King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:5 Mean?

Revelation 19:5 in the King James Version says “And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and gr...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.”

Revelation 19:5 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

3

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

4

And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

5

And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

Read Revelation 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.... 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 19:5 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
καὶ1 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

φωνὴ2 of 25

“a voice”

G5456

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

ἐκ3 of 25

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ4 of 25
G3588

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

θρόνου5 of 25

“the throne”

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

ἐξῆλθεν6 of 25

“came”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

λέγουσα7 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

Αἰνεῖτε8 of 25

“Praise”

G134

to praise (god)

τὸν9 of 25
G3588

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

Θεὸν10 of 25

“God”

G2316

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

ἡμῶν11 of 25

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

πάντες12 of 25

“all ye”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ13 of 25
G3588

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

δοῦλοι14 of 25

“servants”

G1401

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

αὐτόν15 of 25

“him”

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

καὶ16 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ17 of 25
G3588

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

φοβούμενοι18 of 25

“ye that fear”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

αὐτόν19 of 25

“him”

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

καὶ20 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ21 of 25
G3588

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

μικροὶ22 of 25

“small”

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

καὶ23 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ24 of 25
G3588

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

μεγάλοι25 of 25

“great”

G3173

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

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 19:5 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 19:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 134:1Psalms 150:6Psalms 148:11-13Revelation 11:18-19Revelation 7:15Psalms 135:1

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