Revelation 19 5

Revelation 19:5 kjv

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 nkjv

Then a voice came from the throne, saying, "Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!"

Revelation 19:5 niv

Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!"

Revelation 19:5 esv

And from the throne came a voice saying, "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great."

Revelation 19:5 nlt

And from the throne came a voice that said, "Praise our God,
all his servants,
all who fear him,
from the least to the greatest."

Revelation 19 verses

Revelation 19 5 Meaning

Revelation 19:5 captures a divine directive for universal praise, emanating from the very seat of God's authority. Following the decisive judgment of "Babylon," this voice summons all of God's loyal adherents—those completely devoted to Him and who hold Him in reverent awe—to give Him glory. This command unites every believer, regardless of their earthly standing or prominence, in a single chorus of adoration, recognizing God's righteous acts and supreme sovereignty. It underscores the ultimate triumph of God and His kingdom, calling all His people to participate in the ensuing celebration.

Revelation 19 5 Context

Revelation chapter 19 initiates a triumphant sequence of praise and anticipation, following the dramatic judgment and fall of "Babylon the Great" described in chapters 17 and 18. This verse is the first specific call to praise from an unnamed voice directly linked to God's throne, echoing the collective "Hallelujahs" from the multitudes in heaven (Rev 19:1-4). The call signifies a pivotal moment where the focus shifts from divine retribution against evil to divine glorification. Historically, for the early church experiencing persecution and imperial claims to deity, the message that praise should be directed solely to "our God" from His throne—the ultimate seat of authority—served as a potent counter-narrative against the dominant pagan and emperor-worship cults of the Roman Empire. It solidified their exclusive allegiance to God and anticipated His ultimate victory.

Revelation 19 5 Word analysis

• Then (καὶ - kai): A simple coordinating conjunction that signifies continuation, indicating a subsequent action or statement directly following the preceding celestial praise for God's judgment against Babylon (Rev 19:1-4).
• a voice (φωνὴ - phōnē): While the exact speaker is not named, its origin "from the throne" lends it supreme authority. In Revelation, "voice" often signals a divine pronouncement or a command of significant theological weight (cf. Rev 4:1; 10:4; 18:4). Some scholars suggest it might be one of the four living creatures or an elder, due to similar roles earlier (Rev 4:6, 5:5), or simply emphasizes a direct divine utterance.
• came from the throne (ἐξῆλθεν ἐκ τοῦ θρόνου - exēlthen ek tou thronou): This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and supreme authority of the command. The "throne" (θρόνος - thronos) in Revelation is the focal point of God's sovereign rule, majesty, and justice (Rev 4:2; 5:1; 7:9-10; 16:17). The praise is thus directly mandated by God Himself.
• saying (λέγων - legōn): The present participle indicates the ongoing nature or direct utterance of the message.
• Praise (Αἰνεῖτε - Aineite): An imperative verb meaning "to laud," "to commend," "to celebrate." This is a direct command to engage in worship. It highlights active, volitional glorification of God, a central act of biblical worship often seen in the Psalms.
• our God (τὸν Θεὸν ἡμῶν - ton Theon hēmōn): The possessive pronoun "our" ("ἡμῶν" - hēmōn) establishes an intimate and covenantal relationship between the speaker's group (likely representing all believers) and God. It distinguishes the One true God from all other gods or idols, against whom the praises of the cosmos are directed.
• all you His bond-servants (πάντες οἱ δοῦλοι αὐτοῦ - pantes hoi douloi autou):
  • all you (πάντες οἱ - pantes hoi): Universal scope, including every individual within the specified category.
  • His bond-servants (δοῦλοι αὐτοῦ - douloi autou): "Slaves" or "bond-servants." In biblical context, this term is not one of degradation but of absolute, willing, and exclusive devotion. It signifies complete submission and loyalty to God as Master and Lord, recognizing His ownership and authority. Prophets (Amos 3:7), apostles (Rom 1:1, Tit 1:1), and all true believers (Rev 22:3) are often identified by this honorable title, emphasizing their commitment and service to God.
• you who fear Him (οἱ φοβούμενοι αὐτόν - hoi phoboumenoi auton): "Fear" (φοβούμενοι - phoboumenoi from phobeō) here means reverential awe, deep respect, and obedient submission, rather than terror. This is a foundational theme throughout the Bible for those who belong to God, often called "God-fearers" (Psa 22:23; 115:13; Pro 1:7; Act 10:35). It denotes a relationship of profound reverence that leads to obedience and trust, distinguishing those who truly honor God.
• both small and great (τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους - tous mikrous kai tous megalous): This merism—a figure of speech using two contrasting parts to express a totality—emphasizes inclusivity without discrimination. It includes everyone, regardless of social status, earthly influence, wealth, or perceived significance in human eyes. Whether a mighty king or a humble pauper, a renowned leader or an obscure believer, all are commanded to participate in this universal praise. This phrase is used elsewhere in Revelation to denote inclusivity (Rev 11:18, 20:12).

