Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

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

What does Revelation 7:7 mean?

Revelation 7:7 states that twelve thousand people from each of the tribes of Simeon, Levi, and Issachar are counted among those “sealed” for protection or special purpose. This verse is part of a larger list identifying groups within Israel who receive this sealing.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision where an angel marks certain people from the tribes of Israel. The “sealing” refers to a symbolic act of marking these individuals, setting them apart in the midst of coming troubles. The verse is part of a careful listing, emphasizing that each tribe is specifically recognized and included.

The Greek behind Revelation 7:7

  • “Tribe” (φυλῆς, phylēs): This word means a clan or family group, and here it highlights the organized, historical structure of Israel’s people.
  • “Sealed” (ἐσφραγισμένοι, esphragismenoi): This Greek term means to mark with a seal, often for protection or ownership. In this context, it suggests these people are set apart or safeguarded in a special way.
  • “Twelve” (δώδεκα, dōdeka) and “thousand” (χίλιαι, chiliai): These numbers are repeated for each tribe, emphasizing completeness and a sense of order in the vision.

Why Revelation 7:7 matters

  • Revelation 7:7 shows that the vision is not just symbolic but also specific, naming particular tribes and numbers, which underlines the careful attention to each group.
  • Including Levi, a tribe often treated differently in Old Testament lists, highlights that all parts of Israel are represented in this sealing.
  • The verse helps set the stage for understanding the larger group of 144,000 mentioned in the passage, clarifying who is included and why.

Where else these words appear

“Levi” Greek G3017 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 3:24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
  • Luke 3:29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

“Simeon” Greek G4826 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • 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,
  • Acts 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

“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 7:5 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.