Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

REVELATION 7:5KJV
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Revelation 7:5 (KJV)

What does Revelation 7:5 mean?

Revelation 7:5 lists three of the tribes of Israel—Judah, Reuben, and Gad—and states that twelve thousand people from each of these tribes were “sealed.” This means that a specific number from each tribe were marked or set apart for a special purpose by God.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision where an angel marks servants of God to protect them during coming troubles. The verse is part of a larger list naming twelve tribes, each with twelve thousand sealed individuals. The focus on sealing highlights God’s care and recognition of His people in the midst of judgment and upheaval.

The Greek behind Revelation 7:5

  • “Sealed” (ἐσφραγισμένοι, esphragismenoi): This Greek word means to mark with a seal, often for protection, authenticity, or ownership. In this verse, it suggests that those sealed are recognized by God and kept safe for His purposes.
  • “Tribe” (φυλῆς, phylēs): This word refers to a clan or family group, specifically the traditional tribes of Israel. Mentioning tribes roots the vision in Israel’s history and identity.
  • “Twelve thousand” (δώδεκα χιλιάδες, dōdeka chiliades): The use of a precise number for each tribe often carries the sense of completeness or fullness in biblical language, suggesting a representative or symbolic total.

Why Revelation 7:5 matters

  • Revelation 7:5 clarifies that God’s attention to His people is specific and organized, not random or general, by naming tribes and numbers.
  • The verse connects the vision in Revelation to the Old Testament heritage of Israel, showing continuity in God’s dealings with His people.
  • Noting the act of “sealing” helps readers understand that God’s protection and purpose are central themes in this part of Revelation, especially in the context of coming trials.

Where else these words appear

“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 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

“sealed” Greek G4972 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

“tribe” Greek G5443 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Hebrews 7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

“Juda” Greek G2455 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 3:30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
  • John 18:3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.