King James Version

What Does Revelation 15:3 Mean?

Revelation 15:3 in the King James Version says “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. saints: or, nations, or, ages”

Revelation 15:3 · KJV

Context

1

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

2

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. saints: or, nations, or, ages

4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

5

And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

Read Revelation 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven angels with seven plagues - completion of god's wrath, moses and lamb's song 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 15:3 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 · 36 words
καὶ1 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

ᾄδουσιν2 of 36

“they sing”

G103

to sing

τὴν3 of 36
G3588

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

ᾠδὴν4 of 36

“the song”

G5603

a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially

Μωσέως5 of 36

“of Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

τοῦ6 of 36
G3588

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

δούλου7 of 36

“the servant”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

τοῦ8 of 36
G3588

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

θεὸς9 of 36

“God”

G2316

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

καὶ10 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

τὴν11 of 36
G3588

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

ᾠδὴν12 of 36

“the song”

G5603

a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially

τοῦ13 of 36
G3588

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

ἀρνίου14 of 36

“of the Lamb”

G721

a lambkin

λέγοντες15 of 36

“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

Μεγάλα16 of 36

“Great”

G3173

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

καὶ17 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

θαυμαστὰ18 of 36

“marvellous”

G2298

wondered at, i.e., (by implication) wonderful

τὰ19 of 36
G3588

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

ἔργα20 of 36

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

σου21 of 36

“are thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

κύριε22 of 36

“Lord”

G2962

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

ὁ23 of 36
G3588

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

θεὸς24 of 36

“God”

G2316

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

ὁ25 of 36
G3588

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

παντοκράτωρ·26 of 36

“Almighty”

G3841

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

δίκαιαι27 of 36

“just”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

καὶ28 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

ἀληθιναὶ29 of 36

“true”

G228

truthful

αἱ30 of 36
G3588

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

ὁδοί31 of 36

“ways”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

σου32 of 36

“are thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὁ33 of 36
G3588

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

βασιλεὺς34 of 36

“thou King”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῶν35 of 36
G3588

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

ἁγίων36 of 36

“of saints”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

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 15:3 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 15:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 111:2Exodus 15:1-18Psalms 139:14Revelation 5:9-13Psalms 145:17Hosea 14:9

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Revelation 15 with CommentaryAll Revelation ChaptersComplete Revelation QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes