Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Were not defiled with women (meta gunaikwn ouk emolunqhsan). First aorist passive indicative of molunw, old verb, to stain, already in Revelation 3:4, which see. The use of this word rules out marriage, which was not considered sinful.
For they are virgins (parqenoi gar eisin). Parqenov 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 (Matthew 19:12), as did Paul (1 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 7:8, 1 Corinthians 7:32, 1 Corinthians 7:36). Marriage is approved by Paul in 1 Timothy 4:3 and by Hebrews 13:4. The New Testament exalts marriage and this passage should not be construed as degrading it.
Whithersoever he goeth (opou an upagei). Indefinite local clause with modal an and the present active indicative of upagw. The Christian life is following the Lamb of God as Jesus taught (Mark 2:14; Mark 10:21; Luke 9:59; John 1:43; John 21:19, etc.) and as Peter taught (1 Peter 2:21) and John (1 John 2:6).
Were purchased from among men (hgorasqhsan apo twn anqrwpwn). First aorist passive indicative of agorazw, repeating the close of verse Revelation 14:3.
First fruits (aparxh). See for this word 1 Corinthians 16:15; Romans 11:16; Romans 16:5. This seems to mean that the 144,000 represent not the whole, but only a portion of the great harvest to come (Matthew 9:37), not only the first installment, but those marked by high spiritual service to God and the Lamb (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:5).
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
1 Corinthians 7:25
Revelation 7:17
Revelation 15:2
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