Revelation 7:6

KJV

Of the tribe of Aser [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses [were] sealed twelve thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Aser {G768} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Nepthalim {G3508} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Manasses {G3128} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

from the tribe of Asher 12,000
from the tribe of Naftali 12,000
from the tribe of M’nasheh 12,000

Berean Standard Bible

from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,

American Standard Version

Of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 7:6 continues the enumeration of the 144,000 servants of God who are sealed for divine protection before the outpouring of God's wrath. This verse specifically lists three of the twelve tribes of Israel—Aser, Nepthalim, and Manasses—each contributing twelve thousand individuals to this divinely appointed and preserved group. The meticulous accounting underscores God's precise knowledge of His people and His unwavering commitment to their preservation amidst impending global judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation chapter 7 serves as a crucial interlude, a "parenthesis" of grace and divine preservation, positioned between the opening of the sixth seal and the seventh seal. The preceding verses (Revelation 6) describe cosmic disturbances, widespread fear, and the question, "Who is able to stand?" ([Revelation 6:17](/revelation/6-17 "Revelation 6:17 - Who Can Stand?")). Chapter 7 answers this question by introducing the sealing of the 144,000, who are identified as "servants of our God" ([Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - The Sealing of God's Servants")). This act of sealing provides a mark of divine ownership and protection, safeguarding them from the destructive judgments that are about to fall upon the earth, particularly those affecting the land, sea, and trees, as hinted at in [Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - Do Not Harm"). The specific enumeration of tribes, including Aser, Nepthalim, and Manasses in verse 6, emphasizes the systematic and intentional nature of this divine selection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "tribes" is deeply rooted in ancient Israelite identity, tracing back to the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). Tribal affiliation was central to social, religious, and military organization throughout Israel's history. While the list of tribes in Revelation 7 deviates from traditional Old Testament genealogies (e.g., the omission of Dan, the inclusion of Levi, and Joseph representing Ephraim), it nonetheless draws upon the powerful cultural memory of a unified Israel. The idea of a "remnant" is also significant, a recurring theme in the Old Testament where God preserves a faithful portion of His people through periods of judgment or exile (e.g., [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel")). For early Christians, many of whom were Jewish converts or Gentiles grafted into God's covenant people, this imagery would have resonated with their understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises, even in a world hostile to their faith. The apocalyptic genre, common in Jewish literature of the period, often employed symbolic numbers and highly stylized lists to convey theological truths rather than purely literal demographic data.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 7:6 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Preservation and Protection**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to safeguard a faithful remnant of His people from the spiritual and eternal consequences of His wrath, even if not necessarily from physical tribulation. Secondly, the precise number "twelve thousand" from each of the twelve tribes (totaling 144,000, as stated in [Revelation 7:4](/revelation/7-4 "Revelation 7:4 - The Number of the Sealed")) symbolizes **Divine Order and Completeness**, representing a perfect, divinely chosen, and fully accounted-for group. This group is often interpreted as either a literal remnant of ethnic Israel or, more commonly, a symbolic representation of the church as the true, spiritual Israel, encompassing believers from all nations who are united in Christ, as seen in the subsequent vision of the great multitude in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Great Multitude"). Finally, the detailed listing of specific tribes underscores **God's Knowledge of His Own**, assuring believers that they are individually known, remembered, and protected by God amidst global chaos and judgment, a theme echoed in passages like [2 Timothy 2:19](/2_timothy/2-19 "2 Timothy 2:19 - God Knows His Own").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sealed (Greek, _sphragízō'_):** From _sphragís_, meaning "to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest." In this context, the sealing signifies divine ownership, protection, and authentication. It marks these individuals as belonging to God and being set apart for a specific purpose, safeguarding them from the judgments unleashed upon the earth.
* **tribe (Greek, _phylḗ'_):** From _phýō_ (to grow), meaning "an offshoot, i.e., race or clan." This word refers to a distinct lineage or division of people, specifically the traditional divisions of Israel. Its use here emphasizes the structured and identifiable nature of the group being sealed, drawing upon the historical and theological significance of Israel's tribal identity.
* **thousand (Greek, _chiliás'_):** Meaning "one thousand ('chiliad')." When combined with "twelve," it forms "twelve thousand," a number that, in apocalyptic literature, often carries symbolic weight, denoting completeness, fullness, and a vast, divinely ordered multitude, rather than a literal census figure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the tribe of Aser [were] sealed twelve thousand."**: This clause introduces the first of three tribes mentioned in this verse. "Aser" (Asher) means "happy" or "blessed," and its inclusion signifies that even those whose historical lineage might have been less prominent or whose territories were geographically diverse are fully included in God's protective plan. The phrase "sealed twelve thousand" immediately establishes the divine act of preservation and the precise, symbolic number of those chosen from this tribe.
* **"Of the tribe of Nepthalim [were] sealed twelve thousand."**: Following Aser, "Nepthalim" (Naphtali) is listed. The name means "my struggle" or "my wrestling," recalling Rachel's earnest prayer. Its presence here reinforces the idea that God's selection is not based on human merit or historical prosperity, but on His sovereign will. Like Aser, twelve thousand from this tribe are sealed, maintaining the consistent pattern of divine order and completeness.
* **"Of the tribe of Manasses [were] sealed twelve thousand."**: The third tribe enumerated is "Manasses" (Manasseh), whose name means "causing to forget," referring to Joseph's declaration that God had made him forget his toil and his father's house ([Genesis 41:51](/genesis/41-51 "Genesis 41:51 - Joseph Names Manasseh")). Manasseh, along with Ephraim, was a son of Joseph, and their inclusion (or Manasseh's explicit mention here, while Joseph is listed later in [Revelation 7:8](/revelation/7-8 "Revelation 7:8 - The Tribe of Joseph")) underscores the unique composition of this Revelation 7 list, which emphasizes spiritual significance over strict genealogical adherence. The consistent "twelve thousand" from Manasses further solidifies the pattern of divine selection and protection.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Revelation 7:6 is **Repetition**, specifically the repeated phrase "were sealed twelve thousand" after each tribal name. This repetition serves to emphasize the consistent, uniform nature of God's sealing act across all designated tribes, reinforcing the idea of divine order, completeness, and the equal value of each segment within the larger group of the 144,000. Closely related is **Enumeration**, as the verse systematically lists the tribes, contributing to the overall sense of a meticulously counted and divinely organized body. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the numbers "twelve" (representing completeness, divine government, and the people of God) and "thousand" (denoting a large, complete multitude), which combine to form "twelve thousand," conveying a perfect and full number of God's elect, rather than a literal census.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 7:6 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign election and His unwavering commitment to preserve a faithful remnant throughout history, particularly in times of intense tribulation. The sealing of the 144,000, drawn from the tribes of Israel, signifies God's covenant faithfulness to His people. Whether interpreted as literal ethnic Israel or as the symbolic "new Israel" (the church), this passage assures believers that they are known by God, marked by Him, and protected by His divine power from the ultimate spiritual destruction of His wrath. This protection is not necessarily from physical suffering, but from the eternal consequences of judgment, ensuring their perseverance and ultimate redemption. It speaks to the security of those who belong to God, a security rooted in His immutable character and His redemptive plan.

