Resurrection of the Ancient Worthies
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Also known as Ancient Worthies · Resurrection of the Ancient Worthies · Ancient Faithful Men · Faithful Men of Old · Faithful Men of Ancient Times · Pre-Christian Witnesses of Jehovah · Earthly Princes · Princes in All the Earth · Modern Worthies · Resurrection of the Righteous
In 1881, the ancient worthies were expected to be resurrected as perfect humans and to serve as earthly representatives of God's Kingdom. In 1882 and 1897, Psalm 45:16 was connected with their future position as princes. In 1904, their resurrection was expected around 1914 or shortly thereafter, while Russell also suggested that later faithful servants might join a class resembling the ancient worthies. In 1913, he proposed that the ancient worthies might eventually receive spirit nature after the Millennium, while acknowledging the absence of a direct scriptural statement. In 1920, the development of a present-day class of modern worthies was rejected, and Rutherford predicted that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other ancient faithful men would return in 1925. After this expectation was not fulfilled, the specific timetable was qualified in 1926, although the belief that they would return as perfect humans continued. By 1939, they were expected to appear at the beginning of Armageddon, and Beth-Sarim was associated with belief in their imminent return. In 1950, their resurrection was placed after Armageddon, and the interpretation of Psalm 45:16 was broadened to include qualified members of the other sheep as earthly princes. In 1951 and 1952, Isaiah 32:1 was applied to contemporary congregation overseers rather than exclusively to future resurrected princes. In 1954, the earlier teaching that the ancient worthies would return with perfect bodies was explicitly rejected. Publications from 1965 through 1989 continued to anticipate their early earthly resurrection and their possible appointment as representatives of Christ. In 1998, the expectation of their early resurrection was expressed without a definite timetable. In 1999, Daniel 12:2 was explained as a spiritual resurrection occurring in 1919, while Daniel himself was still expected to receive a literal earthly resurrection during Christ's Millennial Reign. In 2014, the previous conclusion that people resurrected on earth would not marry was set aside as uncertain. In 2019, the organization retrospectively acknowledged the earlier speculation that ancient worthies might ultimately receive heavenly life. In 2022, John 5:29 was reinterpreted in relation to conduct before death, righteous resurrected persons were described as having their names provisionally recorded in the book of life, and Daniel 12:2 was reinterpreted as a future literal resurrection after Armageddon. Publications in 2024 maintained the expectation of human representatives during the Millennium, and a 2025 historical retrospective acknowledged the unfulfilled expectations concerning 1925. No further replacement of the central teaching was verified through October 2026.
- Heb. 11:1-40
- Heb. 11:35, 39, 40
- Heb. 12:1
- Ps. 45:16
- Isa. 32:1, 2
- Dan. 12:2, 13
- John 5:28, 29
- Acts 24:15
- Luke 13:28
- Luke 14:14
- Luke 20:34-38
- Matt. 11:11
- Matt. 22:29-32
- Rev. 20:4-6, 12, 13
Key moments
- 1881–1897 Introduced The ancient worthies were expected to rise as perfect earthly humans, distinct from the heavenly Church, and serve as the visible representatives of the spiritual Kingdom. The group included the faithful patriarchs and prophets and extended through John the Baptist.
- 1904 Refined The resurrection of the ancient worthies was expected around 1914 or shortly afterward. The article expressly acknowledged that no positive scripture fixed the date.
- 1904 Broadened Russell suggested that individuals who consecrated themselves after completion of the heavenly class might receive an earthly reward and possibly be counted with the ancient worthies. This was presented as a possibility rather than a certainty.
- 1913 Refined Russell proposed that the ancient worthies might receive spirit nature after their earthly service during the Millennium, possibly joining the Great Company on the spirit plane. He explicitly acknowledged that Scripture did not directly establish this.
- 1920 Narrowed The Watchtower rejected the idea that a separate class of modern worthies was already being developed alongside the remaining spirit-begotten Christians. Any such development was placed after completion of the spirit-begotten class.
- 1920 Refined The resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other ancient faithful men was predicted for 1925. They were expected to return as perfect humans and become visible legal representatives of the new earthly order.
- 1926 Dropped After the ancient worthies did not appear in 1925, the expectation of their return was separated from the failed fixed date and linked instead to the completion of the Church's earthly work.
- 1939 Refined The ancient faithful men were expected to return at the beginning of Armageddon, while some members of the anointed remnant and the great multitude remained alive. Beth-Sarim was associated with the expectation of their imminent resurrection and future earthly government.
- 1950 Reversal The earlier expectation that the ancient worthies would return before or at Armageddon was replaced by an expectation of their resurrection after Armageddon. The new earthly society was now expected to begin with survivors rather than with the ancient resurrected princes.
- 1950 Broadened The interpretation of Psalm 45:16 was expanded. The earthly princes were no longer expected to come exclusively from the resurrected pre-Christian faithful men. Qualified members of the other sheep could also be appointed as Christ's earthly representatives.
- 1951–1952 Refined Isaiah 32:1 was distinguished from Psalm 45:16. The princes mentioned by Isaiah were identified with men exercising responsibilities in the contemporary theocratic organization, rather than exclusively with resurrected ancient princes in the future new world.
- 1954 Reversal The previous belief that ancient faithful men would be resurrected immediately with perfect bodies was expressly rejected. They would instead return without bodily perfection, although their prior record of faithfulness would place them well along the way toward life.
- 1998 Refined An early resurrection of the ancient faithful men was expected as part of the progressive earthly resurrection, but the publication cautioned against being dogmatic about the exact details or timing.
- 1999 Refined Daniel 12:2 was explained primarily as a symbolic or spiritual resurrection fulfilled in the revival of the anointed remnant's activity in 1919. This explanation was separate from the expected future literal resurrection of Daniel himself.
- 2014 Dropped The longstanding inference that people resurrected to earthly life would not marry was withdrawn as a definite conclusion. The publication suggested that Jesus' words to the Sadducees might instead concern the heavenly resurrection, leaving the marital status of earthly resurrected persons unresolved. The discussion expressly included Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- 2022 Reversal The interpretation of John 5:29 was changed. Previously, the good or vile deeds associated with the two resurrections were understood as conduct after resurrection. The actions were now understood as deeds performed before death, distinguishing the prior records of the righteous and unrighteous.
- 2022 Refined The resurrection of righteous people, including ancient faithful servants, was further described in terms of their past faithfulness and the book of life. Their names would be recorded provisionally after resurrection. Some would serve as earthly princes, and even faithful ancient men would need to learn about Jesus and exercise faith in his ransom.
- 2022 Reversal Daniel 12:2 was no longer understood as the symbolic spiritual revival of God's servants during the last days. Instead, it was applied to a future literal resurrection of the dead after Armageddon during Christ's Thousand Year Reign.
Russell
Charles Taze Russell · 1877–1916
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The ancient worthies were expected to rise as perfect earthly humans, distinct from the heavenly Church, and serve as the visible representatives of the spiritual Kingdom. The group included the faithful patriarchs and prophets and extended through John the Baptist.
4 quotes
Herein will be the value of their faith, viz: that while the world in general will be raised to a measure of life only, and require faith and works during the Millennial age to prove their harmony and test their obedience to God and thus come gradually to perfection, these ancient worthies will, because tried and found worthy and justified by faith, be raised in the glory and perfection of earthly being.
The Watchtower, May 1, 1881 The term "fathers" was a very common one among the Jews, and generally referred to the head or chief men of that nation, and to the Patriarchs of the preceding age, and would be but another way of saying Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Prophets.
The Watchtower, May 1, 1882 At the time of this writing the heirs to the earthly phase had all run their course, and were awaiting their reward in the resurrection, John the baptist having been the last and most highly honored of all that noble line of ancient worthies (`Matt. 11:11`); but the heirs to the heavenly phase had just entered upon their course; and, knowing that it would be a long and painful one, the worthy Apostle would have them draw a large measure of inspiration and zeal from considering the faithfulness and patient endurance of the worthy ones who shall constitute the earthly phase of the Kingdom.
