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.

REVELATION 14:3KJV
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Revelation 14:3 (KJV)

What does Revelation 14:3 mean?

Revelation 14:3 describes a group of 144,000 people singing a new song before God's throne, the four living creatures, and the elders, and no one else is able to learn this song except these 144,000, who have been redeemed from the earth. This verse highlights a unique act of worship that belongs only to this specific group.

In the book of Revelation, John is seeing a vision where the 144,000—previously mentioned as being sealed by God—are now portrayed as having a special relationship with God, marked by their ability to sing a song that no one else can learn. The setting is heavenly, with the throne representing God's presence, and the four living creatures and elders are symbolic figures often associated with worship and authority in Revelation.

The Greek behind Revelation 14:3

  • ᾠδὴν (ōdēn, "song"): This word refers to a song, often with a sense of something sung in worship. The use of "new" (καινὴν, kainēn) with it suggests something fresh or unprecedented, not just a repeat of old praises.
  • ἔμαθεν (emathen, "learn"): The Greek here carries the idea of understanding or internalizing, not just memorizing. Only the 144,000 can truly grasp and make this song their own, highlighting their unique experience.
  • ἠγορασμένοι (ēgorasmenoi, "redeemed"): This word means to be bought or purchased, often used for being ransomed or set free. It emphasizes that the 144,000 have been specially delivered or set apart from the rest of humanity.

Why Revelation 14:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the 144,000 have a distinctive role and experience among God's people, marked by a song only they can sing, which sets them apart in the vision.
  • The focus on a "new song" connects to other biblical moments where new songs are sung in response to God's acts of salvation, suggesting a fresh act of deliverance or relationship.
  • By placing the 144,000 before the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders, the verse ties their worship directly to the central scene of heavenly praise in Revelation, showing their closeness to God and their special status in the unfolding vision.

Where else these words appear

“sung” Greek G103 · used in 5 verses

  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

“song” Greek G5603 · used in 5 verses

  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

“thousand” Greek G5505 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
  • Revelation 7:8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

“hundred” Greek G1540 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
  • Mark 4:20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
  • John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.