Revelation 7:5

KJV

Of the tribe of Juda [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Juda {G2455} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Reuben {G4502} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Gad {G1045} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the tribe of Y’hudah 12,000 were sealed
from the tribe of Re’uven 12,000
from the tribe of Gad, 12,000

Berean Standard Bible

From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000,

American Standard Version

Of the tribe of Judahweresealed twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 7:5 initiates the detailed enumeration of the 144,000 individuals from the twelve tribes of Israel who are divinely "sealed" by God. This verse specifically lists the tribes of Judah, Reuben, and Gad, each contributing twelve thousand members to this protected group. This sealing occurs as a crucial act of divine preservation, safeguarding these chosen servants from the impending global judgments described in the apocalyptic visions of the Book of Revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 7:5 is part of a significant interlude (Revelation 7:1-8) positioned between the breaking of the sixth seal (Revelation 6:12-17) and the opening of the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1). Following the catastrophic events of the sixth seal, which cause universal terror and a cry for refuge from God's wrath, there is a pause in the unfolding judgments. This interlude introduces four angels holding back destructive winds (Revelation 7:1) until another angel ascends "from the east, having the seal of the living God" (Revelation 7:2). This angel commands the winds to be held back until "the servants of our God" are sealed on their foreheads (Revelation 7:3). The immediate context of Revelation 7:4 states the total number sealed as 144,000, "of all the tribes of the children of Israel," before Revelation 7:5-8 provides the specific tribal breakdown, beginning with Judah. This precise enumeration contrasts sharply with the "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" seen immediately after (Revelation 7:9), highlighting a distinct group of Israelite origin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "sealing" was deeply significant in the ancient world, representing ownership, authentication, security, and protection. Seals were used on documents, property, and even people (as in the marking of slaves or soldiers) to indicate belonging or authority. For instance, a king's seal guaranteed the authenticity of a decree (Esther 8:8) or protected a tomb (Matthew 27:66). In a spiritual sense, the Old Testament describes God "marking" or "sealing" His people for preservation, as seen in Ezekiel 9:4-6, where those who mourn over Jerusalem's abominations receive a mark on their foreheads to be spared from judgment. The emphasis on "tribes of Israel" evokes the historical twelve tribes descended from Jacob, foundational to Israel's national identity and covenant relationship with God. While the precise lineage of all tribes had become blurred by the first century AD due to exile and dispersion, the symbolic significance of the twelve tribes remained potent, representing the totality of God's covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 7:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Protection and Preservation**, as the act of "sealing" marks these individuals for special safeguarding amidst impending tribulation, ensuring their survival for God's specific purposes (Revelation 7:3). Secondly, the explicit naming of the twelve tribes highlights **Israel's End-Time Role** and God's faithfulness to His covenant people. While the exact identity and function of these 144,000 are subject to various interpretations (e.g., literal Israelites, symbolic representation of the church), their clear identification as "of the tribes of the children of Israel" (Revelation 7:4) emphasizes Israel's distinct place in God's prophetic program. This is particularly evident when contrasted with the universal multitude in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude from Every Nation"). Thirdly, the specific number "twelve thousand" for each tribe, totaling 144,000 (12 x 12,000), symbolizes **God's Order and Precision**. The number twelve frequently represents divine completeness and governmental perfection in biblical numerology, illustrating God's meticulous and sovereign execution of His plans, leaving nothing to chance in the unfolding of prophetic events, as seen throughout [the Book of Revelation](/revelation/1 "Revelation Chapter 1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sealed (Greek, _sphragízō'_):** This term, derived from the Greek word for "seal" (σφραγίς, _sphragís_), means to stamp with a signet or private mark for security, ownership, or preservation. It implies setting apart, keeping secret, or attesting to something. In this context, it signifies divine ownership and a guarantee of protection from the destructive judgments that are about to fall upon the earth. The sealing marks these individuals as belonging to God and ensures their preservation from physical harm during the tribulation.
* **tribe (Greek, _phylḗ'_):** Meaning an offshoot, race, or clan, this word refers to the distinct ancestral divisions of the nation of Israel. Its use here emphasizes the specific, identifiable lineage of the 144,000, linking them directly to the historical covenant people of God. The enumeration by tribe underscores the particularity of this group within God's broader redemptive plan.
* **twelve thousand (Greek, _dṓdeka_ and _chiliás'_):** The combination of "twelve" and "thousand" signifies a precise and symbolic number. "Twelve" (dṓdeka) frequently represents divine completeness, governmental order, and the totality of God's people (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles). "Thousand" (chiliás) denotes a large, complete unit. The exact number "twelve thousand" from each tribe, totaling 144,000, emphasizes the divine order, meticulousness, and symbolic perfection of this chosen group. It is a number of divine appointment and significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the tribe of Juda [were] sealed twelve thousand."**: This phrase begins the detailed list of the sealed tribes, starting with Judah. The placement of Judah first is significant, as Judah was the royal tribe from which the Messiah would come (Genesis 49:10), and it often held a prominent position in Israel's history. The "sealing" indicates divine identification and protection, marking these twelve thousand individuals from Judah as God's own, set apart for a specific purpose during the tribulation.
* **"Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve thousand."**: Following Judah, Reuben is listed. As Jacob's firstborn, Reuben traditionally held a place of prominence, though he lost his birthright (Genesis 49:3-4). His inclusion here, with the same precise number of twelve thousand sealed individuals, underscores God's meticulous and equitable selection across the tribes, demonstrating that His plan extends to all the traditional divisions of Israel.
* **"Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve thousand."**: The third tribe mentioned is Gad, a son of Jacob by Zilpah. Like the preceding tribes, Gad contributes twelve thousand sealed individuals. The consistent number for each tribe highlights the uniformity and completeness of God's selection process, emphasizing that the total of 144,000 is precisely composed of equal contingents from each of the twelve tribes. This systematic enumeration reinforces the divine order and intentionality behind this act of preservation.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 7:5 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, with the phrase "Of the tribe of X [were] sealed twelve thousand" repeated for each of the three tribes listed. This repetition not only emphasizes the precise and uniform nature of the sealing but also creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, cadence that underscores the divine order and meticulousness of God's actions. **Enumeration** is central to this verse and the broader passage (Revelation 7:4-8), as it systematically lists the tribes and the exact number sealed from each. This precise counting conveys a sense of divine control, purpose, and completeness, assuring the reader that God's plan is not haphazard but perfectly orchestrated. Finally, **Symbolism** is inherent in the numbers and the act of sealing. The number "twelve thousand" and the total "144,000" are highly symbolic, representing divine completeness and perfection, particularly in relation to God's covenant people. The act of "sealing" itself is symbolic of divine ownership, protection, and authentication, echoing ancient practices while pointing to a spiritual reality of God's sovereign preservation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 7:5 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign election and meticulous care for His people, even amidst global catastrophe. The sealing of the 144,000 highlights the theological truth that God always preserves a remnant for His purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This act is not merely about physical protection but about divine identification, marking those who belong to Him and are set apart for His service. It speaks to the broader biblical theme of God's intimate knowledge of His own and His unwavering commitment to bring His redemptive plan to fruition, even through periods of intense tribulation. The specific tribal identity underscores the unique role of Israel in God's prophetic timeline, yet the principle of divine sealing extends to all believers in the New Covenant, who are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

