King James Version

What Does Revelation 7:10 Mean?

Revelation 7:10 in the King James Version says “And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. — study this verse from Revelation chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 7:10 · KJV


Context

8

Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

9

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number , of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

10

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

11

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

12

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.... This verse from Revelation's vision of sealed servants and innumerable multitude - god's protection and salvation 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 7:10 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 · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

κράζοντες2 of 18

cried

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

φωνῇ3 of 18

voice

G5456

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

μεγάλῃ4 of 18

with a loud

G3173

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

λέγοντες,5 of 18

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

τῷ6 of 18

which

G3588

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

σωτηρία7 of 18

Salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

τῷ8 of 18

which

G3588

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

καθημένῳ9 of 18

sitteth

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ10 of 18

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ11 of 18

which

G3588

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

θρόνου,12 of 18

the throne

G2362

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

τῷ13 of 18

which

G3588

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

θεοῦ14 of 18

God

G2316

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

ἡμῶν15 of 18

to our

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ16 of 18

And

G2532

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

τῷ17 of 18

which

G3588

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

ἀρνίῳ18 of 18

unto the Lamb

G721

a lambkin


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 7:10 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 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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