* [Ephesians 1:13](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit"): "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise."
* [2 Timothy 2:19](/2_timothy/2-19 "2 Timothy 2:19 - The Lord Knows His Own"): "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - A Remnant According to Grace"): "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 7:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and increasing hostility towards faith, this passage reminds us that God is actively at work, meticulously preserving His people. Just as the tribes were sealed for protection, believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance and future redemption, a mark of divine ownership that assures us we are known and secured by God. This truth should instill a deep sense of peace and confidence, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ, regardless of earthly trials. Furthermore, the identification of these sealed ones as "servants of our God" ([Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - Servants of God")) calls us to a life of faithful service and devotion. Our security in Christ is not a license for complacency, but an empowering truth that enables us to live boldly and faithfully for Him, even in the face of tribulation, knowing that we are part of a divinely ordered and protected company.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of being "sealed" by God provide assurance and comfort in times of personal or global uncertainty?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage you to live a life of faithful service, knowing that you are known and protected by God?**
* **How might the meticulous enumeration of tribes in Revelation 7 challenge or deepen your understanding of God's personal knowledge of His people?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific tribes (Aser, Nepthalim, Manasses) listed here, and is the list in Revelation 7 different from other biblical tribal lists?**

Answer: Revelation 7:6 lists Aser, Nepthalim, and Manasses as part of the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel. The full list of twelve tribes in Revelation 7 (which includes Levi and Joseph while omitting Dan and Ephraim as separate tribes, with Manasseh representing one of Joseph's sons) is indeed unique compared to other Old Testament tribal genealogies (e.g., Numbers 1, Ezekiel 48). This deviation suggests that the list is not meant to be a literal demographic census but carries symbolic and theological significance. The inclusion of Levi (the priestly tribe, often not counted among the twelve land-inheriting tribes) and the specific arrangement likely emphasize a spiritual selection of God's true people, whether literal Israel or the church as the spiritual Israel, highlighting their spiritual identity and divine purpose rather than merely their historical or geographical lineage. The names themselves (Asher: "happy/blessed," Naphtali: "my struggle," Manasseh: "causing to forget") may also subtly contribute to the overarching narrative of God's people, encompassing a range of experiences from blessing to struggle and divine deliverance from past burdens.

**What does it mean for individuals to be "sealed" by God, and how does this relate to believers today?**

Answer: To be "sealed" by God, as described in Revelation 7:6, signifies divine ownership, protection, and authentication. It's like a mark of a king on a document or a shepherd on his sheep, indicating belonging and security. In the context of Revelation, it means these individuals are divinely protected from the destructive judgments falling upon the earth, ensuring their spiritual preservation and ultimate redemption. For believers today, the New Testament teaches that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit upon believing in Christ. [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit") states that the Holy Spirit is "the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it." This spiritual sealing is God's divine mark upon His children, assuring them of their salvation, their secure standing in Him, and their future glorification. It signifies that God knows them as His own ([2 Timothy 2:19](/2_timothy/2-19 "2 Timothy 2:19 - The Lord Knows His Own")) and will preserve them until the day of redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 7:6, with its meticulous enumeration of those sealed from the tribes of Israel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through the Lamb, who was slain and by His blood "purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")), that this sealing and preservation are made possible. The 144,000, whether literal or symbolic, represent God's elect, those whom Christ gathers to Himself and protects. Jesus Himself declared, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27-28 "John 10:27-28 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). The sealing described in Revelation 7 is a tangible manifestation of this divine promise, secured by Christ's atoning sacrifice and His ongoing intercession. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out after His ascension, serves as the "seal" for New Testament believers, guaranteeing their inheritance and marking them as God's own until the day of full redemption ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the protection and belonging highlighted in Revelation 7:6 are not merely an Old Testament concept but find their deepest and most secure reality in the covenant established by Christ's blood, uniting all who believe into the one body of God's redeemed people.

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

Luke 2:36

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;