Revelation 7:9

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;

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};

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;

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.

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;

Revelation 7:9 presents a breathtaking vision of the redeemed in heaven, offering a powerful message of hope and inclusivity amidst the intense judgments described in the preceding chapters of the Book of Revelation. This verse introduces a pivotal scene, shifting focus from earthly tribulation to heavenly worship, providing a glimpse into the ultimate outcome of God's redemptive plan.

Context

This verse immediately follows the sealing of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel in Revelation 7:4-8. John's vision in Revelation often intersperses scenes of judgment with moments of divine revelation and worship. Chapter 7 acts as an interlude between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals, providing assurance of God's protection and the ultimate triumph of His people. The focus here broadens significantly from a specific number of sealed Israelites to an unquantifiable global assembly, emphasizing the universal scope of God's salvation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Innumerable Multitude: The phrase "which no man could number" highlights the vastness of those redeemed by God from every corner of the earth. This signifies God's boundless grace and the immense success of His redemptive work, far exceeding human comprehension or enumeration.
  • Universal Inclusivity: The description "of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" powerfully conveys that salvation is not limited to any single ethnic group or language. It underscores God's desire for a redeemed humanity drawn from every part of the globe, united in worship before His throne. This vision challenges any narrow view of God's kingdom.
  • Divine Presence and Worship: Standing "before the throne, and before the Lamb" indicates direct access to God and Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate privilege of the redeemed, to be in the immediate presence of the Almighty and the One who made their salvation possible. Their posture signifies reverence, adoration, and eternal communion. For more on the throne scene, see Revelation 4:2.
  • Righteousness and Purity: Being "clothed with white robes" symbolizes purity, victory, and righteousness. These are not self-achieved but are garments of salvation, made clean through the atoning work of Christ. Revelation 7:14 further explains that these robes are "washed, and made white in the blood of the Lamb."
  • Victory and Celebration: Holding "palms in their hands" is a symbol of triumph, joy, and celebration. In ancient Jewish tradition, palm branches were used during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) to express joy and thanksgiving. In Roman culture, they were carried in triumphal processions to honor conquering heroes. Here, they signify the victory of the redeemed over sin, death, and tribulation, as well as their joyous acclaim of God and the Lamb.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "multitude" is ochlos (ὄχλος), which denotes a large, often unorganized crowd, emphasizing the sheer number rather than a structured assembly. The "white robes" are stolas leukas (στολὰς λευκὰς), signifying garments of light and purity, often associated with divine favor and righteousness throughout the New Testament. The "palms" (φοίνικες - phoinikes) reinforce the celebratory and victorious nature of this heavenly gathering.

Practical Application

Revelation 7:9 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It assures us that God's plan of salvation is vast and inclusive, embracing people from every corner of the globe. This vision should inspire us to persevere in faith, knowing that a glorious future awaits those who remain faithful. It also serves as a powerful motivation for missions and evangelism, reminding us of God's heart for "all nations" and the ultimate gathering of a diverse, redeemed humanity before His throne. The image of the white robes calls us to live lives of purity and righteousness, while the palms remind us that our ultimate victory is assured in Christ.

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.

  • 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.

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