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 7:14 · King James Version
Meaning
These words are found in the book of Revelation, chapter 7, verse 14. In this verse, John is having a conversation with one of the elders in heaven, who asks him about a specific group of people in white robes. When John asks who they are, the elder explains that these individuals have come through great tribulation and have purified themselves by washing their robes in the blood of the Lamb. This verse is often interpreted as referring to the faithful followers of Christ who have endured persecution and hardships in their lives, but have ultimately remained steadfast in their faith. By washing their robes in the blood of the Lamb, they have been cleansed of their sins and made pure in the eyes of God. This verse serves as a reminder that through suffering and trials, believers can find redemption and salvation in Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for the forgiveness of sins.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Revelation highlights the concept of redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, symbolized by the imagery of washing robes white in the blood of the Lamb. The phrase "great tribulation" refers to the trials and challenges faced by believers on earth, suggesting that those who endure hardships and persevere in their faith will ultimately be rewarded with eternal salvation. The use of the term "Lamb" as a metaphor for Jesus emphasizes his sacrificial role in atoning for the sins of humanity. This verse serves as a reminder that through faith and perseverance, individuals can overcome adversity and find spiritual purity through the cleansing power of Christ's blood.
Revelation 7:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come out of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [
World English Bible
I told him, “My lord, you know.” He said to me, “These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb’s blood.
Douay-Rheims
And I said to him: My Lord, thou knowest. And he said to me: These are they who are come out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I saide vnto him, Lord, thou knowest. And he saide to me, These are they, which came out of great tribulation, and haue washed their long robes, and haue made their long robes white in the blood of the Lambe.