The term "144,000" appears in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, and is a significant symbol in Christian eschatology. This number is mentioned specifically in two passages: Revelation 7:1-8 and Revelation 14:1-5. The 144,000 are often interpreted as a group of people who hold a special place in the events of the end times.

Revelation 7:1-8
In this passage, the 144,000 are described as being sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel. The text states:

"After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 'Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God.' And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000." (Revelation 7:1-8)

This passage suggests that the 144,000 are a symbolic representation of a remnant from the twelve tribes of Israel, each contributing 12,000 individuals to this group. The sealing of the 144,000 is often interpreted as a divine protection or mark of ownership by God.

Revelation 14:1-5
The second mention of the 144,000 occurs in Revelation 14, where they are depicted standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion:

"Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless." (Revelation 14:1-5)

In this context, the 144,000 are portrayed as a pure and devoted group, characterized by their virginity and truthfulness. They are described as having been redeemed from the earth and are seen as "firstfruits" to God and the Lamb, indicating a special status among the redeemed.

Interpretations and Significance
The identity and role of the 144,000 have been the subject of various interpretations throughout Christian history. Some view them as a literal group of ethnic Israelites who will play a key role in the end times, while others see them as a symbolic representation of the Church or a select group of believers who exhibit exceptional faithfulness and purity.

The number 144,000 itself is often understood symbolically, representing completeness or perfection, as it is the product of 12 (a number often associated with the people of God) squared and multiplied by 1,000 (a number symbolizing vastness or multitude).

The 144,000 are frequently associated with themes of divine protection, purity, and dedication, serving as a model of faithfulness and commitment to God in the face of tribulation and adversity. Their depiction in Revelation highlights the importance of spiritual integrity and the hope of redemption for those who remain steadfast in their faith.144000 (3 Occurrences)

Revelation 7:4
And I heard the number of those sealed, (144 thousands were sealed out of all the tribes of the sons of Israel):
(See RSV)

Revelation 14:1
Then I looked, and I saw the Lamb standing upon Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 people, having His name and His Father's name written on their foreheads.
(See RSV)

Revelation 14:3
And they were singing what seemed to be a new song, in front of the throne and in the presence of the four living creatures and the Elders; and no one was able to learn that song except the 144,000 people who had been redeemed out of the world.
(See RSV)

144000 (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 144000 (3 Occurrences). Revelation 7:4 And I heard
the number of those sealed, (144 thousands were sealed ...
/num/144000.htm - 7k

120000 (4 Occurrences)

/num/120000.htm - 7k

151450 (2 Occurrences)

/num/151450.htm - 6k

Virginity (12 Occurrences)
... influence). Some have thought to find a trace of the Greek doctrine in
Revelation 14:4. But 144,000 lst-century. Christian ascetics ...
/v/virginity.htm - 15k

Innocents (2 Occurrences)
... At an early date the Greek church canonized 14,000, and afterward, by a curious
misinterpretation of Revelation 14:1, 3, the number was increased to 144,000. ...
/i/innocents.htm - 20k

Massacre (1 Occurrence)
... At an early date the Greek church canonized 14,000, and afterward, by a curious
misinterpretation of Revelation 14:1, 3, the number was increased to 144,000. ...
/m/massacre.htm - 20k

Singing (65 Occurrences)
... in front of the throne and in the presence of the four living creatures and the
Elders; and no one was able to learn that song except the 144,000 people who ...
/s/singing.htm - 29k

Sealing (5 Occurrences)
... Revelation 7:4 When the sealing was finished, I heard how many were sealed out of
the tribes of the descendants of Israel. They were 144,000. (WEY). ...
/s/sealing.htm - 7k

Firstfruits (37 Occurrences)
... in a particular place (Romans 16:5 1 Corinthians 16:15); to the Christians of that
age (James 1:18 2 Thessalonians 2:13, WHm), and to the 144,000 in heaven ...
/f/firstfruits.htm - 24k

Who are the 144,000? | GotQuestions.org

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