Revelation 7:9

KJV

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

KJV (with Strong's)

After {G3326} this {G5023} I beheld {G1492}, and {G2532}, lo {G2400}, a great {G4183} multitude {G3793}, which {G3739} no man {G3762} could {G1410} number {G705}{G846}, of {G1537} all {G3956} nations {G1484}, and {G2532} kindreds {G5443}, and {G2532} people {G2992}, and {G2532} tongues {G1100}, stood {G2476} before {G1799} the throne {G2362}, and {G2532} before {G1799} the Lamb {G721}, clothed {G4016} with white {G3022} robes {G4749}, and {G2532} palms {G5404} in {G1722} their {G846} hands {G5495};

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, I looked; and there before me was a huge crowd, too large for anyone to count, from every nation, tribe, people and language. They were standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands;

Berean Standard Bible

After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.

American Standard Version

After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and ofalltribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 7:9 unveils a glorious celestial vision, shifting the narrative from earthly tribulation to heavenly triumph. John beholds an immeasurable multitude, comprised of individuals from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing in reverent worship before the divine throne and the Lamb. Clothed in radiant white robes and holding palm branches, this assembly represents the culmination of God's redemptive purpose, showcasing the universal scope of His salvation and the ultimate victory of His diverse people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal interlude within the Book of Revelation, specifically between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals. Immediately preceding it, [Revelation 7:1-8](/revelation/7-1-8 "Revelation 7:1-8 - The Sealing of the 144,000") describes the sealing of 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel, providing assurance of divine protection amidst impending judgments. The vision of the great multitude in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne") then broadens the scope dramatically, moving from a specific, numbered group within Israel to an uncountable, global assembly of the redeemed. This juxtaposition emphasizes that God's salvation plan encompasses both Israel and a vast company from all humanity, offering a powerful message of hope and inclusivity before the intensity of the trumpet judgments commences in [Revelation 8](/revelation/8 "Revelation 8 - The Seven Trumpets").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne") draws from significant historical and cultural practices. The "white robes" evoke purity, victory, and divine favor, often associated with those who had triumphed or were set apart for sacred service in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. The "palms in their hands" are particularly rich in symbolism. In Jewish tradition, palm branches (lulav) were used during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a joyous harvest festival commemorating God's provision and dwelling among His people, as described in [Leviticus 23:40](/leviticus/23-40 "Leviticus 23:40 - Feast of Tabernacles Instructions"). They symbolized joy, celebration, and national deliverance. In Roman culture, palm branches were carried in triumphal processions to honor victorious generals or emperors, signifying conquest and acclaim. Thus, their presence here signifies the redeemed's joyous celebration of God's ultimate victory and their own triumph over tribulation through the Lamb.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne") powerfully articulates several core themes central to Revelation and biblical theology. The "innumerable multitude" highlights the boundless extent of God's grace and the success of His redemptive work, demonstrating that salvation is far grander than human capacity to count or comprehend. The description "of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" underscores the **universal inclusivity** of God's kingdom, challenging any ethnocentric or exclusive view of salvation and affirming God's desire to redeem humanity from every corner of the earth. Their posture "before the throne, and before the Lamb" signifies direct, intimate access to the divine presence, the ultimate privilege and joy of the redeemed, echoing the throne room visions found earlier in [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room of God"). Finally, the "white robes" symbolize the **righteousness and purity** granted to believers through Christ's atoning sacrifice, while the "palms" represent **victory and celebratory worship**, marking the culmination of their journey and their eternal adoration of God and the Lamb.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term (G3793) denotes a throng or a crowd, often unorganized or uncounted. Its usage here emphasizes the sheer, overwhelming number of people, so vast that it defies human enumeration, highlighting the immense scope of God's redemptive work across humanity.
* **nations (Greek, _éthnos'_):** Referring to a race or tribe (G1484), this word specifically denotes foreign, non-Jewish peoples, often by implication, pagan. Its inclusion alongside "kindreds, people, and tongues" powerfully emphasizes the global and Gentile dimension of this redeemed assembly, signifying that salvation extends beyond any single ethnic or national boundary.
* **tongues (Greek, _glōssa'_):** This word (G1100) primarily means "tongue" but by implication refers to a language, especially one naturally unacquired. Its presence here reinforces the multi-linguistic and cultural diversity of the redeemed, indicating that people from every linguistic group will be present in this heavenly gathering, united in worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude":** John's vision continues, shifting focus. "After this" (G3326, G5023) signals a new phase of revelation. "I beheld" (G1492, G5627) and "lo" (G2400, G5628) emphasize the sudden, awe-inspiring nature of the sight, drawing the reader's attention to the profound revelation that follows. The "great multitude" (G4183, G3793) immediately conveys the vastness of the assembly.
* **"which no man could number":** This phrase (G3739, G3762, G1410, G5711, G705, G846) is a hyperbole underscoring the immeasurable size of this group. It signifies that God's redemptive work is far more expansive and successful than human comprehension or calculation can grasp, demonstrating His boundless grace and the effectiveness of Christ's sacrifice.
* **"of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues":** This four-fold description (G1537, G3956, G1484, G2532, G5443, G2532, G2992, G2532, G1100) provides a comprehensive picture of the multitude's universal origin. "Nations" (Gentiles), "kindreds" (tribes or clans), "people" (general populace), and "tongues" (languages) together emphasize that this redeemed company is drawn from every ethnic, familial, national, and linguistic group on earth, highlighting the truly global and inclusive nature of God's salvation.
* **"stood before the throne, and before the Lamb":** Their posture of standing (G2476, G5761) signifies reverence, readiness, and a privileged position of access. To stand "before the throne" (G1799, G2362) means to be in the immediate, glorious presence of God Almighty. To stand "before the Lamb" (G1799, G721) indicates their direct access to Jesus Christ, the one through whom their salvation was accomplished, and their worship of Him. This is the ultimate fulfillment of their journey.
* **"clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;":** Their attire (G4016, G5772, G3022, G4749) of "white robes" symbolizes purity, righteousness, and victory, often denoting garments of salvation made clean through Christ's blood (as clarified in [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Robes Washed in the Blood of the Lamb")). The "palms" (G5404) held "in their hands" (G1722, G846, G5495) are symbols of triumph, joy, and celebration, signifying their victory over tribulation and their enthusiastic acclamation of God and the Lamb.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 7:9 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Hyperbole**. The "great multitude" itself is a powerful symbol of the vastness and inclusivity of God's redeemed people, while the phrase "which no man could number" functions as **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration to convey the immeasurable scale of this assembly, far exceeding any human census. The "white robes" are potent symbols of purity, righteousness, and victory, signifying the spiritual transformation and cleansing achieved through Christ. The "palms in their hands" are a vivid symbol of triumph, joy, and celebration, drawing on ancient traditions of victorious processions and festive worship. The repetition of "and" ("nations, **and** kindreds, **and** people, **and** tongues") is an example of **Polysyndeton**, which serves to emphasize the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the multitude's diverse origins, underscoring that no group is excluded from this glorious gathering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This vision in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne") is a profound theological statement on the nature and scope of God's redemptive plan. It emphatically declares that salvation is not confined to one nation or lineage but extends to every corner of the earth, embracing a diverse humanity united by faith in the Lamb. This universalism is a consistent theme throughout biblical prophecy, culminating in this heavenly scene where all barriers of ethnicity, language, and culture are transcended in worship. The presence of the "great multitude" before the throne and the Lamb underscores the ultimate purpose of redemption: to bring humanity into direct, unhindered communion with God and Christ, where their worship is the eternal response to His saving grace. It assures believers that despite earthly tribulations, the final outcome is glorious triumph and eternal adoration.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Nations Seek the Lord")
* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 7:9 offers immense encouragement and a powerful call to action for believers today. The vision of an innumerable, globally diverse multitude worshipping before God's throne reminds us that God's kingdom is far vaster and more inclusive than we often imagine. It instills hope, assuring us that despite the chaos and brokenness of the world, God's redemptive plan is unfurling towards a glorious, victorious culmination. This vision should inspire us to persevere through trials, knowing that our ultimate destiny is joyful communion with God and the Lamb. Furthermore, it serves as a profound impetus for missions and evangelism, challenging us to actively participate in God's desire to gather people from "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues." Our worship here on earth is a foretaste of that grand heavenly chorus, and our efforts to share the Gospel contribute directly to the swelling ranks of this redeemed multitude.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of an "innumerable multitude" from "all nations" challenge or expand your understanding of God's redemptive plan?**
* **What does standing "before the throne, and before the Lamb" signify about the ultimate privilege and purpose of the redeemed?**
* **In what ways can the symbols of "white robes" and "palms" encourage you in your daily walk of faith and perseverance?**
* **How should this vision of global inclusivity impact your perspective on evangelism, missions, and inter-ethnic relationships within the church?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "great multitude" in Revelation 7:9, and how do they relate to the 144,000 sealed in the preceding verses?**

