King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:6 Mean?

Revelation 19:6 in the King James Version says “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 thund...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 19:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. white: or, bright

Read Revelation 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 19:6 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

ἤκουσα2 of 25

“I heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ὡς3 of 25

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

φωνὴν4 of 25

“the voice”

G5456

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

ὄχλου5 of 25

“multitude”

G3793

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

πολλῶν6 of 25

“of a great”

G4183

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

καὶ7 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ὡς8 of 25

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

φωνὴν9 of 25

“the voice”

G5456

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

ὑδάτων10 of 25

“waters”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

πολλῶν11 of 25

“of a great”

G4183

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

καὶ12 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ὡς13 of 25

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

φωνὴν14 of 25

“the voice”

G5456

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

βροντῶν15 of 25

“thunderings”

G1027

thunder

ἰσχυρῶν16 of 25

“of mighty”

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

λεγόντας,17 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

Ἁλληλουϊά18 of 25

“Alleluia”

G239

praise ye jah!, an adoring exclamation

ὅτι19 of 25

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐβασίλευσεν20 of 25

“reigneth”

G936

to rule (literally or figuratively)

κύριος21 of 25

“the Lord”

G2962

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

ὁ22 of 25
G3588

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

θεὸς23 of 25

“God”

G2316

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

ὁ24 of 25
G3588

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

παντοκράτωρ25 of 25

“omnipotent”

G3841

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

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 19:6 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 19:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 97:1Revelation 14:2Psalms 99:1Psalms 29:3-9Psalms 93:1Ezekiel 1:24

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