What does Revelation 4:11 mean?

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

Explanation

Revelation 4:11 is a verse that captures the essence of worship and acknowledges the sovereignty and creative power of God. The verse is often seen as a doxology, which is a short hymn of praises to God. The phrase “Thou art worthy, O Lord” directly addresses God with a declaration of His worthiness to receive three specific things: glory, honour, and power. This worthiness is attributed to God’s role as the Creator of all things. The expression “for thy pleasure they are and were created” indicates that all of creation exists for the purpose of God’s desire or will; it is both a recognition of His intentional creation and His delight in that creation.

Historical Context

This verse is from the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. The text of Revelation was likely composed at the end of the 1st century AD, during a time when Christians were facing persecution under the Roman Empire. Revelation is apocalyptic literature, filled with symbolic and prophetic visions. This particular verse is part of a vision that describes the heavenly throne room and focuses on the figure on the throne, who is God. The passage surrounding Revelation 4:11 features the twenty-four elders and four living creatures worshipping God unceasingly.

Theological Insights

The verse prompts several theological insights:

• Divine Worthiness: It underlines the belief that God alone is deserving of the highest forms of praise because of His nature and deeds.
• Creator-Creation Relationship: It articulates that God is the origin of all things; as such, everything that exists does so because of and for Him, suggesting a creator-centric purpose to all existence.
• Doctrinal Emphasis on Worship: It exemplifies the Christian principle that worship is owed to God not just for what He does (His actions) but for who He is (His nature).

Different theological traditions may emphasize varying aspects of this verse. For example, creation theologians might stress the intentional and purposeful act of God’s creation, while liturgical theologians might focus on the worship aspect as a model for Christian liturgy.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse can be reflected in a few practical ways:

• Worship: It can be used as a call to worship, reminding individuals and congregations of the reasons to praise God.
• Perspective on Life: It can offer a perspective on the purpose of life; if all things are created for God’s pleasure, then finding satisfaction might come through aligning one’s life with God’s will.
• Environmental Stewardship: Recognizing the value of creation as existing by and for God can prompt Christians to care for the environment with reverence and responsibility.

Cross-References

• Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”
• Colossians 1:16 – “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”
• Isaiah 43:7 – “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Revelation 4:11 include:

• Ἄξιος (axios): Translated as “worthy”, this term conveys the idea of deserving or fitting.
• Δόξαν (doxan): Translated as “glory”, it refers to honor, renown, and an excellent opinion held by others.
• Τιμήν (timēn): Translated as “honour”, this word can also mean value or esteem.
• Δύναμιν (dynamis): Translated as “power”, indicating strength, ability, or might.

Each of these terms emphasizes the high status and attributes that belong uniquely to God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, this verse’s theme resonates with several ancient mythologies and religions where deities are praised for their acts of creation. For instance, ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Norse mythologies have creation narratives where gods are lauded for bringing the world and its inhabitants into existence. Many religious systems include some concept of a supreme being who is worshipped due to their creative actions, although the purpose and relationship with creation may differ significantly.

Scientific Perspectives

The assertion that all things were created for God’s pleasure may seem to stand in contrast to scientific understandings that do not attribute intention or purpose to natural processes. However, some scientists who are also people of faith might reconcile this by viewing scientific laws themselves as a reflection of God’s wisdom and creative effort, with the conscious intention of humankind still being a subject worthy of theological and philosophical debate.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Affirms the verse as a recognition of God’s eternal right to receive the glory and praise of His creatures because He made them and maintains them.
• Benson Commentary: Observes that all creatures in heaven and earth, animate and inanimate, rational and irrational, were created for the divine pleasure and service.
• Cambridge Bible Commentary: Emphasizes that the worthiness of God in this verse is not because of divine tyranny but because of divine benevolence in creating and maintaining the universe.

Each of these commentaries converges on the idea that God, as the Creator, justly receives worship and that all of creation exists for His purpose, as described in Revelation 4:11.