Rev 14:4 | RWP | e4.org | Were not defiled with women ( μετα γυναικων ουκ εμολυνθησαν ). First aorist passive indicative of μολυνω , old verb, to stain, already in , which see. The use of this word rules out marriage, which was not considered sinful. For they are virgins ( παρθενο γαρ εισιν ). Παρθενος can be applied to men as well as women. Swete takes this language "metaphorically, as the symbolical character of the Book suggests." Charles considers it an interpolation in the interest of celibacy for both men and women. If taken literally, the words can refer only to adultery or fornication (Beckwith). Jesus recognised abstinence only for those able to receive it ( ), as did Paul ( , , , ). Marriage is approved by Paul in and by . The New Testament exalts marriage and this passage should not be construed as degrading it. Whithersoever he goeth ( οπου αν υπαγε ). Indefinite local clause with modal αν and the present active indicative of υπαγω . The Christian life is following the Lamb of God as Jesus taught ( ; ; ; ; , etc.) and as Peter taught ( ) and John ( ). Were purchased from among men ( ηγορασθησαν απο των ανθρωπων ). First aorist passive indicative of αγοραζω , repeating the close of verse . First fruits ( απαρχη ). See for this word ; ; . This seems to mean that the 144,000 represent not the whole, but only a portion of the great harvest to come ( ), not only the first installment, but those marked by high spiritual service to God and the Lamb ( ; ; ).

‏ Revelation of John 14:4

Were not defiled with women ( μετα γυναικων ουκ εμολυνθησαν ). First aorist passive indicative of μολυνω, old verb, to stain, already in 3:4, which see. The use of this word rules out marriage, which was not considered sinful.

For they are virgins ( παρθενο γαρ εισιν ). Παρθενος can be applied to men as well as women. Swete takes this language "metaphorically, as the symbolical character of the Book suggests." Charles considers it an interpolation in the interest of celibacy for both men and women. If taken literally, the words can refer only to adultery or fornication (Beckwith). Jesus recognised abstinence only for those able to receive it (Mt 19:12), as did Paul (1Co 7:1, 8, 32, 36). Marriage is approved by Paul in 1Ti 4:3 and by Heb 13:4. The New Testament exalts marriage and this passage should not be construed as degrading it.

Whithersoever he goeth ( οπου αν υπαγε ). Indefinite local clause with modal αν and the present active indicative of υπαγω. The Christian life is following the Lamb of God as Jesus taught (Mr 2:14; 10:21; Lu 9:59; Joh 1:43; 21:19, etc.) and as Peter taught (1Pe 2:21) and John (1Jo 2:6).

Were purchased from among men ( ηγορασθησαν απο των ανθρωπων ). First aorist passive indicative of αγοραζω, repeating the close of verse 3.

First fruits ( απαρχη ). See for this word 1Co 16:15; Ro 11:16; 16:5. This seems to mean that the 144,000 represent not the whole, but only a portion of the great harvest to come (Mt 9:37), not only the first installment, but those marked by high spiritual service to God and the Lamb (Ro 12:1; Heb 13:15; 1Pe 2:5).