The 144,000 of Revelation

Numbers in Revelation are symbolic. 10, and its multiples like 1,000, represent completeness or fullness. 12 symbolizes the church (twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles). The product of multiplying these numbers is 144,000. That number represents the entire church of God in Old and New Testament times.

We come across the 144,000 first in Revelation 7:4, where God sealed his believers on earth. Then, we see the 144,000 again in Revelation 14:1. This time they are in heaven. Their presence in heaven illustrates what Jesus said in John 10:27-29 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

The “multitude that no one could count” from Revelation 7:9 makes it clear that the number 144,000 is symbolic and not literal.