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Where is the 'Great
Crowd?' Location of Nouns in John's Vision of Heaven
4/17/2005
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Where is the "great crowd" of Revelation 7:15? One of the
core doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the group depicted in this
verse resides on the earth. Witnesses believe that the vast majority of
redeemed mankind will be blessed with everlasting human life on earth,
while only a "little flock" of 144,000 will go to heaven to
serve with Christ. Thus, one of the Watchtower Society's main doctrines
is that there are actually two classes of Christians--the earthly class,
and the heavenly class. They are taught that Christ is the mediator for
only the "anointed" 144,000 members of the heavenly class.
(See the 11/15/79 Watchtower article, "Benefiting from 'One
Mediator Between God and Men'" under the subheading "Mediator
to How Many?," specifically paragraph 12 on page 24 and paragraph
22 on page 26. See also Questions from Readers in the 4/1/79 Watchtower,
"Is Jesus the 'mediator' only for anointed Christians?") Those
of the earthly class, therefore, are not in the new covenant mediated by
Christ and enjoy a relationship with God only by virtue of their
association with those who profess to be the last remaining members of
the 144,000 still on earth. Robert V. Frazier provides a detailed
study of where nouns are located in the Apocalypse and argues that the
location of the 'great crowd' cannot really be in doubt.
Click here to see the
raw data for every noun of location in this passage. Here I will
offer a few observations, and then refute the Watchtower's thesis that
"the great crowd, which no man was able to number" is not
located in Heaven in John's vision, as the text very plainly teaches,
but rather on Earth (which, not incidentally, is being blasted by God's
angel-delivered judgment at the time of the events recorded in John's
vision). 5 The understanding of Revelation 7:9-17 was now about to burst forth in all its sparkling brilliance! (Psalm 97:11) The Watchtower magazine had repeatedly expressed the hope that a convention scheduled for May 30 to June 3, 1935, in Washington, D.C., U.S.A., would be "a real comfort and benefit" to those pictured by Jehonadab. That it proved to be! In a stirring talk on "The Great Multitude," delivered to about 20,000 conventioners, J. F. Rutherford, president of the Watch Tower Society, gave Scriptural proof that the modern-day other sheep are identical with that great crowd of Revelation 7:9. At the climax of this talk, the speaker asked: "Will all those who have the hope of living forever on the earth please stand?" As a large part of the audience stood up, the president declared: "Behold! The great multitude!" There was a hush, followed by thunderous cheering. How elated was the John class-and also the Jehonadab group! On the following day, 840 new Witnesses were baptized, most of these professing to be of that great crowd. From that day to this, Jehovah's Witness have continued to accept
this dogma as "truth", despite the Bible emphatically teaching
against it. Note that though "Scriptural proof" is claimed for
the new dogma, none is actually given in this account. In Heaven or on Earth? And my refutation of the above. What kind of building could this be that had room for all this traffic? The fact is that this temple was not just one building but a series of structures of which the temple sanctuary was the center. In the original tongue this is made quite clear, the Scripture writers distinguishing between the two by the use of the words hieron and naos. Hieron referred to the entire temple grounds, whereas naos applied to the temple structure itself, the successor of the tabernacle in the wilderness. Thus John tells that Jesus found all this traffic in the hieron. 9) Now for the verses that allegedly back up the Society's erroneous
assertion that na·os' "often conveys the broad sense
of the entire edifice erected for Jehovah's worship" (emphasis
mine): As we will see, Jesus was not talking about any buildings whatsoever, and it is not possible to be dogmatically certain what this nameless false witness thought he heard Jesus saying, if he was even there that day at all. Matthew 27:5 -- So he threw the silver pieces into the temple and
withdrew, and went off and hanged himself. Are we really expected to believe that the high priests discussed their illegal bribery of Judas in the public outer courts of the temple grounds? Try again. Matthew 27:39, 40 -- 39 So the passersby began speaking abusively of
him, wagging their heads 40 and saying: “O you would-be thrower-down
of the temple and builder of it in three days, save yourself! If you are
a son of God, come down off the torture stake!” See comments on Matt. 26:59-61. Mark 15:29, 30 -- 29 And those going by would speak abusively to him, wagging their heads and saying: “Bah! You would-be thrower-down of the temple and builder of it in three days’ time, 30 save yourself by coming down off the torture stake.” See comments on Matt. 26:59-61.
