Of the tribe of Simeon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar [were] sealed twelve thousand.
Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Simeon {G4826} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Levi {G3017} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}. Of {G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Issachar {G2466} were sealed {G4972} twelve {G1427} thousand {G5505}.
from the tribe of Shim‘on 12,000
from the tribe of Levi 12,000
from the tribe of Yissakhar 12,000
from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
Of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand;
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Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun: -
Numbers 26:14
These [are] the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred. -
Genesis 49:5
¶ Simeon and Levi [are] brethren; instruments of cruelty [are in] their habitations. -
Numbers 25:14
Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, [even] that was slain with the Midianitish woman, [was] Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites. -
Judges 1:3
And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him. -
Genesis 29:34
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. -
Genesis 30:18
And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
Revelation 7:7 is a continuation of the important interlude in John's apocalyptic vision, detailing the sealing of 144,000 servants of God before the severe trumpet judgments are unleashed upon the earth. This specific verse lists three more tribes from whom 12,000 individuals are sealed: Simeon, Levi, and Issachar.
Context
Chapter 7 of Revelation provides a crucial pause between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals (found in Revelation 6:12-17 and Revelation 8:1). This interlude focuses on two distinct groups: the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel (verses 1-8) and a countless multitude from every nation standing before the throne (verses 9-17). The sealing described here is a mark of divine protection during a time of great tribulation, assuring their preservation through the coming judgments.
The previous verses in chapter 7 (verses 5-6) began the enumeration of the tribes, and verse 7 continues this precise, repetitive count, emphasizing the systematic nature of God's selection and protection. For the full list of the 144,000, one should read Revelation 7:4-8.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word "sealed" comes from the Greek sphragizō (σφραγίζω), which means to mark with a seal for security, authenticity, or ownership. In ancient times, a seal could protect contents, validate a document, or signify ownership. Here, it denotes divine ownership and protection, ensuring that those sealed are preserved from the destructive judgments that follow. This mark is not visible to human eyes but signifies God's special provision.
Tribal Significance
The mention of Simeon, Levi, and Issachar continues the specific enumeration. It's notable that the list of tribes in Revelation 7 differs from typical Old Testament lists (e.g., Genesis 49, Numbers 1, Ezekiel 48). For instance, the tribe of Dan is omitted, and Levi, typically excluded from tribal land allotments but included here, and Joseph (representing Ephraim and Manasseh) are included. The consistent "twelve thousand" for each tribe underscores the idea of a perfect, divinely ordained number rather than a precise demographic census.
Practical Application
For believers today, Revelation 7:7 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that: