Literally, “sound as of harpers.” The sound that John heard was like that of harpers. Perhaps he did not see actual instruments being played, hence his cautious identification. For a discussion of ancient harps see Vol. III, pp. 34-36.

 Or, “sound of great thunder.” Thunder is here, as elsewhere, connected with the divine presence (see Job 37:4; Ps. 29; Rev. 4:5; 6:1).

 Or, “sound of many waters” (see on ch. 1:15).

 Or, “I heard a sound.” Some think that the harpers and singers here are not the 144,000, but the angels, the message of whose song only the 144,000 are able to understand. However, in ch. 15:2, 3 the 144,000 are clearly represented as having harps and as singing, so that others believe the 144,000 are referred to in ch. 14:2 also.