Revelation 1:6

KJV

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} hath made {G4160} us {G2248} kings {G935} and {G2532} priests {G2409} unto God {G2316} and {G2532} his {G846} Father {G3962}; to him {G846} be glory {G1391} and {G2532} dominion {G2904} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165}. Amen {G281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

who has caused us to be a kingdom, that is, cohanim for God, his Father — to him be the glory and the rulership forever and ever. Amen.

Berean Standard Bible

who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

American Standard Version

and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 1:6 serves as a profound doxology and declaration, articulating the elevated status of believers as "kings and priests" unto God, a direct result of Christ's redemptive work. It attributes eternal glory and dominion to Jesus Christ, establishing His supreme worthiness and authority as the foundation for the new identity and priestly access granted to His followers, culminating in a resounding affirmation of truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a powerful Christological declaration in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Christ's Identity and Work"), which identifies Jesus as "the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth," and states that He "loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." Revelation 1:6, therefore, presents the glorious consequence of Christ's finished work: the transformation and exaltation of His people. It transitions from Christ's person and work to the identity and destiny of those who belong to Him, setting the stage for the subsequent visions that reveal the Church's struggles, triumphs, and ultimate reign with Christ. The doxology also serves as a fitting conclusion to John's opening salutation and blessing, shifting focus from the recipients to the worthy One.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "kings and priests" carries significant weight from both Old Testament and Greco-Roman perspectives. In the Old Testament, Israel was called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Kingdom of Priests")), a unique role among nations, mediating God's presence and truth to the world. However, only specific individuals from the tribe of Levi could serve as priests, and kingship was distinct. In the Roman world, emperors were often deified and held absolute power, demanding worship. For believers in Asia Minor facing persecution, the declaration that they are "kings and priests" would have been a radical counter-cultural claim, asserting their true spiritual authority and access to the one true God, not dependent on earthly rulers or systems. This status would have provided immense encouragement and a sense of divine purpose amidst imperial pressures.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 1:6 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **exaltation of Christ**, affirming His supreme "glory and dominion" as the one to whom all honor is due. This theme of Christ's ultimate sovereignty is central to Revelation, providing comfort and assurance to a persecuted church that their Lord is in control, even amidst chaos. Secondly, it highlights the **new covenant identity of believers**, transforming them into a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), granting them direct access to God and a share in Christ's spiritual authority. This theme emphasizes the radical inclusivity of the new covenant, where all believers, not just a select few, are consecrated for divine service and spiritual rule. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **divine grace and redemption**, as this exalted status is not earned but "made" (granted) by Christ's sacrificial love and atoning blood, as declared in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Christ's Redemptive Work").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **made (Greek, _poiéō'_):** From G4160, meaning "to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)." Here, it signifies a divine act of creation or transformation. God, through Christ, has actively brought about this new reality for believers, conferring upon them a status they did not inherently possess or earn. It emphasizes the sovereign initiative and power of God in establishing the identity of His people.
* **kings (Greek, _basileús'_):** From G935, meaning "a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)." This term denotes royalty, authority, and the capacity to rule. In the context of believers, it points to their spiritual authority over sin and evil, their participation in Christ's present reign, and their future co-regency with Him in His kingdom, as seen in passages like [Revelation 5:10](/revelation/5-10 "Revelation 5:10 - Believers Reigning on Earth").
* **priests (Greek, _hiereús'_):** From G2409, meaning "a priest (literally or figuratively)." This refers to one who mediates between God and humanity, offering sacrifices and interceding. For believers, it signifies their direct access to God through Christ, their privilege to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service, and their role in interceding for the world, fulfilling the Old Testament ideal of a priestly nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;":** This clause declares the new, exalted status of believers. The "us" refers to those who have been "washed... from their sins in his own blood" (Revelation 1:5). Through Christ's redemptive work, they are not merely forgiven but are actively constituted as a royal priesthood. "Kings" signifies their shared authority and future reign with Christ, while "priests" denotes their direct access to God and their calling to spiritual service and worship. This status is "unto God and his Father," indicating that their new identity and service are directed towards and for the glory of the Triune God.
* **"to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.":** This is a powerful doxology, a declaration of praise and adoration directed to Jesus Christ. "Glory" (G1391, _dóxa_) refers to His inherent majesty, honor, and supreme worthiness, while "dominion" (G2904, _krátos_) speaks of His absolute power, might, and sovereign authority. The phrase "for ever and ever" (G1519 _eis_ G165 _aiṓn_ and G165 _aiṓn_) emphasizes the eternal, unending nature of Christ's reign and worthiness. The concluding "Amen" (G281, _amḗn_) serves as a solemn affirmation of truth, expressing assent and certainty to the preceding declaration of Christ's eternal glory and dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 1:6 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "kings and priests" are not merely literal titles but symbolic representations of the believer's new identity and function. "Kings" symbolizes authority, sovereignty, and a share in Christ's rule, while "priests" symbolizes direct access to God, mediation, and sacred service. This combined imagery evokes the Old Testament ideal of Israel as a "kingdom of priests" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Kingdom of Priests")), now fulfilled and expanded in the church. The verse also features a powerful **Doxology**, a formal expression of praise and glory directed to Christ. This serves to elevate Christ's status and reinforce His ultimate sovereignty, providing a theological anchor for the entire book. Furthermore, there is a clear **Allusion** to Old Testament themes, particularly the priestly and royal roles, reinterpreted and fulfilled in the New Covenant through Christ. The concluding "Amen" functions as an **Affirmation**, lending solemnity and certainty to the divine declaration and doxology.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 1:6 profoundly impacts our understanding of the New Covenant and the identity of the Church. It reveals that through Christ's sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity has been removed, not just for a select few, but for all who believe. This "priesthood of all believers" means every Christian has direct access to God's presence, is called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service, and participates in God's redemptive work in the world. Moreover, being made "kings" signifies a spiritual authority and a future co-regency with Christ, challenging believers to live in light of their royal inheritance, exercising dominion over sin and participating in the advancement of God's kingdom. This status is entirely a gift of grace, flowing from Christ's completed work, and thus all glory and dominion are rightly ascribed to Him eternally.

