Revelation 14:3
New International Version
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

New Living Translation
This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

English Standard Version
and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

Berean Standard Bible
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

Berean Literal Bible
And they are singing as a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders. And no one was able to learn the song, except the one hundred forty-four thousand having been redeemed from the earth.

King James Bible
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

New King James Version
They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.

New American Standard Bible
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one was able to learn the song except the 144,000 who had been purchased from the earth.

NASB 1995
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.

NASB 1977
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been purchased from the earth.

Amplified Bible
And they sang a new song before the throne [of God] and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased (ransomed, redeemed) from the earth.

Christian Standard Bible
They sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders, but no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders, but no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

American Standard Version
and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth.

Contemporary English Version
And a new song was being sung in front of God's throne and in front of the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn that song, except the 144,000 who had been rescued from the earth.

English Revised Version
and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They were singing a new song in front of the throne, the four living creatures, and the leaders. Only the 144,000 people who had been bought on earth could learn the song.

Good News Translation
The 144,000 people stood before the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders; they were singing a new song, which only they could learn. Of the whole human race they are the only ones who have been redeemed.

International Standard Version
They were singing a new song in front of the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

Majority Standard Bible
And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

NET Bible
and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one was able to learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the earth.

New Heart English Bible
They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty four thousand, who were redeemed from the earth.

Weymouth New Testament
And they were singing what seemed to be a new song, in front of the throne and in the presence of the four living creatures and the Elders; and no one was able to learn that song except the 144,000 people who had been redeemed out of the world.

World English Bible
They sing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they sing, as it were, a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders, and no one was able to learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand who have been bought from the earth;

Berean Literal Bible
And they are singing as a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders. And no one was able to learn the song, except the one hundred forty-four thousand having been redeemed from the earth.

Young's Literal Translation
and they sing, as it were, a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders, and no one was able to learn the song except the hundred forty-four thousands, who have been bought from the earth;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they sing as a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders: and none could learn the song, except the hundred forty-four thousand, purchased from the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they sung as it were a new canticle, before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the ancients; and no man could say the canticle, but those hundred forty-four thousand, who were purchased from the earth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they were singing what seemed like a new canticle before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one was able to recite the canticle, except those one hundred and forty-four thousand, who were redeemed from the earth.

New American Bible
They were singing [what seemed to be] a new hymn before the throne, before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been ransomed from the earth.

New Revised Standard Version
and they sing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the one hundred forty-four thousand who have been redeemed from the earth.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they sang a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts and the elders: and no man was able to learn that song, except the hundred forty and four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they were singing as a new hymn of praise before the throne and before The Four Beasts and before the Elders, and no one was able to learn the hymn but the 144,000 redeemed from The Earth.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they sung a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures, and the elders: and no one was able to learn the song, but the hundred and forty-four thousand that had been redeemed from the earth.

Godbey New Testament
and they are singing a new song before the throne, and in presence of the four living creatures, and the elders. And no one was able to learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousand, who have been redeemed from the earth.

Haweis New Testament
and they sang as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living beings, and the presbyters: and no person could learn that song, but the hundred forty-four thousand, who were redeemed from the earth.

Mace New Testament
and a new song was sung before the throne, and before the four animals, and the elders: and no one could learn that song, but the hundred forty four thousand, who were ransom'd from the earth.

Weymouth New Testament
And they were singing what seemed to be a new song, in front of the throne and in the presence of the four living creatures and the Elders; and no one was able to learn that song except the 144,000 people who had been redeemed out of the world.

Worrell New Testament
And they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one was able to learn the song, except the hundred and forty-four thousand, who had been purchased out of the earth.

Worsley New Testament
and they sung as it were a new song before the throne; and before the four living ones, and the elders: and none could learn the song, but the hundred and forty four thousand, who are redeemed from the earth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lamb and the 144,000
2And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps. 3And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.…

Cross References
Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

Revelation 7:9-10
After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. / And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Revelation 15:2-3
And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God, / and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!

Revelation 19:6-8
And I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. / Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. / She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.

Psalm 33:3
Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 96:1
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Psalm 98:1
A Psalm. Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done wonders; His right hand and holy arm have gained Him the victory.

Psalm 144:9
I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You—

Psalm 149:1
Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise in the assembly of the godly.

Isaiah 42:10
Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise from the ends of the earth—you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who dwell in them.

Isaiah 35:10
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

Isaiah 51:11
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.

Isaiah 52:8-9
Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, together they shout for joy. For every eye will see when the LORD returns to Zion. / Break forth in joy, sing together, O ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted His people; He has redeemed Jerusalem.

Isaiah 65:14
My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

a.

Revelation 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Psalm 33:3
Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

throne.

Revelation 4:2-11
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne…

no.

Revelation 14:1
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

Revelation 2:17
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Psalm 25:14
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

redeemed.

Revelation 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

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Able Beasts Creatures Earth Elders Except Forty Forty-Four Four Front High Hundred Learn New Presence Redeemed Seat Seemed Sing Singing Song Sung Thousand Throne
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Able Beasts Creatures Earth Elders Except Forty Forty-Four Four Front High Hundred Learn New Presence Redeemed Seat Seemed Sing Singing Song Sung Thousand Throne
Revelation 14
1. The Lamb standing on Mount Zion with his company.
6. An angel preaches the gospel.
8. The fall of Babylon.
15. The harvest of the world.
20. The winepress of the wrath of God.














