King James Version

What Does Revelation 7:12 Mean?

Revelation 7:12 in the King James Version says “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for e... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 7:12 · KJV


Context

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.

13

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sevenfold doxology ascribes complete attributes to God: blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might. The number seven symbolizes perfection; these attributes encompass all divine excellencies. The 'Amen' bookends (beginning and ending) confirm and seal the ascription—meaning 'truly' or 'it is certain.' Reformed theology emphasizes God's aseity (self-existence); He possesses these attributes eternally, and worship rightly acknowledges what is already true. The phrase 'for ever and ever' underscores divine eternality—His attributes never diminish or change. Worship recognizes and rejoices in God's unchanging excellence.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Seven-part blessings appear in Jewish liturgical tradition, reflecting the completeness associated with the number seven (creation week, Sabbath). Early Christian worship adapted these patterns while centering on Christ. This doxology's comprehensiveness demonstrated that worship must engage all aspects of human response—intellectual (wisdom), emotional (thanksgiving), volitional (blessing)—toward God's full character.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the sevenfold ascription challenge you to worship God for all His attributes, not just those you find comfortable?
  2. What does the eternal nature ('for ever and ever') of God's glory mean for how you value temporary earthly status?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
λέγοντες1 of 31

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

ἀμήν2 of 31

Amen

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

3 of 31
G3588

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

εὐλογία4 of 31

Blessing

G2129

fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

καὶ5 of 31

and

G2532

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

6 of 31
G3588

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

δόξα7 of 31

glory

G1391

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

καὶ8 of 31

and

G2532

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

9 of 31
G3588

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

σοφία10 of 31

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

καὶ11 of 31

and

G2532

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

12 of 31
G3588

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

εὐχαριστία13 of 31

thanksgiving

G2169

gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

καὶ14 of 31

and

G2532

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

15 of 31
G3588

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

τιμὴ16 of 31

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

καὶ17 of 31

and

G2532

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

18 of 31
G3588

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

δύναμις19 of 31

power

G1411

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

καὶ20 of 31

and

G2532

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

21 of 31
G3588

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

ἰσχὺς22 of 31

might

G2479

compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)

τῷ23 of 31
G3588

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

θεῷ24 of 31

God

G2316

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

ἡμῶν25 of 31

be unto our

G2257

of (or from) us

εἰς26 of 31

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς27 of 31
G3588

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

αἰώνων·28 of 31

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῶν29 of 31
G3588

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

αἰώνων·30 of 31

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ἀμήν31 of 31

Amen

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)


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 7:12 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 7:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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