The concept of the 144,000 sealed is a significant eschatological symbol found in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. This group is mentioned specifically in Revelation 7:1-8 and Revelation 14:1-5, and it has been the subject of much theological discussion and interpretation.

Revelation 7:1-8
In Revelation 7:1-8, the 144,000 are described as being sealed from all the tribes of the children of Israel. The passage reads:
"After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 'Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God.' And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel."

The text goes on to list 12,000 sealed from each of the twelve tribes of Israel: Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Notably, the tribe of Dan is omitted, and the tribe of Joseph is mentioned instead of Ephraim, which has led to various interpretations regarding the symbolic or literal nature of these tribes.

Revelation 14:1-5
The 144,000 are mentioned again in Revelation 14:1-5, where they are depicted standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion:
"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. And 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. 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. These 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. And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless."

Interpretations and Theological Significance
The identity and role of the 144,000 have been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. Some view them as a literal group of ethnic Israelites who will play a special role in the end times. Others see them as a symbolic representation of the complete and perfect number of God's people, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles who are faithful to Christ.

The sealing of the 144,000 is often understood as a mark of divine protection and ownership, signifying that these individuals are set apart for God’s purposes. The seal is a common biblical motif indicating security and authenticity, as seen in other scriptural contexts.

The description of the 144,000 in Revelation 14 emphasizes their purity, devotion, and unique relationship with the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Their status as "firstfruits" suggests a special dedication to God, and their ability to sing a new song that no one else can learn highlights their distinct role in the heavenly realm.

Cultural and Historical Context
The number 144,000 is derived from multiplying 12,000 by the twelve tribes of Israel, which may symbolize completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. The omission of the tribe of Dan and the inclusion of Joseph instead of Ephraim have led to various theories, including the idea that these changes reflect spiritual rather than literal tribal identities.

Throughout history, different Christian groups have claimed to be the 144,000 or have sought to identify them with specific historical or future events. The Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, interpret the 144,000 as a literal number of anointed Christians who will reign with Christ in heaven.

The 144,000 sealed remain a profound and mysterious symbol within the apocalyptic literature of the Bible, representing themes of divine protection, purity, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.