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.

REVELATION 14:4KJV
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Revelation 14:4 (KJV)

What does Revelation 14:4 mean?

Revelation 14:4 describes a group of people who have kept themselves pure, are closely devoted to following Jesus (called "the Lamb"), and are specially chosen or "redeemed" as the first and best offering to God and to Jesus. The verse highlights their moral and spiritual distinctiveness, using the imagery of virginity and loyalty.

The book of Revelation is a vision given to John, meant to encourage and warn early Christians facing hardship. In this verse, the focus is on a symbolic group, often called the 144,000, who stand out for their faithfulness and dedication. The language about not being "defiled with women" and being "virgins" is symbolic, pointing to spiritual purity and single-minded devotion, rather than just physical status.

The Greek behind Revelation 14:4

  • "defiled" (ἐμολύνθησαν, molynthēsan): This Greek word means to be stained or polluted. Here, it emphasizes the idea of remaining spiritually pure or uncontaminated.
  • "virgins" (παρθένοι, parthenoi): While literally meaning "virgins," the word often points to purity or being set apart, especially in a spiritual sense.
  • "follow" (ἀκολουθοῦντες, akolouthountes): This word means to go after or accompany. In this context, it stresses the group's continual, close allegiance to Jesus wherever he leads.
  • "firstfruits" (ἀπαρχή, aparchē): This term refers to the earliest and best part of a harvest offered to God. Here, it signals that these people are a special offering, representing the beginning of something greater.

Why Revelation 14:4 matters

  • The verse clears up that the "virgin" language is likely symbolic, focusing on spiritual faithfulness rather than physical status, which helps avoid misunderstandings about its meaning.
  • By calling these people "firstfruits," the verse connects them to Old Testament offerings, showing their role as a special, dedicated group within the larger community of believers.
  • The emphasis on following the Lamb "wherever he goes" highlights the importance of loyalty and obedience to Jesus, a theme running throughout Revelation.

Where else these words appear

“were” Greek G3435 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
  • Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

“firstfruits” Greek G536 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
  • Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

“virgins” Greek G3933 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  • Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

“Lamb” Greek G721 · used in 28 verses

  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
  • Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
  • Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.