* [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise")
* [2 Timothy 2:19](/2_timothy/2-19 "2 Timothy 2:19 - The Lord Knows Those Who Are His")
* [Ezekiel 9:4-6](/ezekiel/9-4-6 "Ezekiel 9:4-6 - Mark of Protection in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 7:5 offers a powerful message of assurance and hope for believers facing uncertain times. The meticulous counting and sealing of individuals from each tribe demonstrate God's personal knowledge and sovereign care for His people. Even in the midst of the most severe judgments, God has a plan, and He actively protects those whom He has chosen and set apart. This should bring immense comfort, reminding us that our security is not based on external circumstances but on God's unchanging character and His unbreakable covenant. Just as these 144,000 are marked for preservation, believers today are sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance and ultimate redemption. This passage calls us to trust in God's detailed providence, knowing that He is in control of history and will faithfully preserve His own through every trial, ultimately bringing them into His eternal kingdom. It also challenges us to consider our own identity in Christ: are we living as those who are "sealed" and set apart for God's purposes, faithfully serving Him in anticipation of His return?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "sealing" His people in Revelation 7:5 bring comfort and assurance in times of global uncertainty or personal tribulation?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's meticulous care and sovereign control over history, even in the midst of unfolding judgments?**
* **How might the specific identification of the 144,000 by tribe challenge or deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to both Israel and the Church?**

