Are the 144, 000 virgins Speaking of Eunuchs?
The 144,000 Jews of Revelation 7:4, and 14:4, are referred to as, “Not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” The text implies that they are married to Christ, and no other, for they follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
So what does it mean by virgin? Are they men, women, or both? That is the question, are they virgins or Eunuchs? Is there any connection between the two, especially in light of Revelation 14?
Eunuch: Eunuchs: The word signifies one who guards the bed. In the court of eastern kings, the care of the beds and apartments belonging to princes and princesses was committed to eunuchs, a castrated male. The Hebrew “saris,” signifies a real eunuch.
Jesus uses the term four times in,
Matthew 19:12, Jesus said, “There are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”
There are those who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. Is this the answer to the mystery of virgins in Revelation 14?
Some were made eunuchs for the kingdom of God, set aside, and concentrating their lives to promote the kingdom. These were referred to as, “Virgins,” in,
Revelation 14:1-4, “A Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred and forty and four thousand, — these are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins.”
The word is translated “Officer 12 times in the O.T. Genesis 37:36, 39:1, whether physically a eunuch or not. A married man, chamberlain 13 times as in II Kings 23:11; Eunuch 17 times. The Mosaic law forbade Eunuchs from entering the congregation. Isaiah prophesied when this would be removed and when their loss would be compensated.
As past particle, expressing completed action. Bed-keeper, a keeper of the bed-chamber; hence eunuch, one who has been emasculated, such persons only being employed as the keepers of oriental harems. In N.T.
As a past particle, which expresses a completed action. Eunuch, Matt.19:12. Septuigant for, “Eunuch,” Isaiah 56:3-4, Esther 2:14-15. As a Trope. Matthew 19:12. Of those impotent from birth, and also of those who live like eunuchs in voluntary abstinence.
By implication, a minister of court, Acts 8:27-34-36–38-39. Eunuchs often rose to stations of great power and trust in eastern courts; So that the term apparently came to be applied to any high officer of court, though not emasculated; Genesis 37:6, 39:1.
You read, you decide. Are the 144,000 Jews those who have set their lives aside to follow Christ? Therefore they are referred to as virgins.
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com
Response to article from a reader,
I haven’t done an in-depth study of this Scripture, but have ALWAYS understood it to mean they were Jews who had set themselves apart from their brethren by serving the Lord Jesus, and had completely laid aside their lives, therefore the ” these are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins” part.
It seems to me it is similar to the Scripture where God tells Elijah he is not the only servant, but that God has set aside 7000 men for Himself…
Romans 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
I haven’t done an in-depth study of this Scripture, but have ALWAYS understood it to mean they were Jews who had set themselves apart from their brethren by serving the Lord Jesus, and had completely laid aside their lives, therefore the ” these are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins” part.
It seems to me it is similar to the Scripture where God tells Elijah he is not the only servant, but that God has set aside 7000 men for Himself…
Romans 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
A life spent without rejoicing in Jesus Christ is a victory for Satan, who came to steal, kill, and destroy…rejoice in Jesus and destroy Satan’s works!
The word virgin in Revelation 14:4 is the same word virgin in Matthew 1:23: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
It means, according to Strongs, “A maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter.”
The same word is also in 2 Corinthians 11:2 (and other verses not quoted here): “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”
Yes, the following is from a “commentary,” Matthew Henry’s “take” on the character of the 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel spoken of in Revelation 7:4. Perhaps he had the revelation of the Holy Spirit on this issue?
“Their character and description:
[1.] They are described by their chastity and purity: They are virgins. They had not defiled themselves either with corporal or spiritual adultery; they had kept themselves clean from the abominations of the antichristian generation.
[2.] By their loyalty and steadfast adherence to Christ: They follow the Lamb withersoever He goes; they follow the conduct of His word, Spirit, and providence, leaving it to Him to lead them into what duties and difficulties He pleases.
