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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Revelation 14:4 - 14:4
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Were not defiled with women (meta gunaikōn ouk emolunthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of molunō, old verb, to stain, already in Rev 3:4, which see. The use of this word rules out marriage, which was not considered sinful.
For they are virgins (parthenoi gar eisin). Parthenos can be applied to men as well as women. Swete takes this language “metaphorically, as the symbolical character of the Book suggests.” Charles considers it an interpolation in the interest of celibacy for both men and women. If taken literally, the words can refer only to adultery or fornication (Beckwith). Jesus recognised abstinence only for those able to receive it (Mat 19:12), as did Paul (1Co 7:1, 1Co 7:8, 1Co 7:32, 1Co 7:36). Marriage is approved by Paul in 1Ti 4:3 and by Heb 13:4. The New Testament exalts marriage and this passage should not be construed as degrading it.
Whithersoever he goeth (hopou an hupagei). Indefinite local clause with modal an and the present active indicative of hupagō. The Christian life is following the Lamb of God as Jesus taught (Mar 2:14; Mar 10:21; Luk 9:59; Joh 1:43; Joh 21:19, etc.) and as Peter taught (1Pe 2:21) and John (1Jo 2:6).
Were purchased from among men (ēgorasthēsan apo tōn anthrōpōn). First aorist passive indicative of agorazō, repeating the close of Rev 14:3.
First fruits (aparchē). See for this word 1Co 16:15; Rom 11:16; Rom 16:5. This seems to mean that the 144,000 represent not the whole, but only a portion of the great harvest to come (Mat 9:37), not only the first installment, but those marked by high spiritual service to God and the Lamb (Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15; 1Pe 2:5).