This term is inappropriately translated from the Greek word ochlos. This word has a variety of synonyms in the English language, one of which can be “people.”

Since the Bible clearly shows that the reward of those who are saved is rulership on earth—not in heaven, as so many believe—it is clear that another synonym for the Greek word should have been used. (Read our booklet Do the Saved Go to Heaven?)

The Moffat translation of the Bible renders ochlos as “host,” while the Revised Standard Version and the Goodspeed translation render it as “multitude.” The Numeric English New Testament and the Amplified New Testament translate it as “crowd.”

While each of these translations uses a slightly different word, they more accurately deliver the meaning of the original Greek. The “people” in heaven that are referenced in Revelation 19:1 are, in fact, the “host, multitude or crowd” that is in heaven. This scripture refers to the angels that are in heaven. They are a vast multitude singing to and praising God, as we read in Revelation 5:11-12.

To learn more, you may wish to read our book The Trinity – Is God Three-In-One?