The Watchtower, September 15, 1896 These ancient worthies will be unlike the remainder of mankind, not alone in the fact that their trial is past while the trial of the world in general will just be beginning; but they will be unlike them also in the fact that they will have attained the reward of their faithfulness—they will be perfect men, having completely restored to them all that was lost in Adam of mental and moral likeness to God, and perfection of physical powers.
The Battle of Armageddon, 1897 -
The resurrection of the ancient worthies was expected around 1914 or shortly afterward. The article expressly acknowledged that no positive scripture fixed the date.
1 quote
Without any positive Scripture to fix this matter, it is our expectation that the resurrection of the Ancient Worthies will occur about 1914, or shortly thereafter, while we understand that the Great Company will not be complete for at least a little while after these-- some of them passing through the great time of trouble, of anarchy, following the end of Gentile times.
The Watchtower, October 15, 1904 -
Russell suggested that individuals who consecrated themselves after completion of the heavenly class might receive an earthly reward and possibly be counted with the ancient worthies. This was presented as a possibility rather than a certainty.
1 quote
Possibly they may be counted in with the ancient worthies who had the sacrificing disposition that is pleasing to God, prior to the beginning of the "high calling."
The New Creation, 1904 -
The ancient worthies were still expected to be resurrected immediately to full human perfection, unlike the remainder of mankind, whose progress toward perfection would take place during the Millennium.
1 quote
"Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets"--all the Ancient Worthies-- will be awakened from death fully restored to human perfection; and will not require a "resurrection by judgment," a thousand years long, as will the residue of mankind.
The Watchtower, August 1, 1912 -
Russell proposed that the ancient worthies might receive spirit nature after their earthly service during the Millennium, possibly joining the Great Company on the spirit plane. He explicitly acknowledged that Scripture did not directly establish this.
2 quotes
We cannot think of any greater reward than to bestow the spirit nature upon these faithful Ancient Worthies. Long ago they proved their loyalty by choosing to suffer rather than to indulge in sin. There is nothing in the Scriptures, however, which says distinctly that they will ever be made spirit beings. Whatever we may suggest on this subject is purely inferential.
The Watchtower, February 15, 1913 There is nothing in the Scriptures, however, which says distinctly that they will ever be made spirit beings.
The Watchtower, February 15, 1913 -
The ancient worthies continued to be distinguished from Christians with a heavenly calling. Their earthly resurrection and service as visible representatives of the glorified Christ remained part of the teaching.
2 quotes
Moreover, the Bible indicates to us that the Ancient Worthies of the Jewish line will be resurrected to perfection and in an earthly glory will become visible representatives to men of the glorified spiritual Christ, Head and Body.
The Watchtower, September 1, 1915 The first class of Faith Heroes are therefore known as the Ancient Worthies; the latter class, with Jesus as their Head, are styled the sons of God.
The Watchtower, February 15, 1916
Rutherford
Joseph F. Rutherford · 1917–1942
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The Watchtower rejected the idea that a separate class of modern worthies was already being developed alongside the remaining spirit-begotten Christians. Any such development was placed after completion of the spirit-begotten class.
1 quote
Consequently, this text could not be considered as a proof that there is now being developed a modern worthy class.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1920 -
The resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other ancient faithful men was predicted for 1925. They were expected to return as perfect humans and become visible legal representatives of the new earthly order.
1 quote
The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life; and since other Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other faithful ones of old, and that these will have the first favor, we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth.
Millions Now Living Will Never Die!, 1920 -
After the ancient worthies did not appear in 1925, the expectation of their return was separated from the failed fixed date and linked instead to the completion of the Church's earthly work.
1 quote
There is no good reason why we should expect the ancient worthies to return until the church is complete and the work of the church on earth is done.
The Watchtower, July 1, 1926 -
The ancient worthies were still expected to be the first resurrected earthly humans to receive their reward, immediately returning with perfect bodies and minds and serving as visible representatives of God's government.
