King James Version

What Does Revelation 11:17 Mean?

Revelation 11:17 in the King James Version says “Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art , and wast , and art to come ; because thou hast taken to th...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 11:17 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. destroy the earth: or, corrupt the earth

19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

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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 11:17 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 · 25 words
λέγοντες1 of 25

“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

Εὐχαριστοῦμέν2 of 25

“We give”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

σοι3 of 25

“thee”

G4671

to thee

κύριε4 of 25

“O Lord”

G2962

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

τὴν5 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

θεὸς6 of 25

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τὴν7 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

παντοκράτωρ8 of 25

“Almighty”

G3841

the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)

τὴν9 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

ὢν10 of 25
G5607

being

καὶ11 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

τὴν12 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

ἦν13 of 25

“wast”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καὶ14 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

τὴν15 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

ἐρχόμενος,16 of 25

“art to come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὅτι17 of 25

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

εἴληφας18 of 25

“thou hast taken to thee”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὴν19 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

δύναμίν20 of 25

“power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

σου21 of 25

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

τὴν22 of 25

“which”

G3588

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

μεγάλην23 of 25

“great”

G3173

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

καὶ24 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

ἐβασίλευσας25 of 25

“hast reigned”

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

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 11:17 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 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 1:8Revelation 16:5Revelation 1:4Revelation 4:8-9Revelation 19:6Psalms 21:13

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