TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
World English Bible Messianic
I told him, “My lord, you know.” He said to me, “These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb’s blood.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I saide vnto him, Lord, thou knowest. And he saide to me, These are they, which came out of great tribulation, and haue washed their long robes, and haue made their long robes white in the blood of the Lambe.
Young's Literal Translation
and I have said to him, `Sir, thou hast known;' and he said to me, `These are those who are coming out of the great tribulation, and they did wash their robes, and they made their robes white in the blood of the Lamb;
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Commentary on Revelation 7 verses 13–17
13 ¶ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 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.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
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.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–17. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
SCORPIACE 12
Then to every conqueror the Spirit promises now the tree of life and exemption from the second death; now the hidden manna, with the stone of glistening whiteness, and the name unknown (to every man except those who receive it); now power to rule with a rod of iron and the brightness of the morning star; now the being clothed in white raiment, and not having the name blotted out of the book of life, and being made in the temple of God a pillar with the inscription on it of the name of God and of the Lord, and of the heavenly Jerusalem; now a sitting with the Lord on his throne, which once was persistently refused to the sons of Zebedee. Who, pray, are these so blessed conquerors, but martyrs in the strict sense of the word? For indeed theirs are the victories whose also are the fights; theirs, however, are the fights whose also is the blood. But the souls of the martyrs both peacefully rest in the meantime under the altar and support their patience by the assured hope of revenge; and, clothed in their robes, wear the dazzling halo of brightness, until others also may fully share in their glory. For yet again a countless throng are revealed, clothed in white and distinguished by palms of victory, celebrating their triumph doubtless over antichrist, since one of the elders says, “These are they who come out of that great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” For the flesh is the clothing of the soul. The uncleanness, indeed, is washed away by baptism, but the stains are changed into dazzling whiteness by martyrdom.
TertullianAD 220
Scorpiace
For yet again a countless throng are revealed, clothed in white and distinguished by palms of victory, celebrating their triumph doubtless over Antichrist, since one of the elders says, "These are they who come out of that great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." For the flesh is the clothing of the soul.
CyprianAD 258
Treatise XI Exhortation to Martyrdom Addressed to Fortunatus
And that I might not extend my discourse, beloved brother, to too great a length, and fatigue my hearer or reader by the abundance of a too diffuse style, I have made a compendium; so that the titles being placed first, which every one ought both to know and to have in mind, I might subjoin sections of the Lord's word, and establish what I had proposed by the authority of the divine teaching, in such wise as that I might not appear to have sent you my own treatise so much, as to have suggested material for others to discourse on; a proceeding which will be of advantage to individuals with increased benefit. For if I were to give a man a garment finished and ready, it would be my garment that another was making use of, and probably the thing made for another would be found little fitting for his figure of stature and body. But now I have sent you the very wool and the purple from the Lamb, by whom we were redeemed and quickened; which, when you have received, you will make into a coat for yourself according to your own will, and the rather that you will rejoice in it as your own private and special garment. And you will exhibit to others also what we have sent, that they themselves may be able to finish it according to their will; so that that old nakedness being covered, they may all bear the garments of Christ robed in the sanctification of heavenly grace.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
EXPOSITION ON THE APOCALYPSE 7:14, HOMILY 6
These are not, as some think, only martyrs, but rather the whole people in the church. For it does not say that they washed their robes in their own blood but in the blood of the Lamb, that is, in the grace of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. As it is written, “And the blood of his Son has cleansed us.”
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 7:13-14
When it says that a number of the faithful had come out of the great tribulation, what else is indicated except what we read elsewhere, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Therefore, the apostle also said, “Brothers, let us not grow weary, for in due time we shall reap.” It is through the endurance of struggles that the number of the faithful are sifted out, just as by the weight of the press oil is prepared with diligent care and grain that is to be stored in a barn is collected through the threshing machine. That they wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb reveals their reward, so that the labor of the aforementioned struggle might be endured with equinimity. And he rightly adds that they made their robes white in the blood of the Lamb. It is as though he said that the robes that some had befouled after the grace of baptism through neglect, ignorance or contempt, these had made white in the blood of the Lamb, that is, in the grace of Christ, or even in undergoing martyrdom. This reward is to be assigned especially to those in the church who have spilled their blood for Christ and have returned the robe of baptism with a greater brilliance by a better service of blood. But if this grace is to refer to all the faithful generally, we must finally conclude that if anyone is cleansed by the font of his Lord, is fed by his flesh and is enflamed by the call of the Spirit, he is in this manner made white as snow. For there are those who are proven to be martyrs before God by their inner character, even though they are not martyrs by way of a public act.
BedeAD 735
Homilies on the Gospels 1.10
Martyrs wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb, while as for their members, which “seem to the eyes of the ignorant” [to be] defiled by the squalor of their pains, they instead have made [these members] clean of all contagion by their blood which is poured forth for Christ. In addition, they have rendered [their members] worthy of the blessed light of immortality, which is [the meaning of] their having made their washed robes white in the blood of the Lamb.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And he said to me: These are those who have come out of great tribulation. Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts XIV). But who does not know that the tribulation of the Antichrist will be greater than the others?
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And they washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. He does not speak only of the martyrs. For they are washed in their own blood. But the blood of Jesus, the Son of God, cleanses the whole Church from all sin (II Corinthians VII), therefore they are before the throne of God. For they are deemed worthy to stand in the service of God there, who here amid adversities are faithful confessors of his name.
Alcuin of YorkAD 804
COMMENTARY ON REVELATION
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.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
Therefore, he says that these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation; for the righteous did not only endure a considerable struggle but also a very great one under the dominion of the Antichrist.
And it says that they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; indeed, it was more fitting for the robes dyed in blood to become crimson rather than white. How then have they become white? Because baptism, which is accomplished through the death of the Lord, as it seems to the most wise Paul (Rom. 6:3), acts as a cleanser of all impurity arising from sin, rendering those who are baptized in it white and pure.
But also the partaking of the life-giving blood of Christ grants this: for the Lord says that it is poured out for many and for the forgiveness of many concerning His own blood. (Matt. 26:28)
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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). An elder then poses a rhetorical question to John in Revelation 7:13, 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). 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 (Hebrews 9:22). 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).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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 (John 1:29). 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 (Matthew 24:9). 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 (Hebrews 9:11-14) 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 (Revelation 1:5).