The identity of that great crowd is revealed to John by one of the 24 elders, and these elders represent the 144,000 joint heirs with Christ in their heavenly glory.* (Luke 22:28-30; Revelation 4:4) John himself had a heavenly hope; but since he was still a man on earth when the elder spoke to him, in the vision John must represent anointed ones on earth who have not yet received their heavenly reward.
Utambulisho wa umati huo mkubwa unafunuliwa kwa Yohana na mmoja wa wale wazee 24, na wazee hao wanawakilisha wale 144,000 warithi pamoja na Kristo katika utukufu wao wa kimbingu.* ( Luka 22:28-30; Ufunuo 4:4 ) Yohana mwenyewe alikuwa na tumaini la mbinguni; lakini kwa kuwa bado alikuwa mwanadamu duniani mzee huyo alipozungumza naye, katika ono hilo lazima Yohana anawakilisha watiwa-mafuta walio duniani ambao bado hawajapokea thawabu yao ya mbinguni.