2 quotes
It is reasonable to expect that these faithful men will be brought forth from the tomb as perfect men, possessing perfect bodies and perfect minds.
Deliverance, 1926 They will be the first men of earth to receive such blessings by being raised out of death as perfect men.
Government, 1928 -
The ancient faithful men were expected to return at the beginning of Armageddon, while some members of the anointed remnant and the great multitude remained alive. Beth-Sarim was associated with the expectation of their imminent resurrection and future earthly government.
2 quotes
The evidence also abundantly shows that those faithful men will be back on the earth at the beginning of Armageddon.
Salvation, 1939 The “princes in all the earth” when resurrected will receive the fruits of the kingdom from the trees of life which grow on either side of the river of the water of life and will be holding forth these fruits of the kingdom for the benefit of the people.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1939
Knorr
Nathan H. Knorr · 1942–1977
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The resurrected ancient faithful men continued to be identified as princely children of Christ who would act as earthly representatives of his heavenly government.
1 quote
As the princely children of the Theocratic King they shall act for him and in obedience to him on the earth.
The New World, 1942 -
The earlier expectation that the ancient worthies would return before or at Armageddon was replaced by an expectation of their resurrection after Armageddon. The new earthly society was now expected to begin with survivors rather than with the ancient resurrected princes.
1 quote
The “new earth” which the Kingdom will bring into existence will be begun with the survivors of Armageddon who have an earthly hope and destiny.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1950 -
The interpretation of Psalm 45:16 was expanded. The earthly princes were no longer expected to come exclusively from the resurrected pre-Christian faithful men. Qualified members of the other sheep could also be appointed as Christ's earthly representatives.
2 quotes
In the past we have understood this to apply exclusively to the witnesses of Jehovah of ancient times before Christ, men who were either the natural forefathers of Jesus Christ, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, or who were faithful prophets and fellow witnesses of these.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1950 Since they manifest a similarity of faith, there is nothing that Scripturally argues against his taking as many of these “other sheep” as he requires and making them “princes in all the earth”.
The Watchtower, November 1, 1950 -
Isaiah 32:1 was distinguished from Psalm 45:16. The princes mentioned by Isaiah were identified with men exercising responsibilities in the contemporary theocratic organization, rather than exclusively with resurrected ancient princes in the future new world.
3 quotes
There is no need for us to look beyond the battle of Armageddon for this feature of the prophecy to go into fulfillment.
The Watchtower, December 1, 1951 In times past it was thought that Isaiah 32:1 referred to the time when earthly sons of Christ Jesus would rule as princes in the new world, as does Psalm 45:16.
The Watchtower, October 1, 1952 In view of the breadth of meaning of this term we can see how the King, Christ Jesus, could have princes on earth now, not in the worldly governments, but in his theocratic organization.
The Watchtower, October 1, 1952 -
The previous belief that ancient faithful men would be resurrected immediately with perfect bodies was expressly rejected. They would instead return without bodily perfection, although their prior record of faithfulness would place them well along the way toward life.
2 quotes
Theirs will be a resurrection to life, not in the sense that they will come forth with perfect bodies, for they will not, but in that they will be well along on the way to life because of their past integrity-keeping course.
The Watchtower, September 1, 1954 They will at once vow and render allegiance to Christ, the reigning King, and will share with others in the privilege of serving as “princes.”—Ps. 45:16.
The Watchtower, September 1, 1954 -
The earlier rejection of immediate bodily perfection was reaffirmed. The resurrection of the righteous was still expected to receive early attention, particularly those belonging to the pre-Christian cloud of witnesses.
2 quotes
Even the resurrected “righteous ones” will not become perfect instantly; and Hebrews 11:39, 40 is not correctly interpreted to mean that.
The Watchtower, March 15, 1965 There will be the “resurrection of the righteous ones,” and doubtless such righteous ones will be given earlier consideration, especially those belonging to the pre-Christian “cloud of witnesses” from John the Baptist all the way back to righteous Abel.
The Watchtower, March 15, 1965 -
The future earthly princes continued to include resurrected pre-Christian faithful men as well as qualified servants who had lived in more recent times. They were expected to help mankind learn obedience to God's laws throughout Christ's Thousand Year Reign.
3 quotes
Whether from among God's servants of ancient times or from among those now serving the King, these will all have proved their loyalty to God and their love for their fellowmen.
The Watchtower, March 1, 1969 The "righteous" ones of the "dead" who are resurrected from the sleep of death will furnish others, sufficiently so in order to have the appointed "princes in all the earth." Psalm 45:16 appears to mean that such "princes" will include the "righteous" men from among his resurrected "forefathers." Once these were his ancestors, but now they become his "sons" by resurrection.
God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached, 1973 Others will also serve as “princes” from among the survivors of this system’s destruction and from among faithful men of old not in Jesus’ ancestry.
The Watchtower, May 15, 1974
Franz
Frederick W. Franz · 1977–1992
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The future earthly administration continued to include qualified members of the great crowd, resurrected other sheep, and faithful pre-Christian men from Abel to John the Baptist. Christ was expected to select qualified earthly representatives from these groups.
2 quotes
These “princes” from among the “great crowd” will be joined by others in official service, for the forefathers of Jesus Christ and other faithful men from Abel to John the Baptizer will be resurrected and be made his princely representatives.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1979 The King, Jesus Christ, will have countless more than his earthly forefathers to appoint as "princes" —qualified ones of the Armageddon survivors, of the resurrected "other sheep," including the pre-Christian men of faith.
The Watchtower, August 15, 1989
Governing Body
1992–
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A historical account acknowledged that the older expectation of a resurrection before or at Armageddon had been changed in 1950. It also reported the decision to sell Beth-Sarim after Rutherford's death.
2 quotes
This view was adjusted in 1950, when further study of the Scriptures indicated that those earthly forefathers of Jesus Christ would be resurrected after Armageddon.
Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, 1993 A few years after Brother Rutherford’s death, the board of directors of the Watch Tower Society decided to sell Beth-Sarim.
Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, 1993 -
An early resurrection of the ancient faithful men was expected as part of the progressive earthly resurrection, but the publication cautioned against being dogmatic about the exact details or timing.
2 quotes
We can also expect an early resurrection for the faithful men of old who will serve as “princes.”—Psalm 45:16.
The Watchtower, July 1, 1998 Nevertheless, we should not be dogmatic on such matters. On many issues the Bible is silent.
The Watchtower, July 1, 1998 -
Daniel 12:2 was explained primarily as a symbolic or spiritual resurrection fulfilled in the revival of the anointed remnant's activity in 1919. This explanation was separate from the expected future literal resurrection of Daniel himself.
2 quotes
It is a historical reality that in 1918 a small remnant of faithful Christians were subjected to an extraordinary attack that disrupted their organized public ministry. Then, against all likelihood, in 1919 they returned to life in a spiritual sense. These facts fit the description of the resurrection foretold at Daniel 12:2. Some did "wake up" spiritually at that time and thereafter.
Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!, 1999 These facts fit the description of the resurrection foretold at Daniel 12:2.
Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!, 1999 -
The literal resurrection of Daniel, the patriarchs, and other faithful men and women was still expected to occur on earth under Christ's Millennial Kingdom. Daniel continued to be associated with the future earthly princes.
2 quotes
One of those prophets was Daniel, who was promised a resurrection under Messianic rule. For some 2,500 years, Daniel has rested in the grave, but by the power of the resurrection, he will soon 'stand up for his lot' as one of the "princes in all the earth." (Daniel 12:13; Psalm 45:16)
The Watchtower, July 15, 2000 The angel acknowledged: “You will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days.” (Daniel 12:8-10, 13) Daniel will return “in the resurrection of the righteous ones,” during Christ’s Millennial Reign.—Luke 14:14.
