King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:1 Mean?

Revelation 19:1 in the King James Version says “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honou... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:1 · KJV


Context

1

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

2

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

3

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:... This verse from Revelation's vision of hallelujah chorus, marriage supper, christ's return - final victory, word of god rides forth 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 19:1 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 · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

μετὰ2 of 28

after

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ταῦτα3 of 28

these things

G5023

these things

ἤκουσα4 of 28

I heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

φωνὴν5 of 28

voice

G5456

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

ὄχλου6 of 28

people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

πολλοῦ7 of 28

of much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

μεγάλην8 of 28

a great

G3173

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

ἐν9 of 28

in

G1722

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

τῷ10 of 28
G3588

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

οὐρανῷ11 of 28

heaven

G3772

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

λεγόντος,12 of 28

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

Ἁλληλουϊά·13 of 28

Alleluia

G239

praise ye jah!, an adoring exclamation

14 of 28
G3588

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

σωτηρία15 of 28

Salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

καὶ16 of 28

And

G2532

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

17 of 28
G3588

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

δόξα18 of 28

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ19 of 28

And

G2532

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

20 of 28
G3588

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

τιμὴ21 of 28

honour

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

καὶ22 of 28

And

G2532

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

23 of 28
G3588

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

δύναμις24 of 28

power

G1411

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

Κυρίῳ25 of 28

unto the Lord

G2962

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

τῷ26 of 28
G3588

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

Θεῷ27 of 28

God

G2316

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

ἡμῶν28 of 28

our

G2257

of (or from) us


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 19:1 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 19:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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