John 2:18-22 -- 18 Therefore, in answer, the Jews said to him: “What sign have you to show us, since you are doing these things?” 19 In answer Jesus said to them: “Break down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Therefore the Jews said: “This temple was built in forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was talking about the temple of his body. 22 When, though, he was raised up from the dead, his disciples called to mind that he used to say this; and they believed the Scripture and the saying that Jesus said. Jesus was speaking of His own flesh-and-blood body, not about temple buildings, built by Herod or otherwise. So much for "often"! Really, if na·os' "often" means more than the central temple building, made up of the holy place and the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy, is it too much to ask for at least one solid example of that? Apparently, it is, since the Society was utterly unable to come up with one. In conclusion, the Bible says that the great crowd that nobody can count is in Heaven. The Society, without a shred of proof that will stand up to even cursory cross-examination, claims that they are not. Now you must choose whom to believe, God or foolish men. As for me and my house, we will believe God. I pray you choose likewise.
Noun: Heaven Location: Unknown (if any) How do we know? N/A Noun: Door Location: Heaven How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Voice Location: Heaven How do we know? Implied by “up here”. Noun: Trumpet Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Things that must take place Location: Various How do we know? N/A 4:2 - After these things I immediately came to be in Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? Taken there by the Spirit, in obedience to the command in 4:1. See also 11:12. Noun: Spirit Location: Not specified How do we know? N/A Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Heaven Location: Unknown (if any) How do we know? N/A Noun: One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? Seated on the throne; the throne is in Heaven. 4:3 - And the one seated is, in appearance, like a jasper stone and a precious red-colored stone, and round about the throne Noun: One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Jasper stone Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Red-colored stone Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Emerald-colored rainbow Location: Heaven How do we know? Round about the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: Emerald Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. 4:4 - And round about the throne Noun: 24 thrones Location: Heaven How do we know? Round about the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? On the 24 thrones, which are round about the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: 24 white garments Location: Heaven How do we know? On the 24 elders, who are in Heaven. Noun: 24 crowns Location: Heaven How do we know? On the 24 elders, who are in Heaven. 4:5 - And out of the throne there are proceeding lightnings and voices and thunders; and Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Lightnings Location: Heaven How do we know? Proceeding out of the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: Voices Location: Heaven How do we know? Proceeding out of the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: Thunders Location: Heaven How do we know? Proceeding out of the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: 7 Lamps Location: Heaven How do we know? Burning before the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: 7 spirits of God Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. 4:6 - And before the throne there is, as it were, a glassy sea like crystal. And in the midst of the throne and around the throne Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Glassy sea Location: Heaven How do we know? Before the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: Crystal Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? In the midst of, and around, the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: Eyes Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of the creatures; the creatures are in Heaven 4:7 - And the first living creature is like a lion, and the second living creature is like a young bull, and the third living creature has a face like a man’s, and the fourth living creature is like a flying eagle. Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: Lion Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Bull Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Man Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Eagle Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. 4:8 - And as for the four living creatures, each one of them respectively has six wings; round about and underneath they are full of eyes. And they have no rest day and night as they say: “Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is coming.” Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: Wings Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of the creatures; the creatures are in Heaven Noun: Eyes Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of the creatures; the creatures are in Heaven Noun: Rest Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Day Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Night Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:3. 4:9 - And whenever the living creatures offer glory and honor and thanksgiving to the one seated upon the throne, the one that lives forever and ever, Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: Glory Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Honor Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Thanksgiving Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. 4:10 - the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated upon the throne and worship the One that lives forever and ever, and they cast their crowns before the throne, saying: Noun: 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: 24 crowns Location: Heaven How do we know? Cast before the throne; the throne is in Heaven. 4:11 - “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.” Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Glory Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Honor Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Power Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: All things Location: Everywhere How do we know? By definition Noun: God's will Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. 5:1 - And I saw in the right hand of the One seated upon the throne a scroll written within and on the reverse side, sealed tight with seven seals. Noun: Right hand of the One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of God, who is in Heaven. (See 4:2.) Noun: One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Scroll Location: Heaven How do we know? Held by God, who is in Heaven. (See 4:2.) Noun: 7 seals on the scroll Location: Heaven How do we know? On the scroll, which is in Heaven. 