The Lamb and His followers
Revelation 14:1–5FocusA contrasting allegiance
Connection to the wholeThe scene of the Lamb and the marked multitude contrasts with the beast's demands in chapter 13.
interpretation Revelation 14:13
KJVAnd I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Read it in context
Angelic Proclamations and the Blessedness of the Saints
Start reading at Revelation 14:1 (Revelation 14:1 to Revelation 14:20).
This chapter presents a series of visions related to the final judgments and the blessedness of God's faithful people, beginning with the Lamb and the 144,000, followed by angelic proclamations of judgment and the blessedness of those who die in the Lord, culminating in the harvest of the earth.
- 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
- 14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
- 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
- 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.
- 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.
- 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
- 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
- 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
- 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
- 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
- 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
- 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
- 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
- 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
- 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
- 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
- 14:17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
- 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
- 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
- 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John is the named writer. Early Christian tradition identifies him as John the apostle, although that further identification has been debated. Biblical references: Revelation 1:1; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 22:8. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Revelation 12:1–14:20): John sees symbolic scenes involving the woman, dragon, beasts, the Lamb and His followers, and angels proclaiming messages to earth's inhabitants. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Seven churches in the Roman province of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The message also calls on everyone with an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Biblical references: Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:11; Revelation 2:7. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? A voice from heaven instructs John to write a blessing upon those who die in the Lord, declaring that they will rest from their labours and their works will follow them.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the blessed state and eternal rest awaiting those who remain faithful unto death, contrasting their destiny with the torment of those who worship the beast.
- What is the literary style? Prophecy and apocalyptic.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 95.
- When does the event take place? The vision itself occurs around A.D. 95, but the blessedness described applies to those who die in the Lord "from henceforth," indicating an ongoing or future application within the prophetic timeline of the book.
Where
- Where did it happen? The voice was heard from heaven, while John was receiving the vision.
- Where was the author located? The Isle of Patmos.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Angelic Proclamations and the Blessedness of the Saints (Revelation 14:1 to Revelation 14:20). Start reading at Revelation 14:1. This chapter presents a series of visions related to the final judgments and the blessedness of God's faithful people, beginning with the Lamb and the 144,000, followed by angelic proclamations of judgment and the blessedness of those who die in the Lord, culminating in the harvest of the earth.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse provides comfort and assurance to the saints who are enduring persecution and facing the warnings of judgment described in the preceding verses (Revelation 14:6-12). It contrasts their blessed end with the eternal torment of those who worship the beast. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The blessedness is for those who "die in the Lord," indicating that their relationship with Christ is the foundation for their eternal rest and the lasting value of their faithful service. The Lamb is central to the vision of the 144,000 and is present during the torment of the wicked, underscoring His role in both salvation and judgment. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today can find comfort and encouragement in the promise of rest from their labours and the lasting value of their faithful service when they die in the Lord, especially when facing trials, persecution, or the end of life. interpretation
Cited: Revelation 1:1, Revelation 1:3, Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 1:11, Revelation 14:1, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 14:4, Revelation 14:6, Revelation 14:8, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 14:10, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 14:12, Revelation 14:13, Revelation 14:14, Revelation 22:8
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names John four times as the one who saw and wrote these things.
Revelation 1:1Revelation 1:4Revelation 1:9Revelation 22:8
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debatedSome ancient and modern voices distinguish this John from the apostle because the Greek style differs from the Gospel.
Related passages
- a voice Rev 11:15,19 Rev 16:17 Matt 3:17
- Write Rev 1:11 Rev 2:1 Rev 10:4 Rev 19:9 Rev 21:5
- Blessed Rev 20:6 Eccl 4:1-2 Isa 57:1-2 2 Cor 5:8 Phil 1:21-23
- die Rom 14:8 1 Cor 15:18 1 Thess 4:14,16 1 Thess 5:10
- rest Rev 6:11 Rev 7:14-17 Job 3:17-19 Isa 35:10 Isa 57:2 Luke 16:25 2 Thess 1:6-7 Heb 4:9-11
- and their Ps 19:11 Ps 85:13 Matt 25:35-40 Luke 16:9 1 Cor 15:58 Gal 6:7-8 Phil 2:17 2 Tim 4:7-8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Revelation 14
John addresses the seven churches in Asia and describes himself as their companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. These outlines follow the order of the visions without treating that literary order as a settled timetable or assigning symbols to modern nations or people.
Revelation 1:1 Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1:9
FocusWorship, judgment, and faithful endurance
Connection to the wholeAnnouncements concerning God, Babylon, and the beast are followed by emphasis on the saints' patience and the blessing of those dying in the Lord.
interpretation The harvest scenes
Revelation 14:14–20FocusThe earth brought to judgment
Connection to the wholeThe two harvest images conclude the chapter with a picture of decisive gathering and judgment.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Revelation
John addresses the seven churches in Asia and describes himself as their companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. These outlines follow the order of the visions without treating that literary order as a settled timetable or assigning symbols to modern nations or people.
Revelation 1:1 Revelation 1:4 Revelation 1:9
The revelation introduced
Revelation 1:1–20FocusThe risen Christ and His churches
Connection to the wholeThe opening locates the prophecy among its first hearers and presents the vision of Christ who commands John to write.
interpretation The messages to seven churches
Revelation 2:1–3:22FocusHearing, repentance, and overcoming
Connection to the wholeThe individual messages apply Christ's knowledge and authority to the churches' actual conditions, joining promises with rebukes and commands.
interpretation The throne and the Lamb
Revelation 4:1–5:14FocusHeavenly worship and the sealed book
Connection to the wholeThe throne scene and the Lamb's reception of the book establish the heavenly setting for the judgments that follow.
interpretation The seals
Revelation 6:1–8:5FocusJudgment, witness, and the sealed servants
Connection to the wholeThe opening of the seals includes scenes of suffering, judgment, and preservation, leading to the seventh seal and the preparation for trumpets.
interpretation The trumpets and accompanying visions
Revelation 8:6–11:19FocusWarning, witness, and proclaimed reign
Connection to the wholeTrumpet judgments are interwoven with John's renewed commission and the witnesses, culminating in the seventh trumpet's proclamation.
interpretation FocusThe dragon, beasts, and the Lamb's people
Connection to the wholeThe visions portray opposition and demanded worship alongside the Lamb's followers, proclamations, and harvest scenes.
interpretation The last plagues poured out
Revelation 15:1–16:21FocusGod's righteous judgments
Connection to the wholeThe heavenly preparation and seven vials develop the judgment sequence while retaining warnings and examples of refused repentance.
interpretation Babylon judged and heaven rejoicing
Revelation 17:1–19:21FocusThe fallen city and the victorious rider
Connection to the wholeThe explanation and fall of Babylon lead to heavenly praise, the marriage announcement, and the defeat of the beast and its allies.
interpretation Final rebellion and judgment
Revelation 20:1–15FocusThe thousand years and the throne
Connection to the wholeThe vision includes Satan's restraint and release, the final defeat of rebellion, and judgment before the great white throne.
interpretation The new creation and final appeal
Revelation 21:1–22:21FocusGod with His people
Connection to the wholeThe holy city and the removal of the curse bring the visions to their close, followed by commands, invitations, warnings, and the promise of Jesus' coming.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.