The Watchtower, May 1, 2005 -
The longstanding inference that people resurrected to earthly life would not marry was withdrawn as a definite conclusion. The publication suggested that Jesus' words to the Sadducees might instead concern the heavenly resurrection, leaving the marital status of earthly resurrected persons unresolved. The discussion expressly included Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
2 quotes
For years, our publications have said that Jesus’ words about the resurrection and getting married likely refer to the earthly resurrection and that those resurrected to life in the new world will evidently not marry.
The Watchtower, August 15, 2014 If Jesus was, in fact, talking about the heavenly resurrection, then his words do not shed any light on whether resurrected ones on earth will be able to marry in the new world.
The Watchtower, August 15, 2014 -
The earthly resurrection of Daniel and other ancient faithful men and women continued to be taught, with the prospect of everlasting life.
1 quote
And Jesus foretold: “Happy are the mild-tempered, since they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Daniel and other faithful men and women will be raised to live on the earth once again, even eternally.
The Watchtower, August 1, 2015 -
A retrospective explicitly acknowledged that the early Bible Students had speculated that the resurrected ancient worthies might eventually receive heavenly life after serving as earthly princes during the Millennium. This was reported as a past view, not reinstated as current teaching.
1 quote
The Bible Students also thought that perhaps some who would serve as earthly “princes” during that time—including the resurrected “ancient worthies” (faithful men who died before Christ)—would somehow be rewarded with heavenly life at the end of the Millennium.—Ps. 45:16.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), September 2019 -
The interpretation of John 5:29 was changed. Previously, the good or vile deeds associated with the two resurrections were understood as conduct after resurrection. The actions were now understood as deeds performed before death, distinguishing the prior records of the righteous and unrighteous.
2 quotes
In the past, we understood Jesus’ words to refer to the deeds the resurrected ones will practice after their resurrection; that is, some will come to life and practice good things while others will come to life and practice vile things.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), September 2022 He uses the past tense. He speaks of those who “did good things” and those who “practiced vile things.” This indicates that these actions took place before their death.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), September 2022 -
The resurrection of righteous people, including ancient faithful servants, was further described in terms of their past faithfulness and the book of life. Their names would be recorded provisionally after resurrection. Some would serve as earthly princes, and even faithful ancient men would need to learn about Jesus and exercise faith in his ransom.
3 quotes
This means that when the righteous are restored to life on earth, their names will be found written in the book of life, although “in pencil” at first.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), September 2022 No doubt, some of these resurrected ones will receive the privilege of serving as “princes in all the earth.”—Ps. 45:16.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), September 2022 Even such faithful men as Noah, Samuel, David, and Daniel will have to learn about Jesus Christ and exercise faith in his sacrifice.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), September 2022 -
Daniel 12:2 was no longer understood as the symbolic spiritual revival of God's servants during the last days. Instead, it was applied to a future literal resurrection of the dead after Armageddon during Christ's Thousand Year Reign.
2 quotes
This prophecy is not referring to a symbolic resurrection, a spiritual revival of God’s servants that occurs during the last days, as we previously understood.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), September 2022 Rather, these words refer to the resurrection of the dead that takes place in the coming new world. Why can we draw that conclusion? The expression “the dust” is also used at Job 17:16 as a parallel of the expression “the Grave.”
The Watchtower (Study Edition), September 2022 -
The expectation that Christ's Kingdom would continue to use human representatives during the Thousand Year Reign was reaffirmed. Psalm 45:16 was cited in connection with this future arrangement.
1 quote
No doubt Jehovah will continue to use human representatives to provide guidance during the great tribulation and on into the Thousand Year Reign.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), February 2024 -
A historical retrospective again acknowledged the expectation that the faithful men of old would return as earthly princes in connection with 1925. It stated that these expectations did not materialize and did not restore the old timetable.
1 quote
It was thought that then the remnant of Christ’s anointed followers would go to heaven to be part of the Kingdom and that the faithful men of old, such as Abraham, David and others, would be resurrected as princes to take over the government of the earth as part of God’s kingdom.
The Watchtower (Study Edition), October 2025
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