5:2 - And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals?” Noun: Strong angel Location: Heaven How do we know? Apparently in the vicinity of the scroll in verse 1. Noun: Loud voice Location: Heaven How do we know? Apparently in the vicinity of the scroll in verse 1. Noun: Worthy one Location: Unknown How do we know? Question is asked, but not yet answered. Noun: Scroll Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. Noun: Scroll's seals Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. 5:3 - But neither in heaven nor upon earth nor underneath the earth was there a single one able to open the scroll or to look into it. Noun: Heaven Location: Unknown (if any) How do we know? N/A Noun: Earth Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Under the Earth Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: One able to open the scroll Location: Nowhere How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Scroll Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. 5:4 - And I gave way to a great deal of weeping because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Weeping Location: Heaven How do we know? John's action; John is in Heaven. Noun: One able to open the scroll Location: Nowhere How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Scroll Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. 5:5 - But one of the elders says to me: “Stop weeping. Look! The Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered so as to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Noun: One of the 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: Lion of Judah (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? In the vicinity of the scroll in verse 5:1, and the elders in verses 4:4 & 4:10. (See 5:7.) Noun: Root of David (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See above. Noun: Scroll Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. Noun: Scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. 5:6 - And I saw standing in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and in the midst of the elders a lamb as though it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? Standing in the midst of the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: 7 horns on the Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of the Lamb; the Lamb is in Heaven. Noun: 7 eyes on the Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of the Lamb; the Lamb is in Heaven. Noun: 7 Spirits of God Location: N/A How do we know? Explanation of a symbol. Noun: Earth Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. 5:7 - And he went and at once took Noun: He (Lamb, Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: It (scroll) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. Noun: Right hand of the One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of God, who is in Heaven. (See 4:2.) 5:8 - And when he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp and golden bowls that were full of incense, and the Noun: Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: Scroll Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: 24 harps Location: Heaven How do we know? Held by the elders, who are in Heaven Noun: 24 bowls Location: Heaven How do we know? Held by the elders, who are in Heaven Noun: Incense Location: Heaven How do we know? Held (in bowls) by the elders, who are in Heaven Noun: Prayers Location: N/A How do we know? Explanation of a symbol. Noun: Holy ones Location: Not specified, Heaven and/or Earth How do we know? These people are born on Earth, but end up in Heaven. 5:9 - And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, Noun: They (24 elders, possibly also the 4 living creatures) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4, 4:6. Noun: New song Location: Heaven How do we know? Those singing it are in Heaven. Noun: You (Lamb, Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: Scroll Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. Noun: Scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:1. Noun: Lamb’s blood Location: Earth How do we know? Refers to the blood shed on the cross. Noun: Persons from every tribe and tongue and people and nation Location: Not stated, either Earth or Heaven. How do we know? They come out of the people of Earth, but end up in Heaven. Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Tribes Location: Earth How do we know? See Genesis 1,2. Noun: Tongues (language groups) Location: Earth How do we know? See Genesis 1,2. Noun: Peoples Location: Earth How do we know? See Genesis 1,2. Noun: Nations Location: Earth How do we know? See Genesis 1,2. 5:10 - and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” Noun: You (Lamb, Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: Them (persons from every tribe and tongue and people and nation) Location: Not stated, either Earth or Heaven. How do we know? See 5:9. Noun: Kingdom Location: Not stated, either Earth or Heaven. How do we know? See 5:9. Noun: Priests Location: Not stated, either Earth or Heaven. How do we know? See 5:9. Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Kings Location: Not stated, either Earth or Heaven. How do we know? See 5:9. Noun: Earth Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. 5:11 - And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders, and the number of them was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, Noun: Large number of angels Location: Heaven How do we know? Around the throne; the throne is in Heaven. Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: Number Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Myriads Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Thousands Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. 5:12 - saying with a loud voice: “The Lamb that was slaughtered is worthy to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” Noun: Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: Power Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Riches Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Wisdom Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Strength Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Honor Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Glory Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Blessing Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. 5:13 - And every creature that is in heaven and on earth and underneath the earth and on the sea, and all the things in them, I heard saying: “To the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.” Noun: Every creature Location: Heaven, on and under the Earth, on and in the sea. How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Heaven Location: Unknown (if any) How do we know? N/A Noun: Earth Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Sea Location: Earth How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: All things Location: Heaven, on and under the Earth, on and in the sea. How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: Honor Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Glory Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Might Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. 5:14 - And the four living creatures went saying: “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. 6:1 - And I saw when the Lamb
opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living
creatures say with a voice as of thunder: “Come!” Noun: Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: 1st of the scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? On the scroll, which is in Heaven (See 5:1). Noun: 1st of the 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: Voice Location: Heaven How do we know? Creature's voice; he is in Heaven (See 4:6). Noun: Thunder Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. 6:2 - And I saw, and, look! a white horse; and the one seated upon it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest. Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: White horse Location: Earth How do we know? Its rider is on Earth. Noun: One seated on the white horse Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text, verse 6:8. Noun: Bow Location: Earth How do we know? Held by the 1st rider, who is on Earth. Noun: Crown Location: Earth How do we know? Worn by the 1st rider, who is on Earth. Noun: Conquest Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text, verse 6:8. 6:3 - And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say: “Come!” Noun: He (Lamb, Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: 2nd of the scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? On the scroll, which is in Heaven (See 5:1). Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: 2nd of the 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. 6:4 - And another came forth, a fiery-colored horse; and to the one seated upon it there was granted to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another; and a great sword was given him. Noun: Red horse Location: Earth How do we know? The 1st rider is on Earth. Noun: One seated on the red horse Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text, verse 6:8. Noun: Peace Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Earth Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: One another Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Great sword Location: Earth How do we know? Held by the 2nd rider, who is on Earth. 6:5 - And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say: “Come!” And I saw, and, look! a black horse; and the one seated upon it had a pair of scales in his hand. Noun: He (Lamb, Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: 3rd of the scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? On the scroll, which is in Heaven (See 5:1). Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: 3rd of the 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: Black horse Location: Earth How do we know? Its rider is on Earth. Noun: One seated on the black horse Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text, verse 6:8. Noun: Pair of scales Location: Earth How do we know? Held by the 3rd rider, who is on Earth. 6:6 - And I heard a voice as if in the midst of the four living creatures say: “A quart of wheat for a de·nar´i·us, and three quarts of barley for a de·nar´i·us; and do not harm the olive oil and the wine.” Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Voice Location: Heaven How do we know? In the midst of the 4 living creatures, who are in Heaven (See 4:6). Noun: Quart of wheat Location: Earth How do we know? Affected by the 3rd rider, who is on Earth. Noun: Denarius Location: Earth How do we know? Affected by the 3rd rider, who is on Earth. Noun: 3 quarts of barley Location: Earth How do we know? Affected by the 3rd rider, who is on Earth. Noun: Olive oil Location: Earth How do we know? Affected by the 3rd rider, who is on Earth. Noun: Wine Location: Earth How do we know? Affected by the 3rd rider, who is on Earth. 6:7 - And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say: “Come!” Noun: He (Lamb, Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: 4th of the scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? On the scroll, which is in Heaven (See 5:1). Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Voice Location: Heaven How do we know? Belongs to the 4th of the 4 living creatures, who is in Heaven (See 4:6). Noun: 4th of the 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. 6:8 - And I saw, and, look! a pale horse; and the one seated upon it had the name Death. And Ha´des was closely following him. And authority was given them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with a long sword and with food shortage and with deadly plague and by the wild beasts of the earth. Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Pale horse Location: Earth How do we know? Its rider is on Earth. Noun: One seated on the pale horse (Death) Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Hades Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: 1/4 of the Earth Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Earth Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Long sword Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Food shortage Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Deadly plague Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Wild beasts Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. 6:9 - And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those slaughtered because of the word of God and because of the witness work that they used to have. Noun: He (Lamb, Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: 5th of the scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? On the scroll, which is in Heaven (See 5:1). Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Altar Location: Heaven How do we know? The altar is before the throne (See 8:3); the throne is in Heaven. Noun: Souls Location: Heaven How do we know? Under the altar, which is in Heaven. Noun: Word of God Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Witness work Location: Earth How do we know? They were on Earth while doing this work. 6:10 - And they cried with a loud voice, saying: “Until when, Sovereign Lord holy and true, are you refraining from judging and avenging our blood upon those who dwell on the earth?” Noun: They (souls) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 6:9 Noun: Loud voice Location: Heaven How do we know? Voice of souls, who are in Heaven. Noun: Sovereign Lord Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Blood of the souls Location: Earth How do we know? Shed on Earth by those on Earth. Noun: Those on Earth Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Earth Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. 