What does Revelation 7:13 mean?

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? Revelation 7:13

Explanation

Revelation 7:13 describes a scene in John’s vision where one of the twenty-four elders poses a question to the apostle about a multitude wearing white robes. The elder inquires as to the identity of these individuals and from where they have come. This passage is part of a larger vision that describes a group of people who have been redeemed and are standing before the throne of God. The white robes symbolize purity and righteousness, which is often associated with redemption and salvation in Christian theology. The question by the elder serves as a literary device to lead into an explanation that is provided in the following verses, highlighting the nature of these individuals and the significance of their appearance in the vision.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation is attributed to John, who is traditionally identified as John the Apostle, the author of the Gospel of John. It is written in apocalyptic genre and is believed to have been composed toward the end of the first century, during a period of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. The historical context of this book is critical, as the imagery and messages often reflect the challenges faced by the early Christian communities, including persecution and the promise of divine salvation.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is interpreted as showcasing the heavenly rewards for the faithful who have endured trials and tribulations. The elders in Revelation are generally understood to represent either the twelve patriarchs of Israel and twelve apostles, symbolizing the whole people of God, or a celestial order of beings participating in God’s court. Their query regarding the multitude addresses the universal nature of salvation, suggesting that the redeemed come from all corners of the earth and all periods of history.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Revelation 7:13 encompass themes like hope and perseverance. For believers encountering trials, the vision offers encouragement that suffering has a purpose and will ultimately lead to redemption. It reminds Christians to uphold moral purity and righteousness, symbolized by the white robes, amidst adversities. Practically, it inspires acts of faith and integrity, with the promise of divine reward and recognition as motivation.

Cross-References

• Revelation 6:11: And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
• Revelation 3:5: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
• Matthew 5:10: Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Language Study

The key phrases “arrayed in white robes” (Greek: περιβεβλημένοι στολὰς λευκάς) and “whence came they?” (Greek: πόθεν ἦλθον) include words with significant thematic implications. “Arrayed” (περιβεβλημένοι) implies being clothed, with a possible connotation of being covered or enveloped by something, hinting at divine protection or transformation. “White robes” (στολὰς λευκάς) signify purity and victory. The phrase “whence came they?” (πόθεν ἦλθον) reflects an inquiry into origins, indicating a diverse background of the multitude, which in Christian theology symbolizes the inclusive nature of salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultural and religious comparisons, the imagery of white robes can be related to various traditions where white clothing symbolizes purity, victory, and celebration. A comparable motif appears in ancient Roman victory celebrations, where victors wore white togas. In other religious traditions such as Islam, white clothing is worn during the Hajj as a sign of purity and equality. This parallel imagery reinforces the universal understanding that clothing often communicates deeper spiritual, moral, or social states.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, there isn’t a direct correlation between the verse and scientific concepts. However, the wearing of white could be tangentially discussed in terms of psychology and color symbolism. White is often associated with purity, cleanliness, and peace across many cultures, which is supported by psychological studies on color perception and emotional responses. This may contribute to why the color white is a symbolically powerful choice for representing the redeemed in John’s vision.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries propose interpretations for this verse. Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests that the elder’s question was aimed at drawing attention to the great number of the saved and their glorified state. The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary posits that the multitude is composed of the martyrs of the Great Tribulation. The ESV Study Bible notes that the white robes point to the righteousness granted to believers through Christ. Overall, commentators align on the notion that this multitude represents those who have remained faithful to God and have been granted salvation and honor in heaven.