Revelation 7:14

KJV

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I said {G2046} unto him {G846}, Sir {G2962}, thou {G4771} knowest {G1492}. And {G2532} he said {G2036} to me {G3427}, These {G3778} are they {G1526} which came {G2064} out of {G1537} great {G3173} tribulation {G2347}, and {G2532} have washed {G4150} their {G846} robes {G4749}, and {G2532} made {G3021} them {G4749}{G846} white {G3021} in {G1722} the blood {G129} of the Lamb {G721}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” Then he told me, “These are the people who have come out of the Great Persecution. They have washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb.

Berean Standard Bible

“Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

American Standard Version

And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 7:14 serves as a pivotal identification of the innumerable multitude seen by John, revealing their origin and the means of their purification. It unveils that this vast assembly, drawn from every nation, kindred, people, and tongue, are those who have emerged victorious from a period of intense suffering and persecution. Their pristine white robes, symbolizing their righteousness and purity, are not self-achieved but are miraculously made so through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. This verse powerfully encapsulates themes of perseverance through tribulation, the unique efficacy of Christ's blood, and the ultimate reward of eternal fellowship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 7 functions as a crucial interlude within the unfolding apocalyptic judgments of God, specifically positioned between the breaking of the sixth and seventh seals (Revelation 6 and Revelation 8). Prior to this verse, John witnesses the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, symbolizing God's preservation of a remnant. Immediately following this, his attention is drawn to a different, even larger, group: an "innumerable multitude" from "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" standing before the throne and the Lamb, arrayed in white robes and holding palm branches ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne")). An elder then poses a rhetorical question to John in [Revelation 7:13](/revelation/7-13 "Revelation 7:13 - The Elder's Question"), asking about the identity of these robed figures. John's humble reply, "Sir, thou knowest," sets the stage for the elder's definitive explanation in verse 14, providing the essential key to understanding this triumphant assembly and offering a profound message of hope and divine preservation amidst the preceding and subsequent scenes of judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of significant persecution for early Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian, who demanded emperor worship. This context of suffering and martyrdom heavily influenced John's apocalyptic vision, which served to encourage and strengthen believers facing immense pressure to compromise their faith. The imagery of "white robes" was culturally significant, often associated with victory, purity, and festive occasions, such as the robes worn by those celebrating triumphs or by priests in sacred service. The act of "washing robes" would have been a familiar, albeit arduous, task, making the paradoxical image of cleansing in blood even more striking. Furthermore, the concept of "tribulation" (Greek: _thlîpsis_) was a lived reality for the early church, encompassing various forms of oppression, persecution, and suffering for their allegiance to Christ. John's vision, therefore, provided a divine perspective on their current struggles, assuring them of God's ultimate vindication and reward for their faithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 7:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Revelation and biblical theology. The theme of **Perseverance Through Suffering** is central, as the multitude is explicitly identified as those who "came out of great tribulation," highlighting that faithfulness to Christ often involves enduring immense hardship, as Jesus Himself warned His disciples (e.g., [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). This is inextricably linked to the theme of **Divine Preservation and Victory**, demonstrating that despite tribulation, God ultimately preserves His people and brings them to glory. The most profound theme is **Atonement and Purification Through Christ's Blood**. The paradoxical image of robes being "washed... white in the blood of the Lamb" underscores that human righteousness is not earned but is a gift, solely achieved through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This echoes the Old Testament sacrificial system and its fulfillment in Christ, emphasizing that His shed blood is the only means of cleansing from sin and making believers acceptable before God (cf. [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). Finally, the verse points to the theme of **Heavenly Reward and Worship**, as this purified multitude stands eternally before God's throne, signifying their blessed destiny and perpetual service (as further elaborated in [Revelation 7:15](/revelation/7-15 "Revelation 7:15 - Serving God in His Temple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tribulation (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** G2347. This word denotes "pressure" (literal or figurative), "affliction," "anguish," "burden," "persecution," or "trouble." When combined with "great" (Greek, _mégas'_), it signifies an unparalleled period of intense suffering and distress. It refers not merely to general hardships but to severe, often systematic, oppression and persecution specifically endured for the sake of Christ, distinguishing these individuals as martyrs or those who have faced extreme trials due to their faith.
* **Washed (Greek, _plýnō'_):** G4150. This verb specifically means "to plunge," or "to launder clothing." Unlike other Greek words for washing (e.g., _louō_ for bathing the whole body, or _niptō_ for washing parts of the body), _plýnō_ is used for cleansing garments. This emphasizes a thorough, deliberate act of purification applied to their "robes," which symbolize their character, standing, or righteousness before God.
* **Blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** G129. While literally referring to the fluid in the body, in this context, "blood" carries profound theological weight. It refers specifically to the "atoning blood of Christ," by implication signifying His sacrificial death. It is the means by which cleansing, redemption, and reconciliation are achieved. The paradox of blood making something "white" highlights its unique, supernatural power to purify from sin, transforming the defiled into the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest."**: This opening clause captures John's humble and reverent response to the elder's question about the identity of the white-robed multitude. John, as a prophet receiving divine revelation, acknowledges that the elder, being a heavenly figure, possesses knowledge beyond his own. This response also serves to build anticipation for the elder's subsequent revelation, emphasizing the divine source of the information about the multitude.
* **"And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation,"**: The elder's direct answer identifies the multitude's origin. They are not defined by their earthly nationality or social status, but by their shared experience of enduring "great tribulation." This phrase points to a period of intense suffering, persecution, and distress, which for many interpreters refers to the eschatological tribulation preceding Christ's return, while for others it encompasses the entirety of the church's suffering throughout history. Regardless, it signifies a profound and severe testing of their faith, from which they have emerged.
* **"and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."**: This climactic statement reveals the miraculous means by which the multitude achieved their state of purity and righteousness. The "robes" symbolize their spiritual standing or character. The act of "washing" and "making white" signifies complete purification and sanctification. The astounding paradox lies in the agent of this cleansing: "the blood of the Lamb." Blood, typically a defiling agent, here purifies. This is a direct and unmistakable reference to the atoning, sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God. It powerfully conveys that their righteousness is not their own doing, but is entirely imputed to them through faith in Christ's shed blood, which alone cleanses from all sin and makes them acceptable in God's sight.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 7:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Central to the verse is **Symbolism**, where "white robes" symbolize purity, righteousness, and victory, and "the Lamb" unequivocally symbolizes Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. The act of "washing" symbolizes spiritual purification and sanctification. The most striking device is **Paradox**, specifically a **paradoxical image**, where something typically associated with defilement (blood) is presented as the agent of ultimate cleansing and whitening. This vivid imagery underscores the supernatural and counter-intuitive nature of Christ's redemptive work. The verse also utilizes **Dialogue**, as the interaction between John and the elder serves to frame the revelation, creating a sense of anticipation and emphasizing the authoritative source of the information. This dialogue structure enhances the dramatic impact and clarity of the elder's identification of the multitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 7:14 profoundly articulates the core Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, emphasizing that human righteousness is not self-achieved but is solely a gift received through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The "great tribulation" underscores the reality of suffering for believers in a fallen world, yet their emergence from it, purified and triumphant, speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty and preservation of His elect. This verse beautifully reconciles the reality of human suffering with the certainty of divine redemption, portraying a multitude whose victory is not in escaping tribulation, but in enduring it through the power of Christ's sacrifice, thereby securing their eternal standing before God. It highlights the universality of salvation, drawing from "all nations," and the singular means of that salvation: the blood of the Lamb.

* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")
* [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from All Sin")
* [Romans 8:35-39](/romans/8-35-39 "Romans 8:35-39 - God's Unfailing Love in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 7:14 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a powerful call to perseverance for believers across all generations. It reminds us that our present sufferings, no matter how intense or prolonged, are not the final word. Just as the great multitude emerged from their "great tribulation" into the glorious presence of God, so too will those who remain faithful to Christ find ultimate vindication and eternal rest. This verse powerfully reiterates the foundational truth that our standing before a holy God is not based on our own efforts, merits, or ability to withstand trials, but entirely on the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood alone cleanses us, making us righteous and pure. This truth liberates us from the burden of self-justification and empowers us to live in gratitude and confident hope, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. It calls us to steadfastness in the face of adversity, assuring us that our perseverance is not in vain, and that a glorious, eternal reward awaits those who wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of robes "washed... white in the blood of the Lamb" deepen your understanding of the nature of salvation and your own standing before God?**
* **What "tribulations" (personal, societal, or spiritual) are you currently facing, and how can the promise of perseverance and ultimate victory in this verse offer you hope and strength?**
* **In what ways does knowing that your righteousness is solely a gift through Christ's sacrifice impact your daily walk, your humility, and your worship?**

### FAQ
**What is the "great tribulation" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "great tribulation" (Greek: _thlîpsis megale_) refers to a period of intense, unparalleled suffering, persecution, and distress that believers will endure. While there are various theological interpretations regarding its timing (e.g., a specific future period before Christ's return, or a continuous experience of tribulation throughout church history), the consistent understanding is that it represents severe trials faced by those who remain faithful to Jesus. It is distinct from general hardships, signifying a climactic testing of faith that will result in martyrdom or extreme suffering for many. The verse assures us that even from such a difficult period, God preserves a multitude who emerge triumphant.

**How can robes be "washed... white in the blood of the Lamb"?**

Answer: This is a profound and beautiful paradox. Literally, blood stains, it does not cleanse. However, in biblical theology, blood carries the meaning of life and atonement. The "blood of the Lamb" refers specifically to the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Just as the blood of Old Testament sacrifices covered sin, Jesus' perfect, sinless blood actually takes away sin, providing ultimate cleansing and purification. The paradox highlights that human purity and righteousness are not achieved through self-effort or good works, but solely through the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. His shed blood spiritually washes away the defilement of sin, making believers pure and righteous in God's sight, as white as newly laundered garments. It's a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation and imputed righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 7:14 stands as a profound testament to the Christ-centered nature of salvation and eschatological hope. The "Lamb" is unequivocally Jesus Christ, whose identity as the sacrificial Lamb of God is established from the very beginning of His public ministry (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "great tribulation" finds its ultimate meaning in light of Christ's own suffering and His promise that His followers would share in His afflictions (cf. [Matthew 24:9](/matthew/24-9 "Matthew 24:9 - Persecution of Believers")). However, the most striking Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the paradoxical image of robes made "white in the blood of the Lamb." This imagery directly points to Jesus' atoning sacrifice as the sole means of purification and righteousness for humanity. Just as the Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed a perfect offering, Christ's death on the cross (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")) is the definitive act that cleanses believers from all sin, enabling them to stand pure and blameless before God's throne. This verse beautifully encapsulates the Gospel: humanity's dire need for cleansing, Christ's perfect provision through His shed blood, and the glorious outcome of eternal fellowship with God for all who trust in the Lamb who was slain (cf. [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed by His Blood")).

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

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Revelation 22:14

Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Hebrews 13:12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Hebrews 9:14

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.