Old and New Testaments. Ultimately, this scene anticipates the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His chosen people will stand purified and triumphant in His presence, offering eternal praise.

* [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of the Lamb")
* [Psalm 33:3](/psalms/33-3 "Psalm 33:3 - Sing to Him a New Song")
* [Isaiah 42:10](/isaiah/42-10 "Isaiah 42:10 - Sing to the Lord a New Song")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 14:3 offers profound encouragement and a challenge for believers today. While the identity of the 144,000 may be debated, the principle of their unique song is universally applicable. Every believer, having been redeemed by Christ, has a personal "new song" to sing—a testimony born from their individual experience of God's grace, forgiveness, and deliverance from the power of sin. This verse reminds us that our worship is not merely rote recitation but a deeply personal response to God's redemptive work in our lives. Our journey through trials, our moments of divine intervention, and our ongoing sanctification all contribute to the unique melody of our praise. It calls us to reflect on our own redemption story and to cultivate a worship that is authentic, heartfelt, and continually refreshed by our deepening understanding of God's love and faithfulness. Ultimately, it points to our eternal destiny: to join the heavenly chorus, offering unceasing praise to the One who redeemed us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the "new song" that God has put in your heart, born from your personal experience of His redemption?**
* **How does your unique journey of faith shape the way you worship God?**
* **In what ways are you being "redeemed from the earth" in your daily life, and how does that transformation lead to greater praise?**
* **How does the vision of heavenly worship in Revelation 14:3 inspire your earthly worship and anticipation of eternity?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "new song" in Revelation 14:3?**

Answer: The "new song" (Greek: _ōidēn kainēn_) is significant because the word _kainēn_ implies a song that is qualitatively new, fresh, and unprecedented, rather than merely new in time. It signifies a unique experience of God's redemptive power and faithfulness, a song that only those who have gone through specific, profound experiences of salvation and preservation can truly comprehend and express. It is a song born out of a unique relationship with God and His specific acts of deliverance, distinct from any praise offered before. This concept is found throughout Scripture, where a "new song" often marks a fresh act of divine intervention or a new revelation of God's character, prompting a renewed and unique expression of praise, as seen in [Psalm 40:3](/psalms/40-3 "Psalm 40:3 - He Put a New Song in My Mouth").

**Why could "no man learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand"?**

Answer: The exclusivity of the song underscores the unique identity and experience of the 144,000. It suggests that their journey of redemption, possibly through great tribulation and faithfulness, has granted them a unique understanding and spiritual capacity to sing this particular song. Their "redemption from the earth" (Revelation 14:3) implies a specific deliverance and preservation that sets them apart. This does not necessarily mean others are excluded from heaven, but that this specific song is deeply tied to the unique testimony and experience of this particular group, much like a survivor of a specific war might sing a song that only fellow veterans truly understand. Their unique experience of God's saving power enables them to offer a unique form of praise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 14:3 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The "new song" sung by the 144,000 is fundamentally a song of redemption, and all biblical redemption flows from Christ's atoning sacrifice. It is through His shed blood that believers are "redeemed from the earth," purchased out of the dominion of sin and death and set apart for God (cf. [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). The Lamb, who is Jesus, is the one who was slain and by His blood "purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). Therefore, the "new song" is a celebration of Christ's triumph over sin and death, and the unique salvation He provides. The 144,000, as those who "follow the Lamb wherever he goes" ([Revelation 14:4](/revelation/14-4 "Revelation 14:4 - Following the Lamb")), embody the ultimate devotion to Christ, and their song is the purest expression of worship for the One who secured their eternal standing before the throne. Their ability to learn this song is a direct result of their intimate relationship with the Lamb, who is the source and substance of all true worship and redemption.

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

Revelation 5:9

And 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;

Revelation 14:1

¶ 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.

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.

Psalms 149:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise in the congregation of saints.

Isaiah 42:10

Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalms 98:1

¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.