Words-Group Analysis:

• "from the throne, saying, 'Praise our God'": This phrase underscores the divine authority behind the command. The ultimate praise is due to "our God," the sovereign Lord, not earthly rulers or idols.
• "all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him": These two descriptions comprehensively define the redeemed community. "Bond-servants" emphasizes devoted service and ownership, while "who fear Him" highlights reverent obedience and right relationship. They represent different facets of the true worshipper's identity, both internal disposition and external dedication. This dual description ensures all facets of loyalty and awe are included.
• "both small and great": This phrase functions as a comprehensive universal call, breaking down all social barriers and hierarchical distinctions among humanity in the sight of God. All are equally accountable to offer praise, and all are equally valued within the family of God's worshipers.

Revelation 19 5 Bonus section

The unidentified voice from the throne is typical of Revelation, where messages from God's immediate presence or those closely associated with Him (like elders or living creatures) often remain anonymous yet carry immense weight. This anonymity reinforces the direct divine authority of the command itself, rather than focusing on the messenger. This pattern underscores that the message's validity comes from its divine origin, not the status of its deliverer. It highlights God's transcendence and supreme initiative in orchestrating the praise of His creation. This also contrasts with Revelation's typical naming of angels (e.g., Gabriel, Michael) when specific angelic roles are emphasized.

Revelation 19 5 Commentary

Revelation 19:5 stands as a powerful clarion call to universal worship, strategically placed after the cataclysmic judgment of worldly power and evil (Babylon). The source of this command, "a voice from the throne," lends it absolute, undeniable authority. It is a divine mandate, not a suggestion, indicating that the worship of God is not optional but inherent to His created order and His relationship with His redeemed people. The imperative "Praise our God" shifts the narrative's focus from destruction to devotion, from wrath to rejoicing, confirming God's righteousness in both judgment and salvation.

The address "all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him" identifies the worshipping community in comprehensive theological terms. "Bond-servants" encapsulates the essence of biblical discipleship—one of total allegiance, submission, and loving obedience, viewing oneself as belonging entirely to God. This stands in stark contrast to servitude under earthly lords or sinful desires. Concurrently, "you who fear Him" emphasizes the profound reverence, awe, and respect that true believers hold for the holy and majestic God, a fear that produces righteousness and faithful living. This is not a servile fear of punishment, but a holy dread of displeasing a perfectly good and powerful Father, fostering deep trust and devotion.

The final phrase, "both small and great," erases all human distinctions that might exist. Earthly status, power, wealth, or social standing become utterly irrelevant before the throne of God. In this celestial chorus of praise, every believer, from the humblest to the most renowned, stands equal in their shared purpose and privilege of adoring God. This inclusivity underscores the universality of salvation and the unity of the redeemed community, reminding believers across generations that their primary identity is rooted in being God's cherished bond-servants, reverencing His name above all else. This verse is an invitation to every believer, in every era, to join in the unending chorus of praise, anticipating the ultimate consummation of God's righteous reign.