6:11 - And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the number was filled also of their fellow slaves and their brothers who were about to be killed as they also had been. Noun: White robe Location: Heaven How do we know? Given to the souls in Heaven. Noun: Number Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Fellow slaves Location: Earth How do we know? To be killed on Earth, as the souls had been killed on Earth Noun: Bothers Location: Earth How do we know? To be killed on Earth, as the souls had been killed on Earth 6:12 - And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and a great earthquake occurred; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the entire moon became as blood, Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: 6th of the scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? On the scroll, which is in Heaven (See 5:1). Noun: Great earthquake Location: How do we know? Noun: Sun Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Sackcloth Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Moon Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Blood Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. 6:13 - and the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as when a fig tree shaken by a high wind casts its unripe figs. Noun: Stars Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Heaven Location: Unknown (if any) How do we know? N/A Noun: Earth Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Fig tree Location: N/A How do we know? Noun: High wind Location: N/A How do we know? Noun: Figs Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Location: How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Location: How do we know? Metaphor. 6:14 - And the heaven departed as a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and [every] island were removed from their places. Noun: Heaven (Earth's atmosphere, not the Heaven where God's throne is.) Location: Earth How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Scroll Location: N/A How do we know? Metaphor. Noun: Every mountain Location: Earth How do we know? Affected by the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Every island Location: Earth How do we know? 6:15 - And the kings of the earth and the top-ranking ones and the military commanders and the rich and the strong ones and every slave and [every] free person hid themselves in the caves and in the rock-masses of the mountains. Noun: Kings Location: Earth How do we know? Fleeing the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Top-ranking people Location: Earth How do we know? Fleeing the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Military commanders Location: Earth How do we know? Fleeing the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: The rich Location: Earth How do we know? Fleeing the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: The strong Location: Earth How do we know? Fleeing the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Every slave Location: Earth How do we know? Fleeing the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Every free person Location: Earth How do we know? Fleeing the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Caves Location: Earth How do we know? Shelter from the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Rocks Location: Earth How do we know? Shelter from the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Mountains Location: Earth How do we know? Shelter from the earthquake in 6:12. 6:16 - And they keep saying to the mountains and to the rock-masses: “Fall over us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne (God) and from the wrath of the Lamb, Noun: They (people listed in verse 6:15) Location: Earth How do we know? Fleeing the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Mountains Location: Earth How do we know? Shelter from the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: Rocks Location: Earth How do we know? Shelter from the earthquake in 6:12. Noun: God's face Location: N/A How do we know? Figure of speech for God's attention. Noun: Lamb's wrath Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. 6:17 - because the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Noun: Great day Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Their (Lamb's and God's) wrath Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: One who is able to stand Location: Nowhere How do we know? Stated in the text, as a rhetorical question. 7:1 - After this I saw four angels standing upon the four corners of the earth, holding tight the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow upon the earth or upon the sea or upon any tree. Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: 4 angels Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: 4 corners of Earth Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: 4 winds Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: No wind Location: Earth How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Earth (land) Location: Earth How do we know? Contrasted with the Earth's seas. Noun: Sea Location: Earth How do we know? Only seas on Earth would be affected by stopping the Earth's winds. Noun: Any tree Location: Earth How do we know? Only trees on Earth would be affected by stopping the Earth's winds. 7:2 - And I saw another angel ascending from the sunrising, having a seal of [the] living God; and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Angel Location: Earth How do we know? Rises from the East on Earth, talks to the angel on Earth in 7:1. Noun: Sunrising (east) Location: Earth How do we know? The sunrise is a phenomenon viewed from the Earth's surface, caused by the Earth's rotating on its axis. Noun: God's seal Location: Earth How do we know? Held by an angel who is on Earth. Noun: Loud voice Location: Earth How do we know? Spoken by an angel who is on Earth. Noun: 4 angels Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:1. Noun: Earth (land) Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:1. Noun: Sea Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:1. 7:3 - saying: “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.” Noun: Earth (land) Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:1. Noun: Sea Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:1. Noun: Trees Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:1. Noun: God's slaves Location: Earth How do we know? There would be no need to delay judgement upon the Earth for the sake of the slaves, if the slaves were not on Earth. Noun: The slaves' foreheads Location: Earth How do we know? Part of the slaves, who are on Earth. 7:4 - And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel: Noun: 144,00 who are sealed(God's slaves) Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: Every tribe of Israel(God's slaves) Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. 7:5 - Out of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand sealed; out of the tribe of Reu´ben twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand; Noun: 12,000 from Judah Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: 12,000 from Reuben Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: 12,000 from Gad Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. 7:6 - out of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand; Noun: 12,000 from Asher Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: 12,000 from Naphtali Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: 12,000 from Mannasseh Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. 