Who Are the 144,000?

Who Are the 144,000?

The 144,000 are mentioned in Revelation 7 and 14.

Interpretations vary among Bible scholars. One difference is interpreting the 144,000 as a literal number, on the one hand, and regarding it as symbolic on the other. Also, some understand "Israel" as the literal nation of Israel, while others see it as symbolic. I prefer the literal approach unless there is a clear reason for the symbolic perspective. Even then, I acknowledge that symbols in Scripture always represent something or someone real. In the Old and New Testament, Israel is always literal Israel or Jews since the time of Ezra. The name is never symbolic. However, numbers in Scripture can be symbolic. For example, seven represents "completion or perfection," Forty stands for "probation or trial," and six means "man." This is called biblical numerology and is available online. Context along with relevant cross references, if any, will always determine the true meaning behind symbols.

I prefer understanding the 144,000 as a literal number of literal Israeli or Jewish people because it is consistent with understanding the book of Revelation as referring to future events, starting with chapter six. A lot more can be said, but I hope this is a bit helpful. One thing for sure, the Book of Revelation promises a blessing upon everyone who reads it and obey it (Rev. 1:3).

Blessings!