Revelation 14:1–5
The Lamb on Mount Zion
John sees the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. With him are 144,000 people who have his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.
John hears a sound from heaven, like rushing waters and loud thunder. It also sounds like harpists playing their harps.
The new song and the followers
They sing a new song before the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. Only the 144,000 who have been redeemed from the earth can learn it.
John describes them as those who have not defiled themselves with women, and calls them virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.
Christians differ on whether this description refers to literal celibacy or symbolizes spiritual faithfulness. It should not be used to teach that women or marriage are unclean.
They have been redeemed from humanity as firstfruits for God and the Lamb. No lie is found in their mouths; they are blameless.
“Firstfruits” names the first portion of a harvest offered to God. John uses that image to describe these redeemed people.
Pause and notice
Whose names are on their foreheads? Whom do they follow? Look back at verses 1 and 4 before opening the answer.
Look back at the passage
They bear the Lamb's name and his Father's name. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.
Explore the Scripture and artwork
The Lamb represents Jesus Christ. Revelation 5:6–10 connects the Lamb with sacrificial death and redemption.
Christians interpret the number 144,000 and Mount Zion in different ways. The painting represents a great gathering; it does not display an exact counted total.
The landscape, clothing, distant city, and visible heavenly musicians are artistic choices. John describes hearing the heavenly sound. The names on the foreheads are not legibly reproduced in this artwork.
Read Revelation 14:1–5 ↗Scripture opens in a new tab.
Continue · Revelation 14:6–7
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