### FAQ

**Who are the 144,000, and is their identity literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The identity of the 144,000 in Revelation 7:5 and the broader passage (Revelation 7:4-8) is a subject of significant theological debate. There are two primary interpretations:
* **Literal Interpretation:** This view holds that the 144,000 are literal, ethnic Israelites—12,000 from each of the twelve historical tribes of Israel—who are sealed by God during the Great Tribulation. They are often understood to be evangelists or a special group preserved for a specific role in God's end-time plan, perhaps leading many to Christ before His second coming. Proponents of this view emphasize the explicit mention of "the tribes of the children of Israel" in [Revelation 7:4](/revelation/7-4 "Revelation 7:4 - The Number of the Sealed"), arguing that to interpret this symbolically would undermine the plain meaning of the text.
* **Symbolic Interpretation:** This view understands the 144,000 to be a symbolic representation of the complete number of God's redeemed people from all ages—the Church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. The numbers 12 (representing completeness, the tribes of Israel, and the apostles) and 1,000 (representing a vast, complete multitude) are seen as symbolic of the totality and perfection of the Church. Those who hold this view often point to the fact that the list of tribes in Revelation 7 is not identical to traditional Old Testament lists (e.g., Dan is omitted, Levi and Joseph are included differently), suggesting a symbolic rather than strictly literal enumeration. This interpretation sees the "Israel" here as referring to "spiritual Israel" or the "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16), which includes all who have faith in Christ.

Both interpretations acknowledge the divine protection and special purpose of this group. The passage's primary emphasis is on God's sovereign ability to preserve a chosen people for His purposes, regardless of whether they are understood literally or symbolically.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 7:5 details the sealing of a specific group from the tribes of Israel during a future tribulation, its deeper theological resonance finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The sealing of the 144,000, marking them as God's own and protecting them, foreshadows the spiritual sealing experienced by all believers in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise" (Ephesians 1:13), which is described as the "earnest of our inheritance" until the redemption of the purchased possession (Ephesians 1:14). This spiritual sealing signifies divine ownership, security, and the guarantee of future salvation, assuring that those who belong to Christ are eternally preserved. Furthermore, the emphasis on the "tribes of Israel" points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel. In Christ, the division between Jew and Gentile is broken down (Ephesians 2:14), and all who believe become "Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:29), constituting the true "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16). The ultimate gathering of a "great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" (Revelation 7:9) before the throne and the Lamb demonstrates that Christ's redemptive work extends beyond any single ethnic group, encompassing all who are sealed by His blood and Spirit, fulfilling God's universal plan of salvation through Him (Revelation 5:9-10). Thus, the protection and identification of the sealed in Revelation 7:5 ultimately point to the comprehensive and inclusive salvation secured by the Lamb of God for all His redeemed.

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

Exodus 1:2

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,

Exodus 1:4

Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

Numbers 13:4

And these [were] their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.

Numbers 13:16

These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.

Numbers 10:14

In the first [place] went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host [was] Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Numbers 10:27

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali [was] Ahira the son of Enan.

Numbers 1:4

And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers.