What does Revelation 19:6 mean?

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Revelation 19:6

Explanation

Revelation 19:6 is a powerful expression of praise and a declaration of God’s sovereign reign. The verse captures the moment in John’s apocalyptic vision where a great multitude in heaven celebrates the ultimate triumph of God. The verse uses imagery of vast, thunderous noises to convey the immensity of the praise being offered to God. This multitude rejoicing signifies the multitudes of the redeemed or the heavenly host praising God for His justice and power. The word “Alleluia,” translated from the Hebrew “Hallelujah,” means “Praise the Lord,” and punctuates the joyous and triumphant mood of this heavenly celebration. The phrase “Lord God omnipotent reigneth” affirms God’s absolute and unchallenged authority.

Historical Context

Revelation is the last book of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to John of Patmos, likely written around the end of the 1st century AD. This period was marked by persecutions of Christians in the Roman Empire, and the book serves as an encouragement to those enduring hardship, promising God’s ultimate victory over evil. Revelation 19 marks the climax of the apocalyptic narrative, where the downfall of Babylon has taken place and the moment of God’s final victory is at hand. The historical context reflects both the struggles of early Christians and the hope they held in the ultimate goodness and power of God.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse reflects several key concepts central to Christian eschatology. The omnipotence of God is highlighted, reinforcing the idea that nothing can challenge His divine plan or power. Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects of this verse. A pre-millennialist may view it as a literal foretelling of what will happen at the end of times. In contrast, an amillennialist might interpret it more symbolically, as a depiction of the spiritual victory of the church through Christ. Post-millennialists may see this as the triumph that follows a Christianized world. All viewpoints recognize this verse as affirming the ultimate victory of God.

Practical Applications

The powerful affirmation of God’s ultimate authority in Revelation 19:6 can serve to inspire believers in their faith, especially in times of trials and challenges. It is a reminder to maintain hope and to participate in this act of worship, aligning oneself with the heavenly multitude in praising God. This verse can also encourage believers to affirm God’s sovereignty in their daily decisions and to trust in His ultimate plan for goodness to prevail over evil.

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.”
• Revelation 11:15: “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
• Psalms 93:1: “The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.”

Language Study

The original language of the New Testament is Greek, and key words from Revelation 19:6 include:

• “Alleluia” (Ἁλληλούϊα) – the transliteration of the Hebrew phrase “Praise the Lord.”
• “Voice” (φωνή) – often signifies sound or noise, but here symbolizes the praising of God.
• “Omnipotent” (παντοκράτωρ) – from πᾶς (pas, “all”) and κρατέω (krateō, “to hold”), meaning “all-powerful” or “almighty.”
• “Reigneth” (ἐβασίλευσεν) – past tense of “to reign” indicating that God’s sovereign rule is established and recognized.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the deification of rulers and the absolute power of gods was a common theme. For instance, the Roman emperors were often associated with divine status and authority. The Biblical depiction stands in contrast, where there is only one Almighty God who is sovereign. In comparison to other religious interpretations of the divine, the Christian God’s power is not just over specific realms but over all creation and history.

Scientific Perspectives

The description of God’s voice as the “voice of many waters” and “mighty thunderings” could be seen as an attempt to communicate divine power in terms understood by people at the time, using the natural world’s most powerful and awe-inspiring sounds. While the passage conveys these images poetically, modern science can offer insight into the physical phenomena of thunder and the power of vast bodies of water, which can convey the sense of grandeur the verse seeks to express.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have offered insights into Revelation 19:6. Matthew Henry, for instance, interprets it as the church triumphant giving praise to God for avenging her on her enemies. The verse is seen by many as a celebration not only of victory but also of God’s (Christ’s) impending wedding to His bride, the Church. Some scholars, like Craig S. Keener, observe that Revelation’s imagery is drawn heavily from the Old Testament, enhancing the notion of continuity in God’s revelation and purposes.имв