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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 7:13–17. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here we have a description of the honour and happiness of those who have faithfully served the Lord Jesus Christ, and suffered for him. Observe,
I.A question asked by one of the elders, not for his own information, but for John's instruction:
ministers may learn from the people, especially from aged and experienced Christians; the lowest saint in heaven knows more than the greatest apostle in the world. Now the question has two parts: - 1. What are these that are arrayed in white robes? 2. Whence came they? It seems to be spoken by way of admiration, as Sol 3:6, Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness! Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we should mark the upright.
II.The answer returned by the apostle, in which he tacitly acknowledges his own ignorance, and sues to this elder for information:
Thou knowest. Those who would gain knowledge must not be ashamed to own their ignorance, nor to desire instruction from any that are able to give it.
III.The account given to the apostle concerning that noble army of martyrs who stood before the throne of God in white robes, with palms of victory in their hands: and notice is taken here of,
1.The low and desolate state they had formerly been in; they had been in great tribulation, persecuted by men, tempted by Satan, sometimes troubled in their own spirits; they had suffered the spoiling of their goods, the imprisonment of their persons, yea, the loss of life itself. The way to heaven lies through many tribulations; but tribulation, how great soever, shall not separate us from the love of God. Tribulation, when gone through well, will make heaven more welcome and more glorious.
2.The means by which they had been prepared for the great honour and happiness they now enjoyed: they had washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, Rev 7:14. It is not the blood of the martyrs themselves, but the blood of the Lamb, that can wash away sin, and make the soul pure and clean in the sight of God. Other blood stains; this is the only blood that makes the robes of the saints white and clean.
3.The blessedness to which they are now advanced, being thus prepared for it.
(1.)They are happy in their station, for they are before the throne of God night and day; and he dwells among them; they are in that presence where there is fulness of joy.
(2.)They are happy in their employment, for they serve God continually, and that without weakness, drowsiness, or weariness. Heaven is a state of service, though not of suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it is a praising delightful rest.
(3.)They are happy in their freedom from all the inconveniences of this present life.
[1.]From all want and sense of want: They hunger and thirst no more; all their wants are supplied, and all the uneasiness caused thereby is removed.
[2.]From all sickness and pain: they shall never be scorched by the heat of the sun any more.
(4.)They are happy in the love and guidance of the Lord Jesus: He shall feed them, he shall lead them to living fountains of waters, he shall put them into the possession of every thing that is pleasant and refreshing to their souls, and therefore they shall hunger and thirst no more.
(5.)They are happy in being delivered from all sorrow or occasion of it: God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. They have formerly had their sorrows, and shed many tears, both upon the account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with his own gentle and gracious hand, will wipe those tears away, and they shall return no more for ever; and they would not have been without those tears, when God comes to wipe them away. In this he deals with them as a tender father who finds his beloved child in tears, he comforts him, he wipes his eyes, and turns his sorrow into rejoicing. This should moderate the Christian's sorrow in his present state, and support him under all the troubles of it; for those that sow in tears shall reap in joy; and those that now go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
This one elder represents either the body of the prophets or the church. It depicts the leaders teaching the other members of the future reward for which the laborers might hope, just as the apostle spoke of the gospel, “In it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,” that is, from the faith of those who preach, for the faith of those who hear.
And one of the elders said to me: Who are these who are clothed in white robes, and where did they come from? etc. He asks this to teach.
And one of the ancients answered, saying to me: These that are clothed in white robes, who are they? and whence came they? As no question preceded, what does it mean that one of the ancients is said to have answered? It is a habit of the sacred Scripture to use this verb like that, but it does not seem to have any meaning, so neither is ignorance of it harmful nor is knowledge of it praiseworthy. So, by this one ancient we understand the unity of the preachers of both Testaments, or him who is more ancient than ancients, that is the Lord Jesus Christ, who interrogates John in order that the latter may himself ask, and, after asking, hear, understand, and rouse himself up to imitate. By the white robes we understand both purity of mind and the glory they will be granted in the future. When John responds to this, in the person of good listeners, My Lord, thou knowest, the ancient replies, in the person of the Lord or of his good preachers, These are they who are come out of great tribulation, etc. In are come, three tenses are contained: it is here used for “are come, are coming, and are to come.” Therefore, since the whole number of the elect is defined by this sentence, it is greatly to be feared that if someone comes from somewhere else, they should not belong to the fellowship of the elect. The tribulations of the just, as the Psalmist says, are many; [Ps. 33:20] and among these tribulations there is that general one which consists of the fact that none of us knows whether they belong to the fellowship of the elect, as Solomon attests, who says, Man knoweth not whether he be worthy of love, or hatred: but all things are kept uncertain for the time to come. [Eccles. 9:1-2] And have washed their robes, and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb. All the elect make their robes white in the blood of the Lamb, that is to say they beautify their disposition of mind in the sufferings of Christ and prepare it to receive the future joys.
