Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Revelation 7:4 ¶ And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 7:4 ¶ And I heard how many were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand; [twelve thousand] sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: |
Bible Question:
Greetings RR144! Do you also believe that the 144,000 is composed of 12,000 from each tribe of Israel? If not, why would you take the number literally, but not the listing of 12,000 from each tribe? Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
Bible Answer: Although Revelation is a book of symbols, numbers—but not necessarily what they are used to designate (“days,” “times,” “tribes,” etc.) always have a literal application. Therefore, 144,000 is the predetermined number to comprise the Bride of Christ; that is, it is the actual count of body members to be associated with Jesus in his Kingdom throne. The expression “of all the tribes of the children of Israel” is a spiritual designation or reference to the true Church, “the Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16 NIV). This latter classification in New Testament usage is not confined or limited to natural Jewry but is open to those exercising the faith of Abraham (Rom. 4:12,13; 9:6–8,24–26). |