Revelation 7:3

Translations

Modern

“Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have placed a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”

Traditional

Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Literal

…saying, “Do not harm the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, until we shall have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”

Latin

…dicens: Nolite nocere terræ, et mari, neque arboribus, quoadusque signemus servos Dei nostri in frontibus eorum.

Original

Greek

English

“Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have placed a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”

Notes

Revelation 7:1–3

Do not … until: God commands the four angels to hold back the winds for a short time. They must not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until the servants of God receive his seal on their foreheads.
The seal of the living God signifies belonging to God's family; God owns and protects his people (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13–14). In ancient times, sealing or tattooing showed ownership.
The angel carrying the seal identified God's people, answering who would survive God's wrath (Revelation 6:17; see Ezekiel 9:3–8; John 17:14–15) and furthering the promise of protection (Revelation 3:10; see also 11:1–2).

Revelation 7:1–8

The first vision in the interlude shows how God protects his faithful followers from any ultimate harm.

Revelation 7:1–17

Three interludes occur in Revelation 6–14 (Revelation 7; 10:1–11:14; 12:1–14:20). These interludes explain the place of God’s holy people and help readers understand the scenes that came before them. In this first interlude, which appears before the seventh seal is opened, two visions show how God protects his people and confirms his calling on them.

Revelation 6:1–8:1

The Lamb breaks the seven seals to reveal the significance of history from God’s point of view.

Theme notes and profiles

Visions

Related verses

Ezekiel 9:4
“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”
Revelation 22:4
They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.
Revelation 9:4
They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
Revelation 13:16
And the second beast required all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,
Revelation 20:4
Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Revelation 14:1
Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Exodus 12:13
The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a sign; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Isaiah 26:20–21
Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
Malachi 3:18
So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
Revelation 19:2
For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”
Exodus 12:23
When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

Glossary

Book of Esther Book of Revelation Cherub, Cherubim Mark of God, Mark of the Beast

Topics

Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Medium of Revelation to Prophets Israel: Number of, in John's Apocalyptic Vision Judgments: Saints: Preserved During Mark of the Beast Seal of Certainty of Divine Approval Sealing of the Holy Spirit: Judgment Suspended Until all Saints Receive Seals: Security Servant: Figurative The Environment Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sealing of the One Hundred and Forty Four Thousand

Revelation 7:3

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