And one of the elders asking the evangelist who those from the nations were, who were clothed in white robes, was not out of ignorance, but rather to provoke him to understand the matters concerning them.
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Summary
Revelation 7:13 presents a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, where one of the twenty-four elders addresses him with two profound questions concerning the identity and origin of the vast, unnumbered multitude standing before God's throne, arrayed in white robes. This inquiry serves as a rhetorical device, not born of ignorance, but designed to prompt John—and by extension, the reader—into a deeper understanding of this glorious assembly, setting the stage for the elder's subsequent revelation about their identity and the source of their salvation.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows a breathtaking scene in Revelation 7:9-12, where John beholds a "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues," standing before the throne and the Lamb. They are depicted wearing white robes and holding palm branches, engaged in fervent worship. This vision of the redeemed Gentile multitude directly contrasts and complements the prior sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel in Revelation 7:1-8, thereby presenting a comprehensive picture of God's saved people from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. The elder's question in verse 13 acts as a narrative bridge, transitioning from the description of the multitude to the explanation of their identity in Revelation 7:14.
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery within Revelation draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic traditions and contemporary Jewish apocalyptic literature. The "elders" (Greek: presbyteroi) are likely the twenty-four elders first introduced in Revelation 4:4, often interpreted as representing the totality of God's redeemed people from both the Old and New Covenants (12 tribes of Israel + 12 apostles). Their presence around the throne signifies their proximity to God and their role in heavenly administration and worship. "White robes" (Greek: stolās leukas) were symbols of purity, victory, and divine favor in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, often worn by priests, victors, or those celebrating a triumph. The act of "answering" (Greek: apokrinomai) in this context, particularly when the question is then posed back to the recipient, is a common pedagogical device in ancient literature, inviting the learner to engage actively in the revelation process.
Key Themes
The elder's inquiry in Revelation 7:13 highlights several significant themes. Firstly, it underscores Divine Inquiry and Revelation, where heavenly beings facilitate understanding of God's purposes. The question is not posed out of ignorance but as a means to draw John into a deeper, divinely orchestrated revelation, preparing him for the profound truth about the multitude's identity. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the Symbolism of White Robes, which consistently represent purity, righteousness, and victory throughout Revelation, signifying those who have been cleansed and redeemed by Christ, as seen in passages like Revelation 3:5 and Revelation 6:11. Finally, the question "whence came they?" directly points to the Identity and Origin of the Redeemed, setting up the crucial explanation in Revelation 7:14, which reveals their journey through tribulation and their cleansing by the blood of the Lamb.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian 'presbyter'." In the context of Revelation, the elders are celestial beings surrounding God's throne, often seen as representatives of the church or redeemed humanity, holding significant roles in worship and divine counsel. Their address to John underscores their authority and their role in mediating divine understanding.
Meaning "to throw all around, i.e. invest (with a palisade or with clothing)." This verb emphasizes that the white robes are not merely held but are worn, fully enveloping the multitude. It conveys a sense of being completely clothed or invested with the qualities symbolized by the robes—purity and righteousness.
Meaning "equipment, i.e. (specially), a 'stole' or long-fitting gown (as a mark of dignity)." A stolē was a long, flowing garment, often associated with dignity, honor, or official status. Its use here highlights the exalted and dignified status of the redeemed multitude in the heavenly court, signifying their participation in divine worship and their priestly standing.
Meaning "white." This color is consistently used in Revelation to denote purity, holiness, victory, and divine approval. It signifies the moral and spiritual cleansing of the multitude, achieved through the atoning work of Christ.
(póthen), meaning "from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause," and G2064 (érchomai), meaning "to come or go." This combined phrase forms the crucial interrogative, seeking the origin, source, or background of the multitude. It is a question about their journey, their past experience, and the means by which they arrived at their present glorified state.
Verse Breakdown
"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me,"
This opening clause establishes the speaker and the recipient of the inquiry. The elder's "answer" is not a direct reply to a prior question from John but rather an initiatory address, a common rhetorical device in prophetic literature where a heavenly figure prompts the visionary for further revelation. It highlights the elder's role as a guide and interpreter of the vision for John.
"What are these which are arrayed in white robes?"