7:7 - out of the tribe of Sim´e·on twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Le´vi twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Is´sa·char twelve thousand; Noun: 12,000 from Simeon Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: 12,000 from Levi Earth Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: 12,000 from Issachar Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. 7:8 - out of the tribe of Zeb´u·lun twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand sealed. Noun: 12,000 from Zebulun Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: 12,000 from Joseph Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. Noun: 12,000 from Benjamin Location: Earth How do we know? See 7:3. 7:9 - After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Great crowd Location: Heaven How do we know? Standing before the throne and before the Lamb; the throne and the Lamb are in Heaven. Noun: Nations Location: Earth How do we know? Earth is where God created humans. (The great crowd came out of them; it is not still among them.) Noun: Tribes Location: Earth How do we know? Earth is where God created humans. (The great crowd came out of them; it is not still among them.) Noun: Peoples Location: Earth How do we know? Earth is where God created humans. (The great crowd came out of them; it is not still among them.) Noun: Tongues (language groups) Location: Earth How do we know? Earth is where God created humans. (The great crowd came out of them; it is not still among them.) Noun: Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: White robes Location: Heaven How do we know? Worn by the great crowd; the great crowd is in Heaven. Noun: Palm branches Location: Heaven How do we know? Held by the great crowd; the great crowd is in Heaven. 7:10 - And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: “Salvation [we owe] to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Noun: They (great crowd) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 7:9. Noun: Loud voice Location: Heaven How do we know? Belongs to the great crowd; the great crowd is in Heaven (See 7:9). Noun: Salvation Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. 7:11 - And all the angels were standing around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell upon their faces before the throne and worshiped God, Noun: All the angels Location: Heaven How do we know? Standing around the throne; the throne is in Heaven (See 4:2). Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: 4 living creatures Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:6. Noun: Angels' faces Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of the angels, who are in Heaven. Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. 7:12 - saying: “Amen! The blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanksgiving and the honor and the power and the strength [be] to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Noun: Blessing Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Glory Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Wisdom Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Thanksgiving Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Honor Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Power Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: Strength Location: N/A How do we know? Abstract noun. Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. 7:13 - And in response one of the elders said to me: “These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” Noun: One of the 24 elders Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: Me (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: People in white robes (great crowd) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 7:9. Noun: White robes Location: Heaven How do we know? Worn by the great crowd; the great crowd is in Heaven. 7:14 - So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one that knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Noun: I (John) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Him (one of the 24 elders) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: Lord (one of the 24 elders) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: One who knows (one of the 24 elders) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:4. Noun: Ones out of the great tribulation (great crowd) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 7:9. Noun: Great tribulation (great crowd) Location: Earth How do we know? The great tribulation is part of God's judgement against unbelieving humans on Earth. Noun: White robes Location: Heaven How do we know? Worn by the great crowd; the great crowd is in Heaven. Noun: Lamb’s blood Location: Earth How do we know? Refers to the blood shed on the cross. 7:15 - That is why they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne (God) will spread his tent over them. Noun: They (great crowd) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 7:9. Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Sacred service Location: Heaven How do we know? Both those giving the service (See 7:9) and the temple in which they serve (See 11:1, 11:19, 14:17, 15:5) are in Heaven. Noun: One seated on the throne (God) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Tent Location: N/A How do we know? Figure of speech for God's loving care and protection. 7:16 - They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down upon them nor any scorching heat, Noun: They (great crowd) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 7:9. Noun: Sun Location: Space How do we know? See Genesis 1:1. Noun: Heat Location: Earth How do we know? Like hunger and thirst, heat is part of the experience of living on this present Earth. 7:17 - because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them, and will guide them to fountains of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.” Noun: Lamb (Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: Throne Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Them (great crowd) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 7:9. Noun: Fountains of waters of life Location: Heaven How do we know? Both the Lamb who leads them (See 5:6) and those being led (See 7:9) are in Heaven. See also 21:1. Noun: God Location: Heaven How do we know? See 4:2. Noun: Tears Location: Heaven How do we know? In the eyes of the great crowd, who are in Heaven (See 5:6). Noun: Eyes Location: Heaven How do we know? Part of the great crowd, who are in Heaven (See 5:6). 8:1 - And when he opened the seventh seal, a silence occurred in heaven for about a half hour. Noun: He (Lamb, Jesus) Location: Heaven How do we know? See 5:6. Noun: 7th of the scroll's 7 seals Location: Heaven How do we know? On the scroll, which is in Heaven (See 5:1). Noun: Silence Location: Heaven How do we know? Directly stated in the text. Noun: Heaven Location: Unknown (if any) How do we know? N/A Feel free to use this however you choose. I'd recommend pasting it into a word processor file, and printing out the chart without the answers filled in. Ask a Jehovah's Witness to help you fill in the blanks. See how far you can get. |