Answer: The "great multitude" in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne") represents the entirety of the redeemed from every nation, tribe, people, and language, who have come out of the great tribulation. They are a universal company of believers, distinct from but complementary to the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel in [Revelation 7:4-8](/revelation/7-4-8 "Revelation 7:4-8 - The Sealing of the 144,000"). While the 144,000 are often understood as a specific, symbolic, or literal group of Jewish evangelists or protected remnant during the tribulation, the great multitude is an unquantifiable, global assembly, emphasizing the vast and inclusive scope of God's salvation that encompasses both Jew and Gentile. The sealing of the 144,000 provides assurance of God's protection for His people on earth, while the vision of the great multitude offers a glimpse into the ultimate, glorious outcome of redemption in heaven.

**What is the significance of the "white robes" and "palms in their hands"?**

Answer: The "white robes" symbolize purity, righteousness, and victory. [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Robes Washed in the Blood of the Lamb") clarifies that these robes have been "washed, and made white in the blood of the Lamb," indicating that their purity is not self-achieved but is a gift of salvation through Christ's atoning sacrifice. These robes also signify their triumph over sin and the world. The "palms in their hands" are symbols of triumph, joy, and celebration. This imagery draws from both Jewish tradition (the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration of God's provision and deliverance) and Roman triumphal processions. In this heavenly context, the palms signify the redeemed's victory over tribulation, death, and evil, and their joyous acclamation and worship of God and the Lamb for their salvation and ultimate triumph.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 7:9 is profoundly Christ-centered, presenting the ultimate triumph of the Lamb's redemptive work. The "great multitude" stands "before the Lamb," signifying that their very presence in glory is a direct result of His sacrifice. It is through the "blood of the Lamb" that their robes are made "white" ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Robes Washed in the Blood of the Lamb")), underscoring that their purity and righteousness are imputed, not earned. This vision fulfills the prophetic promise that through Christ, salvation would extend to "all the ends of the earth" ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")), breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile to create "one new man" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The Lamb, who was "slain, and has redeemed us to God by his blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll")), is the focal point of this universal worship. Thus, [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne") is a glorious testament to the efficacy and cosmic scope of Christ's cross, revealing the multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic fruit of His finished work, gathered eternally around His throne in triumphant adoration.

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

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

John 12:13

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Psalms 117:1

¶ O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

Psalms 117:2

For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

Revelation 7:13

¶ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

Revelation 7:15

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.

Psalms 2:8

Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.