And they sang a new song
The phrase "a new song" is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing a fresh act of divine deliverance or a new phase in God's redemptive plan. The Greek word for "new" (καινός, kainos) implies something unprecedented or unique. In the context of Revelation, this new song represents the ultimate victory and redemption through Christ, a theme that resonates throughout the book. Historically, songs in the Bible, such as the Song of Moses or the Psalms, have been expressions of praise and thanksgiving for God's mighty works. This new song is a celestial anthem, signifying the fulfillment of God's promises.

before the throne
The "throne" in Revelation is a central symbol of God's sovereign rule and authority. The Greek word for throne (θρόνος, thronos) is used extensively in Revelation, emphasizing God's ultimate control over the cosmos. The imagery of singing before the throne suggests an act of worship and reverence, acknowledging God's majesty and dominion. In the historical context of the early church, this would have been a powerful reminder of God's supremacy amidst persecution and trials.

and before the four living creatures
The "four living creatures" are introduced earlier in Revelation (Revelation 4:6-8) and are often interpreted as angelic beings that represent all of creation, constantly worshiping God. The Greek term for "living creatures" (ζῷα, zōa) indicates beings full of life and vitality. Their presence in this scene underscores the universal scope of worship and the acknowledgment of God's glory by all creation. This imagery draws from Old Testament visions, such as those in Ezekiel, where similar creatures are described.

and the elders
The "elders" in Revelation are typically seen as representatives of the redeemed, possibly symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, thus encompassing the entirety of God's people. The Greek word for elders (πρεσβύτεροι, presbyteroi) suggests maturity and authority. Their presence in this heavenly scene highlights the continuity of God's covenant people and the fulfillment of His promises to them. Historically, elders were leaders within the early church, and their inclusion here would resonate with the original audience as a symbol of faithful leadership and witness.

And no one could learn the song
This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity and special status of the 144,000. The Greek word for "learn" (μανθάνω, manthanō) implies understanding or comprehending something deeply. The inability of others to learn the song suggests a unique relationship and experience with God that the 144,000 possess. This exclusivity serves to highlight the distinctiveness of their redemption and calling.

except the 144,000
The "144,000" are mentioned earlier in Revelation 7:4, where they are described as being sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel. The number is often interpreted symbolically, representing the completeness and perfection of God's people. The specificity of this group underscores their special role and identity in God's redemptive plan. From a historical perspective, this would have been a source of hope and assurance for the early Christians, affirming their place in God's eternal kingdom.

who had been redeemed from the earth
The term "redeemed" (ἀγοράζω, agorazō) in Greek conveys the idea of being bought or purchased, often at a great price. This reflects the sacrificial work of Christ, who redeems His people through His death and resurrection. The phrase "from the earth" indicates that these individuals have been set apart from the world, belonging now to God's heavenly kingdom. This redemption is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the hope of eternal life. Historically, this would have been a profound encouragement to believers facing persecution, reminding them of their ultimate deliverance and victory in Christ.

(3) And they . . .--Translate, And they (i.e., the heavenly harpers) sing a new song (the words "as it were" ought, perhaps, to be omitted) before the throne, and before the living creatures, and the elders (i.e., in the presence of God Himself, and creation, and the Church), and no one was able to learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were purchased from the earth. It is a heavenly song, and no spirit dulled by earthly desires can learn it. The Spirit of the Lord can open the dull ear to hear and to rejoice in the songs of God's saints. Amid the world-noises of Babylon men can neither hear nor sing aright the Lord's song (Psalm 137:4); but the redeemed (the purchased from the earth) of the Lord can come with singing unto Zion (Isaiah 51:11).

Verse 3. - And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders. They sing; that is to say, the heavenly inhabitants. The four living beings; viz. those of Revelation 4:9, where see an explanation of the positions occupied, and of the nature and signification of the "living beings and the elders." The "new song," which can only be understood by the hundred and forty-four thousand, is (as explained by ver. 4) a song of victory won by those who have been tried in the world and subjected to temptations. And no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth; even they that had been purchased out of the earth (Revised Version). These only can know the song for the reason given above. The joys of heaven and the song of victory are not for those who have succumbed to the world.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they sang
ᾄδουσιν (adousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 103: To sing.

a new
καινὴν (kainēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2537: Fresh, new, unused, novel. Of uncertain affinity; new

song
ᾠδὴν (ōdēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5603: An ode, song, hymn. From aido; a chant or 'ode'.

before
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

throne
θρόνου (thronou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2362: From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

before
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

four
τεσσάρων (tessarōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5064: Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four.

living creatures
ζῴων (zōōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2226: An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

elders.
πρεσβυτέρων (presbyterōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

no one
οὐδεὶς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

could
ἐδύνατο (edynato)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

learn
μαθεῖν (mathein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3129: Prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

song
ᾠδὴν (ōdēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5603: An ode, song, hymn. From aido; a chant or 'ode'.

except
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

the
αἱ (hai)
Article - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

144,000 {}
ἑκατὸν (hekaton)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1540: One hundred. Of uncertain affinity; a hundred.

who
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

had been redeemed
ἠγορασμένοι (ēgorasmenoi)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 59: To buy. From agora; properly, to go to market, i.e. to purchase; specially, to redeem.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

earth.
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 14:3 They sing a new song before (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 14:2
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