What does Revelation 19:5 mean?

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

Explanation

Revelation 19:5 is a verse from the Book of Revelation, which is the final book of the New Testament in the Christian Bible. This book contains a series of visions received by the apostle John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos. Revelation 19 is part of a sequence describing the ultimate victory of God over evil and the establishment of His kingdom.

The verse specifically says, “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.” This is a call to worship directed towards all who serve God, emphasizing that every individual, regardless of their status or position, is included in this exhortation. The “voice out of the throne” suggests divine authority and the seat of God’s power.

The mention of “praise” signifies a directive to acknowledge God’s sovereignty, while “all ye his servants” encompasses God’s followers who are dedicated and faithful. Those “that fear him” reflects the biblical understanding of fear as a form of deep respect and awe for God’s majesty. Lastly, the phrase “both small and great” indicates that God’s invitation to praise is inclusive and universal.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written in approximately 95 AD. During this period, Christians faced intense persecution under the Roman Empire. As a result, Revelation contains many symbols and allegories that illustrate God’s ultimate triumph and the hope of salvation for the oppressed believers.

The verse falls into a segment of Revelation that presents a series of joyous declarations following the fall of Babylon—a symbol for a corrupt and oppressive empire. The command to praise God in this verse reflects the jubilant release and relief following God’s just intervention against the agents of persecution and evil.

Theological Insights

Different theological interpretations have been derived from this passage.

• Preterist View: This perspective sees Revelation largely as a description of events in John’s own time—specifically, the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the subsequent fall of Rome. In this context, the call to praise may have served as encouragement to the early Christians who witnessed these events.

• Futurist View: Many believe that this part of Revelation refers to end-time events still to come. Theologians with this view may interpret the verse as an anticipation of the final judgment when all people will be called to acknowledge God’s authority.

• Idealist View: This approach interprets Revelation as a timeless allegory of spiritual warfare. Here, the verse calls believers in every age to consistently honor God amidst trials and tribulations.

• Historicist View: Sees the prophecy of Revelation as unfolding throughout the course of history. The voice from the throne, then, represents divine authority throughout the ages calling people to worship.

Practical Applications

Revelation 19:5 can be applied in various ways:

• It serves as a reminder that worship and reverence for God should be inclusive, cutting across societal, economic, and status divides.
• The verse encourages believers to maintain an attitude of praise through difficult circumstances, with the assurance of God’s sovereign justice.
• It emphasizes the importance of humility since both “small and great” are invited to praise God, indicating that no one is beyond or beneath the call to worship.

Cross-References

• Revelation 7:9-10: “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; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
• Psalm 115:13: “He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.”
• Revelation 22:17: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• Thronos (θρόνος): Translated as “throne,” referencing a chair of state, denoting sovereign authority and divine governance.
• Doulos (δοῦλος): Translated as “servants,” signifying bond-servants or those wholly devoted to another.
• Phobos (φόβος): Translated as “fear,” meaning reverential fear, respect, and awe towards God.
• Mikros and Megas (μικρὸς and μέγας): Translated as “small” and “great,” illustrating the inclusiveness of the divine call without discrimination based on social or worldly standing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse and its call to the universal worship of a single divine being stand in contrast with the more fragmented and polytheistic views of the ancient world, where worship might be offered to a myriad of local deities. In the Greco-Roman context, this idea of universal praise of the one true God was distinctive and countercultural.

In Judaism, there are parallels where worship and reverence towards God are not limited by social status, as seen in numerous Psalms calling all levels of society to praise God.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, it can be philosophically compared to the universal laws of physics that apply to all entities, regardless of size or magnitude. Similarly, the call for all to praise God, both small and great, reflects a spiritual law of universal application.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Revelation 19:5.

• Matthew Henry: Saw this verse as a prelude to the marriage of the Lamb, a metaphor for Christ’s union with the Church. He emphasized the universality of this invitation to praise.
• Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown: In their commentary, they note the call for universal praise is linked with the anticipation of the Lamb’s wedding.
• Craig S. Keener: Suggests that the command from the throne to praise God signifies divine approval of the praise and worship due from saints and martyrs, indicated by the following acclamation by a “great multitude” in Revelation 19:6.

These perspectives contribute to a broader understanding of the theological significance and the call to worship as expressed in this verse.