Revelation 7:8

Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

Of ^{G1537} the tribe ^{G5443} of Zabulon ^{G2194} were sealed ^{G4972} twelve ^{G1427} thousand ^{G5505}. Of ^{G1537} the tribe ^{G5443} of Joseph ^{G2501} were sealed ^{G4972} twelve ^{G1427} thousand ^{G5505}. Of ^{G1537} the tribe ^{G5443} of Benjamin ^{G958} were sealed ^{G4972} twelve ^{G1427} thousand ^{G5505}.

from the tribe of Z’vulun 12,000
from the tribe of Yosef 12,000
from the tribe of Binyamin 12,000

from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, and from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.

Of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand; Of the tribe of Benjaminweresealed twelve thousand.

Revelation 7:8 concludes the specific listing of the twelve tribes of Israel, each represented by twelve thousand sealed individuals, totaling 144,000. This verse specifically names Zabulon (Zebulun), Joseph, and Benjamin, emphasizing God's meticulous selection and preservation of a remnant during a time of immense global upheaval described in the book of Revelation.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial interlude in the book of Revelation, occurring between the opening of the sixth seal (which describes cosmic disturbances and widespread fear) and the seventh seal. Chapter 7 introduces the sealing of 144,000 servants of God, who are identified as coming from the twelve tribes of Israel. This sealing signifies divine protection and ownership, marking them out for a specific purpose during the coming judgments. The tribes listed in verses 5-8 are symbolic of God's covenant people, chosen and preserved.

Key Themes

Divine Protection and Preservation: The act of "sealing" is a powerful biblical metaphor for God's mark of ownership and protection. In a world facing divine wrath, these 144,000 are explicitly safeguarded, ensuring their endurance through tribulation. This echoes themes of God preserving a remnant throughout Israel's history.
Symbolic Representation of Israel: The list of tribes is significant. While it includes familiar names like Benjamin and Joseph (who represents the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, his sons), the specific ordering and the omission of Dan (and Ephraim as a distinct tribe, replaced by Joseph) have led to various interpretations. Many scholars view this list as a symbolic representation of the complete, spiritual Israel of God, not necessarily a literal census of physical descendants in the end times. The number 12,000 from each of 12 tribes emphasizes completeness and divine order.
God's Sovereignty and Election: The sealing is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign choice. It underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ability to identify and protect His own, even amidst widespread chaos and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "sealed" is sphragizō (σφραγίζω), which implies setting a mark of ownership, authenticity, and security. It's the same word used for sealing a document or securing a tomb. Here, it signifies that these individuals are God's property, protected by His divine authority. The number "twelve thousand" (dōdeka chiliades) emphasizes the symbolic perfection and completeness associated with the number twelve in biblical numerology, often representing divine government or completeness (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles).

Practical Application

While the immediate context of Revelation 7:8 is specific to the end times, its underlying principles offer profound comfort and assurance to believers today. The concept of being "sealed" by God is not limited to this specific group; believers in Christ are also sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance. This verse reminds us that:

God knows His own and provides divine protection for them.
There is a divine order and purpose in God's plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic.
Believers can have confidence in God's faithfulness to preserve His people through any trial, looking forward to the ultimate victory and redemption seen in Revelation 14:1.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.