Chapter
Verse
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Revelation 14:4

ESV It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb,
NIV These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.
NASB These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are celibate. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from mankind as first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
CSB These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, since they remained virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were redeemed from humanity as the firstfruits for God and the Lamb.
NLT They have kept themselves as pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the people on the earth as a special offering to God and to the Lamb.
KJV These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

What does Revelation 14:4 mean?

The 144,000 are called "virgins" in this verse. The Greek word used here is parthenoi, most often a reference to those who have abstained from sex. The same word can also be used as a reference to spiritual purity. These men refused to participate in the idolatrous worship of the beast. They are like the wise virgins Jesus described as having oil in their lamps while they waited for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1–13). Similarly, the 144,000 are faithfully waiting for Jesus, the bridegroom, to return with His bride, the church, to celebrate the marriage supper on earth.

Instead of following the beast, as so many will do in the tribulation, the 144,00 follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They are obedient servants of the Lord. Furthermore, they have been redeemed—washed in the blood of the Lamb. As redeemed tribulation Jews, they are the firstfruits for God and the Lamb. They precede a vast number of Jews who believe on their Messiah at the end of the tribulation and enter Jesus' kingdom on earth (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:15, 26–27).
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