King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:15 Mean?

Revelation 11:15 in the King James Version says “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 11:15 · KJV


Context

13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. of men: Gr. names of men

14

The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

16

And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

17

Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art , and wast , and art to come ; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.... This verse from Revelation's vision of two witnesses and seventh trumpet - faithful testimony, christ's kingdom proclaimed employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 11:15 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

2 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἕβδομος3 of 32

the seventh

G1442

seventh

ἄγγελος4 of 32

angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἐσάλπισεν·5 of 32

sounded

G4537

to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 32

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένοντο7 of 32

are become

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

φωναὶ8 of 32

voices

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλαι9 of 32

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐν10 of 32

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ11 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανῷ12 of 32

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

λέγουσαι,13 of 32

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἐγένοντο14 of 32

are become

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

αἱ15 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεῖαι16 of 32

The kingdoms

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ17 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμου18 of 32

of this world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τοῦ19 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου20 of 32

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν21 of 32

the kingdoms of our

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ22 of 32

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοῦ23 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ24 of 32

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

αὐτοῦ25 of 32

of his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ26 of 32

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βασιλεύσει27 of 32

he shall reign

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

εἰς28 of 32

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς29 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰώνων30 of 32

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῶν31 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰώνων32 of 32

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 11:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study