Revelation 7:13

KJV

¶ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} one {G1520} of {G1537} the elders {G4245} answered {G611}, saying {G3004} unto me {G3427}, What {G5101} are {G1526} these {G3778} which {G3588} are arrayed in {G4016} white {G3022} robes {G4749}? and {G2532} whence {G4159} came they {G2064}?

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the elders asked me, “These people dressed in white robes — who are they, and where are they from?”

Berean Standard Bible

Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?”

American Standard Version

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, These that are arrayed in the white robes, who are they, and whence came they?

Commentary

### 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](/revelation/7-9-12 "Revelation 7:9-12 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne"), 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](/revelation/7-1-8 "Revelation 7:1-8 - The Sealing of the 144,000"), 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](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Identity of the Multitude").

* **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](/revelation/4-4 "Revelation 4:4 - The Twenty-Four Elders Around the Throne"), 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](/revelation/7-13 "Revelation 7:13 - The Elder's Question") 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](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - White Raiment for the Victorious") and [Revelation 6:11](/revelation/6-11 "Revelation 6:11 - White Robes for the Martyrs"). 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](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Multitude from the Great Tribulation"), which reveals their journey through tribulation and their cleansing by the blood of the Lamb.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elder (Greek, _presbýteros_):** From G4245, 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.
* **Arrayed in (Greek, _peribállō_):** From G4016, 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.
* **Robes (Greek, _stolḗ_):** From G4749, 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.
* **White (Greek, _leukós_):** From G3022, 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.
* **Whence came they (Greek, _póthen érchomai_):** From G4159 (_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](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Multitude from the Great Tribulation"). 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.

* [Revelation 3:5](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - White Raiment for the Victorious")
* [Revelation 22:14](/revelation/22-14 "Revelation 22:14 - Blessed Are Those Who Wash Their Robes")
* [Zechariah 3:3-5](/zechariah/3-3-5 "Zechariah 3:3-5 - Joshua's Filthy Garments Replaced")

### 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
* **How does the elder's question, "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?", resonate with your own understanding of salvation and the journey of faith?**
* **What significance do the "white robes" hold for you personally, as a symbol of purity, righteousness, and victory in Christ?**
* **How does the vision of a "great multitude" from "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" impact your perspective on the global church and God's expansive plan of redemption?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to persevere through your own "tribulations," knowing the ultimate destiny of the faithful?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the elders" mentioned in Revelation?**

Answer: The elders in Revelation, first introduced in [Revelation 4:4](/revelation/4-4 "Revelation 4:4 - The Twenty-Four Elders Around the Throne"), 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](/revelation/5-8 "Revelation 5:8 - The Elders with Harps and Golden Bowls").

**What is the significance of the "white robes" in Revelation?**

Answer: 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](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Washed Their Robes")). 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](/revelation/3-5 "Revelation 3:5 - White Garments for the Victorious"). 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](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - The Multitude from the Great Tribulation"), 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), 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](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Redeemed by Blood"). Thus, the glorious vision of the multitude in white robes is a direct testament to the efficacy and triumph of Christ's redemptive work.

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 7:9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Revelation 4:10

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Revelation 5:11

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

John 7:28

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

Revelation 4:4

And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Judges 13:6

Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance [was] like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he [was], neither told he me his name: