King James Version

What Does Revelation 4:11 Mean?

Revelation 4:11 in the King James Version says “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure t... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 4:11 · KJV


Context

9

And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

10

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.... This verse from Revelation's vision of throne room of heaven - god's sovereignty, holiness, and worship 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 4:11 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
Ἄξιος1 of 25

worthy

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

εἶ2 of 25

Thou art

G1488

thou art

Κύριε,3 of 25

O Lord

G2962

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

λαβεῖν4 of 25

to receive

G2983

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

τὴν5 of 25
G3588

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

δόξαν6 of 25

glory

G1391

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

καὶ7 of 25

and

G2532

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

τὴν8 of 25
G3588

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

τιμὴν9 of 25

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

καὶ10 of 25

and

G2532

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

τὴν11 of 25
G3588

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

δύναμιν12 of 25

power

G1411

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

ὅτι13 of 25

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σὺ14 of 25

thou

G4771

thou

ἐκτίσθησαν15 of 25

hast created

G2936

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

τὰ16 of 25
G3588

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

πάντα17 of 25

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ18 of 25

and

G2532

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

διὰ19 of 25

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ20 of 25
G3588

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

θέλημά21 of 25

pleasure

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

σου22 of 25

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

εἰσιν23 of 25

they are

G1526

they are

καὶ24 of 25

and

G2532

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

ἐκτίσθησαν25 of 25

hast created

G2936

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)


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 4:11 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 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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