Revelation 14:4
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.
Study Note
Study Note
The 144,000 who follow the Lamb are described as virgins 'not defiled with women' — language that in Revelation's symbolic framework most likely refers to those who have not committed spiritual fornication with Babylon's idolatrous system. The 'virgin' metaphor for covenant faithfulness draws on the prophetic tradition where Israel as bride must remain faithful to God rather than 'prostituting' herself to foreign gods (Hosea 1-3; Jeremiah 3). The statement that 'these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth' defines the 144,000 primarily by radical discipleship — they go where Christ goes, including through suffering. Paul's parallel in 2 Corinthians 11:2 presents the church as a pure virgin betrothed to Christ, indicating this is a widespread early Christian metaphor.
Other Translations
These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.
these are they who with women were not defiled, for they are virgin; these are they who are following the Lamb whithersoever he may go; these were bought from among men--a first-fruit to God and to the Lamb--
These are they who have not made themselves unclean with women; for they are virgins. These are they who go after the Lamb wherever he goes. These were taken from among men to be the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
Cross References
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be …
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount …
Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love …
There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.
Israel was holiness unto the Lord, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall …
Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief …
And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet …
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I …
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for …