NT-EPISTLES.filter - rwp 144:

rwp@John:19:24 @{Let us not rend it} (\m schismen auton\). \M\ with first aorist active volitive subjunctive of \schiz\, to split. It was too valuable to ruin. {Cast lots} (\lachmen\). Second aorist active volitive subjunctive of \lagchan\. The usual meaning is to obtain by lot (Luke:1:9; strkjv@Acts:1:17|). Field (_Ot. Norv_. 72) holds that no example has been found where it means "cast lots" as here, but Thayer cites _Isocrates_, p. 144b and _Diod_. 4, 63. John here quotes with the usual formula strkjv@Psalms:22:18| (LXX verbatim) and finds a fulfilment here. The enemies of the Lord's Anointed treated him as already dead (Westcott) and so cast lots (\elabon klron\, the common phrase as in strkjv@Matthew:27:35|).

rwp@Revelation:14:4 @{Were not defiled with women} (\meta gunaikn ouk emolunthsan\). First aorist passive indicative of \molun\, old verb, to stain, already in strkjv@3:4|, which see. The use of this word rules out marriage, which was not considered sinful. {For they are virgins} (\parthenoi gar eisin\). \Parthenos\ can be applied to men as well as women. Swete takes this language "metaphorically, as the symbolical character of the Book suggests." Charles considers it an interpolation in the interest of celibacy for both men and women. If taken literally, the words can refer only to adultery or fornication (Beckwith). Jesus recognised abstinence only for those able to receive it (Matthew:19:12|), as did Paul (1Corinthians:7:1,8,32,36|). Marriage is approved by Paul in strkjv@1Timothy:4:3| and by strkjv@Hebrews:13:4|. The New Testament exalts marriage and this passage should not be construed as degrading it. {Whithersoever he goeth} (\hopou an hupagei\). Indefinite local clause with modal \an\ and the present active indicative of \hupag\. The Christian life is following the Lamb of God as Jesus taught (Mark:2:14; strkjv@10:21; strkjv@Luke:9:59; strkjv@John:1:43; strkjv@21:19|, etc.) and as Peter taught (1Peter:2:21|) and John (1John:2:6|). {Were purchased from among men} (\gorasthsan apo tn anthrpn\). First aorist passive indicative of \agoraz\, repeating the close of verse 3|. {First fruits} (\aparch\). See for this word strkjv@1Corinthians:16:15; strkjv@Romans:11:16; strkjv@16:5|. This seems to mean that the 144,000 represent not the whole, but only a portion of the great harvest to come (Matthew:9:37|), not only the first installment, but those marked by high spiritual service to God and the Lamb (Romans:12:1; strkjv@Hebrews:13:15; strkjv@1Peter:2:5|).