
»» Walvoord appears to favor the view that, while the figure of 144,000 conveys symbolism, it is nonetheless to be taken as a literal number (143). By 144,000, he signifies the sealing of all or the total number of God’s servants who will face the Great Tribulation” (notes on 7:4). »» Johnson surveys the use of the numbers twelve and 1,000 in Revelation, leading him to espouse “the view that John intends the number twelve to be taken symbolically and not literally. 4), not something he saw or was permitted to count” (notes on 7:1-17). The number 144,000 is something John says he heard (v. »» According to Michaels, “there are clues within the text that a symbolic interpretation is required. »» “The number 144,000 represents completeness, twelve thousand from each of the twelve tribes (v.

But what is the extent of this symbolism? Does the number have a literal significance as well? The significance of the number: The number 144,000 most likely conveys symbolic meaning.Commentators differ in their conclusions in at least three key areas: These pieces of information-the overt biblical data regarding the 144,000-have given rise to a variety of interpretations.


They follow the Lamb (14:1, 4) and are uniquely able to learn “a new song” that is sung before the throne (14:3). They are people of high integrity, spoken of as being blameless, honest, and pure (14:4-5). They have been redeemed: “from the earth” (14:3) and “from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb” (14:4). They are sealed with the name of God/the Lamb on their foreheads-a sign of divine acceptance and deliverance (7:3-4 14:1). 144,000 »» Chapters 7 and 14 of Revelation refer to a group of 144,000 “servants of God” (7:3) who represent “every tribe of the sons of Israel” (7:4-8).