This is the first of two questions posed by the elder. It focuses on the identity of the multitude, specifically drawing attention to their distinctive attire—the white robes. This question serves to highlight the purity and righteousness of the assembly, implicitly inviting John to consider the spiritual significance of their appearance.
"and whence came they?"
This second question probes deeper, seeking the origin or source of this vast company. It is a question about their journey, their background, and the circumstances that led them to their current state of glorification. This query anticipates the crucial answer in the subsequent verse, revealing their path through tribulation and their redemption.
Literary Devices
Revelation 7:13 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is the Interrogative Device, where the elder poses questions to John. This is not a genuine inquiry born of ignorance on the elder's part, but rather a Rhetorical Question designed to engage John (and the reader) actively in the unfolding revelation. It creates a sense of anticipation and draws attention to the mystery of the multitude's identity, thereby setting the stage for the explanatory answer in Revelation 7:14. Furthermore, the verse makes significant use of Symbolism, particularly with the "white robes." As discussed, these garments are not merely descriptive but are rich with theological meaning, representing purity, righteousness, and victory achieved through Christ's atoning work. The elder's question specifically highlights this symbolic attire, prompting reflection on its significance. Finally, the verse builds Anticipation, as the questions "What are these?" and "whence came they?" create a narrative tension that compels the reader to seek the forthcoming explanation, making the subsequent revelation even more impactful.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 7:13 serves as a crucial bridge, shifting the focus from the mere observation of the great multitude to an understanding of their profound theological significance. The elder's questions underscore the divine curiosity and the meticulous nature of God's plan for redemption. The "white robes" are not incidental; they are a powerful symbol of the purity and righteousness imputed to believers through Christ's sacrifice, signifying their acceptance into God's presence. The inquiry "whence came they?" points directly to the journey of faith and perseverance, hinting at the trials and tribulations through which believers pass, and ultimately, to the source of their salvation—the Lamb of God. This verse, therefore, affirms the universal scope of God's salvation, encompassing a countless multitude from every corner of the earth, all united by their redemption and their participation in heavenly worship.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 7:13 invites us to pause and consider the ultimate destiny of God's faithful. The elder's questions, though rhetorical, prompt us to engage deeply with the vision of the redeemed. For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and hope. It assures us that despite the trials and tribulations of this world, there is a glorious future awaiting a countless multitude who will stand pure and victorious before the throne of God. It encourages perseverance in faith, reminding us that our present struggles are temporary and that ultimate victory and eternal worship are the promised inheritance of those who remain faithful. The vision of the elder's inquiry also highlights the importance of seeking understanding in our spiritual journey, recognizing that God, through His Spirit and His Word, desires to reveal profound truths to us. We are called to be like John, attentive and ready to receive divine revelation, trusting that the path we walk, though difficult at times, leads to ultimate glory and communion with God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "the elders" mentioned in Revelation?
The elders in Revelation, first introduced in Revelation 4:4, are a group of twenty-four figures seated on thrones around God's heavenly throne. While their exact identity is debated, common interpretations suggest they represent either the redeemed church in its entirety (symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles), a specific order of angelic beings, or a combination thereof. They play a significant role in heavenly worship, administration, and intercession, often acting as interpreters of God's will and visions, as seen in Revelation 5:8.
What is the significance of the "white robes" in Revelation?
Throughout the book of Revelation, "white robes" are a powerful and consistent symbol. They signify purity, righteousness, and holiness, representing those who have been cleansed from sin through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ (as explicitly stated in Revelation 7:14). They also symbolize victory and triumph, often associated with those who have overcome persecution or spiritual battles, as promised to the faithful in Revelation 3:5. Wearing white robes indicates divine approval and a privileged status in God's presence, signifying participation in heavenly worship and the eternal reign.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 7:13, though an elder's question, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the subsequent verse and throughout the New Testament's testimony to the Lamb. The questions "What are these... and whence came they?" are answered by the elder in Revelation 7:14, revealing that this great multitude "are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." This explicitly points to Jesus Christ as the sole source of their purity and salvation. Their white robes are not earned through their own merit or suffering, but are a gift, a righteousness imputed and applied through His sacrificial death. Just as the Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed the ultimate atonement, Christ's shedding of His blood on the cross, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, is the foundation for this cleansing. It is through His finished work that believers, regardless of their earthly origin, are justified and granted access to God's presence, fulfilling the promise of a redeemed people for God's own possession, purchased by His blood, as declared in Revelation 5:9. Thus, the glorious vision of the multitude in white robes is a direct testament to the efficacy and triumph of Christ's redemptive work.