* [1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")
* [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access to God")
* [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Redeemed Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that we have been "made kings and priests" by Christ's sacrifice is not merely a theological concept but a call to live out a transformed identity. As priests, we are given direct, unhindered access to God's presence through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. This privilege invites us to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with our Creator, offering our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")) and interceding for others. As kings, we are called to exercise spiritual authority in Christ, reigning over sin in our own lives, resisting the temptations of the world, and participating in God's redemptive purposes for His creation. This means living with dignity, purpose, and confidence, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to the King of kings, and our future is secure in His eternal dominion. This profound truth should inspire both humility for the grace received and boldness in living out our divine calling, always returning all glory and dominion to the One who made it possible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the identity of being a "king and priest" challenge or affirm your current understanding of your role as a believer?**
* **In what practical ways can you live out your "priestly" access to God and offer "spiritual sacrifices" in your daily life?**
* **What does it mean to exercise "kingly" authority over sin and participate in God's kingdom work in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does the doxology to Christ ("to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever") shape your worship and perspective on His sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for believers to be "kings and priests"?**

Answer: For believers to be "kings and priests" signifies a dual, exalted status granted by God through Jesus Christ. As "priests," believers have direct, unmediated access to God's presence, a privilege once reserved for a select few in the Old Testament. This means we can approach God confidently in prayer, worship, and service, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise")). As "kings" (or a "kingdom," as some translations render it, referring to the collective body of believers), we share in Christ's spiritual authority and reign. This implies dominion over sin, participation in God's redemptive purposes on earth, and a future co-regency with Christ in His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 5:10](/revelation/5-10 "Revelation 5:10 - Believers Reigning")). This status is a gift of grace, not earned, and empowers believers to live purposeful lives for God's glory.

**Why is "glory and dominion" attributed to Christ in this verse?**

Answer: The attribution of "glory and dominion for ever and ever" to Christ is a powerful doxology, an act of worship and praise that acknowledges His supreme worthiness and absolute sovereignty. It is precisely because Christ, through His sacrificial love and atoning blood (as mentioned in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Christ's Love and Blood")), has "made us kings and priests" that He is worthy of all honor, majesty, and power. This declaration reinforces the foundational truth that all blessings, salvation, and new identity flow from Him, and therefore all praise is due back to Him. It also sets the tone for the entire book of Revelation, which consistently portrays Christ as the triumphant Lord who holds ultimate authority over all creation and history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 1:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who embodies and bestows the very status He declares for His people. He is the ultimate High Priest, having entered the true Holy of Holies once for all, securing eternal redemption through His own blood ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest")). Through His perfect sacrifice, He has opened the way for all believers to have direct access to God, making them a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) who can draw near with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Furthermore, Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the "prince of the kings of the earth" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Christ, Prince of Kings")), who has conquered sin and death. By making believers "kings," He invites them to share in His present spiritual reign over sin and evil, and promises a future co-regency with Him in His eternal kingdom ([2 Timothy 2:12](/2-timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - Reigning with Christ")). Thus, the status of "kings and priests" is not earned but is a gracious imputation and impartation from Christ, making His people participants in His own glorious priestly and kingly offices, all to the eternal "glory and dominion" of the One who loved us and washed us in His own blood.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 5:10

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Isaiah 61:6

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: [men] shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.