[3.] By their former designation to this honor: These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits to God, and to the Lamb, verse 4. Here is plain evidence of a special redemption: They were redeemed from among men. Some of the children of men are, by redeeming mercy, distinguished from others: They were the first-fruits to God, and to the Lamb, His choice ones, eminent in every grace, and the earnest of many more who should be followers of them, as they were of Christ.
[4.] By their universal integrity and conscientiousness: There was no guile found in them, and they were without fault before the throne of God. They were without any prevailing guile, any allowed fault; their hearts were right with God and, as for their human infirmities, they were freely pardoned in Christ. This is the happy remnant of people who attend upon the Lord Jesus as their head and Lord; He is glorified in them, and they are glorified in Him.” (from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)
This issue of the 144,000 and who they are is being discussed in depth in this same OCC forum (Faith and God) under the topic heading “Spiritual Israel? I don’t think so!”
My reply, Both Greek words Virgin, and Eunuch when used as Masculine point to Revelation 14:4 in the Greek. Why?
Many Greek words carry two or more meanings. Strong’s is good, but does not make the distinctions in certain words, and how they are used. It collects all the meanings and lists them together, without breaking them down for us. So the results are, teachers will pick from it, the meaning that best suits their doctrine, and not its proper use.
This is the reason I have been doing my Greek Dictionary. With it I do break down the words, their use, construction, etc. Now the word Virgin is a good example. It is used in both the Femine, and Masculine gender.
Results; careless research will lead to error! In some cases it may not mean much, but in many cases it leads to bad doctrine; the kind that can lead men into the eternal flames of the lake of fire. My advice to all, if not positive, don’t teach it until you are.
This is the whole meaning of the word virgin (parathenos) as it is used in the Bible.
Virgin: Virgin’s: Virgins: Adjective. Virgin. Sept. “O virgin, the daughter of Egypt.” Jeremiah 46:11. In the N.T.
Masculine. Revelation 14:4, “These are they (144,000) which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins,” as in chaste, pure, who have not known women; or else as unmarried for the sake of greater devotedness to Christ, Compare with,
1 Corinthians 7:32-33, “he that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord.” with, “he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.”
Femine. as subststantive. meaning a noun or name, a part of speech which expresses that something exists. A virgin, maiden. past particle, which expresses completed action. One who has not known man; as in,
Luke 1:27, “a virgin espoused to a man named Joseph,” compare with verse 34, Mary said, “I know no man.” Septuagint, “virgin,” Genesis 24:16. 1 Kings 1:2. So, Matthew 1:23, “behold a virgin shall be with child,” quoted from Isaiah 7:14.
Where Septuagint for “virgin,” apparently referring however to the youthful spouse of the prophet, compare, Isaiah 8:3-4, 7:3, 10:21. Septuagint, “Virgin,” Joel 1:8. Septuagint, also, “damsels,” Psalms 68:25. So also for youthful spouse, bride, The sense then in Matthew 1. common, would be: Thus was fulfilled in a strict and literal sense, that which the prophet spoke in a wider sense and on a different occasion.
Genrerally of a marriageable maiden, damsel, Matthew 25:1-7-11. Acts 21:9. 1 Corinthians 7:25-28-34, with verses 36-37, as his virgin daughter, marriageable but unmarried. Septuagint, Genesis 24:43. Genesis 24:14-55, 34:3, “Damsel,” of Dinah after she was defiled.
Reader’s reply, Thanks, Phillip!
We have a great study tool in PC Study Bible, and have used Strong’s extensively, but now, because of your comments, have delved into Thayers Greek Lexicon, also.
You’re right the word virgin (parthenos) does have a masculine definition that points to Revelation 14:4.
Thayers says: NT:3933
1. A virgin: Matthew 1:23
2. A man who has abstained from all uncleanness and whoredom attendant on idolatry, and so has kept his chastity: Revelation 14:4
Phil Laspino www.seekfirstwisdom.com