Revelation 7:13-14
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The elder doesn't ask out of ignorance; he asks to draw John's – and our – attention to this glorious multitude. By posing the question about "these" specifically, he highlights them, inviting us to ponder who they are and the profound journey that brought them to such radiant purity.
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The seer John has just witnessed a vast, innumerable multitude standing before God's throne, distinguished by their white robes and palm branches. Now, one of the twenty-four elders steps forward, not with new information, but to prompt John's contemplation. The elder poses a question that highlights the striking appearance of these individuals, drawing John's attention to their identity and origin, thereby setting the stage for the explanation that follows.
Ever felt like you're looking at something amazing and wish someone would explain it? That's exactly where John is, and one of the elders steps in, not with an answer, but with a question!
The elder in Revelation 7:13 doesn't just tell John who the people in white robes are. Instead, he asks John. This isn't because the elder is ignorant. He knows who they are! This question is a classic teaching technique. It's designed to:
That brilliant white isn't just a fashion statement! It's a powerful symbol pointing to an incredible reality for those who possess it.
The most striking feature of this multitude is their 'white robes.' What do they represent?
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This scene isn't just about heavenly reward; it's about the journey God's people take to get there. And that journey often involves intense struggle.
The elder's second question, 'and from where have they come?', points to the origin and the path these redeemed individuals have traveled.
Understand the original words
thlipsis · Greek Noun
A period of intense suffering, distress, or persecution. In this context, it refers to a time of unparalleled hardship for God's people before the final consummation of His kingdom.
arnion · Greek Noun
The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It represents the shedding of His blood as the means of purification from sin, enabling believers to stand justified before God.
This passage echoes the theme of cleansing and being made pure, directly relating to the white robes of the redeemed, suggesting a divine promise of purification.
John 3:16This verse highlights God's great love leading to eternal life, paralleling the immense multitude in Revelation 7 who find salvation and are presented in heavenly glory.
Philippians 3:9Paul's desire to gain righteousness not from the law but through faith in Christ directly connects to the white robes symbolizing righteousness, which is a gift from God through Christ.
Hebrews 12:22-24This passage describes the heavenly city and the spirits of the righteous made perfect, providing a broader picture of the assembly in Revelation 7, emphasizing their entry into God's presence.
1 Peter 1:19The concept of redemption through the precious blood of Christ, like a lamb without blemish, directly explains how the white robes are made pure and clean, linking sacrifice to ultimate purity.
ellicottRevelation 7:13: "And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?"
(13) And one of the elders answered, saying unto me. —The seer had asked no question, but the elder answers the wondering thoughts and questionings which fill his mind. Perhaps this scene was in Dante’s mind when he described himself in Paradise: “Silent was I, yet desire Was painted in my looks; and thus I spake My wish more earnestly than language could.” —…
pulpitRevelation 7:13: "And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?"
Verse 13. - And one of the elders answered. The elder speaks because he is typical of the Church, concerning which the exposition which he delivers is to be made (see on Revelation 4:4). Where an explanation is made of visions which refer to the Church, the active part is taken by the elders, while angels introduce visions of which the signification is unexpl…
The elder doesn't ask out of ignorance; he asks to draw John's – and our – attention to this glorious multitude. By posing the question about "these" specifically, he highlights them, inviting us to ponder who they are and the profound journey that brought them to such radiant purity.
The seer John has just witnessed a vast, innumerable multitude standing before God's throne, distinguished by their white robes and palm branches. Now, one of the twenty-four elders steps forward, not with new information, but to prompt John's contemplation. The elder poses a question that highlights the striking appearance of these individuals, drawing John's attention to their identity and origin, thereby setting the stage for the explanation that follows.
The seer John has just witnessed a vast, innumerable multitude standing before God's throne, distinguished by their white robes and palm branches. Now, one of the twenty-four elders steps forward, not with new information, but to prompt John's contemplation. The elder poses a question that highlights the striking appearance of these individuals, drawing John's attention to their identity and origin, thereby setting the stage for the explanation that follows.
"Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have wash…" — The elder doesn't ask out of ignorance; he asks to draw John's – and our – attention to this glorious multitude. By posing the question about "these" specifically, he highlights them, inviting us to…
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Last reviewed October 2026
