Revelation 11:17

KJV

Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004}, We give {G2168} thee {G4671} thanks {G2168}, O Lord {G2962} God {G2316} Almighty {G3841}, which {G3588} art {G5607}{G3801}, and {G2532} wast {G2258}{G3801}, and {G2532} art to come {G2064}{G3801}; because {G3754} thou hast taken to thee {G2983} thy {G4675} great {G3173} power {G1411}, and {G2532} hast reigned {G936}.

Complete Jewish Bible

saying,

“We thank you, Adonai,
God of heaven’s armies,
the One who is and was,
that you have taken your power
and have begun to rule.

Berean Standard Bible

saying: “We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.

American Standard Version

saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who art and who wast; because thou hast taken thy great power, and didst reign.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 11:17 presents the profound thanksgiving of the twenty-four elders in heaven, a pivotal moment following the sounding of the seventh trumpet. Their worship acknowledges God's eternal nature and omnipotence, celebrating His decisive act of taking up His great power and commencing His ultimate, undisputed reign over all creation. This declaration marks a climactic shift in the divine narrative, signaling the assured triumph of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His sovereign purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 11:17 immediately follows the momentous declaration in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord") that "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." This announcement is made by "great voices in heaven" upon the sounding of the seventh and final trumpet, which initiates the third woe and signals the culmination of God's judgments and the establishment of His universal kingdom. The twenty-four elders, who are consistently depicted in Revelation as leading heavenly worship and representing the redeemed or heavenly council, respond to this divine declaration with a solemn act of thanksgiving and adoration, prostrating themselves before God's throne. Their response validates and celebrates the divine pronouncement, underscoring its immense significance within the apocalyptic narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution for early Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). Believers faced immense pressure to conform to imperial cult worship, which demanded allegiance to Caesar as "lord" and "god." In this context, the declaration of God as "Lord God Almighty" and the assertion of His ultimate reign served as a powerful counter-narrative, offering hope and assurance to a suffering church. It reminded them that despite the apparent power of Rome, the true and eternal sovereignty belonged to God alone. The imagery of heavenly worship and divine judgment would have resonated with Jewish apocalyptic traditions, providing a framework for understanding God's intervention in history and His ultimate triumph over evil.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Revelation. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, emphasizing God's absolute control over history and His inherent, unchallengeable power. The recurring title "which art, and wast, and art to come" (also found in [Revelation 1:4](/revelation/1-4 "Revelation 1:4 - God's Eternal Nature") and [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - The Four Living Creatures' Worship")) highlights God's **Eternal Nature**, portraying Him as transcendent over time and the ultimate source of all existence. Furthermore, the core message that God "hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned" underscores the definitive **Establishment of God's Kingdom** and the **Consummation of His Redemptive Plan**. This is not merely a future hope but a declared reality, signifying the end of all earthly and demonic opposition to His rule. Finally, the elders' response exemplifies **Heavenly Worship and Thanksgiving**, modeling the appropriate human response to God's character and His decisive actions in history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Almighty (Greek, _pantokrátōr_):** From πᾶς and κράτος, meaning "the all-ruling." This term is used exclusively for God in the New Testament, particularly prominent in Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - The Alpha and Omega")). It signifies God as the absolute and universal sovereign, possessing complete power and authority over all creation, history, and destiny. The elders' use of this title underscores their recognition of God's limitless dominion now being fully asserted.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis_):** From δύναμαι, meaning "force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power." In this context, it refers to God's inherent, active might and ability. The phrase "taken to thee thy great power" does not imply God acquired new power, but rather that He has now decisively and visibly exercised His inherent, immense power to bring about His reign, moving from potential to manifest dominion.
* **which art, and wast, and art to come (Greek, _ho ōn kaí ho ēn kaí ho erchómenos_):** This is a profound divine epithet combining the present participle of "to be" (being), the imperfect of "to be" (was), and the present participle of "to come" (coming). It describes God as the Eternal One, transcending time—He who exists eternally in the present, has always existed in the past, and will always exist in the future. This title emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His continuous active presence, and His sovereign control over all epochs of history, providing the ultimate foundation for His ultimate reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty,"**: The verse opens with the collective voice of the twenty-four elders, prostrate in worship. Their immediate response to the announcement of God's kingdom is one of profound gratitude and adoration. They address God with the majestic title "Lord God Almighty," acknowledging His supreme authority (Lord), His divine nature (God), and His absolute, universal sovereignty (Almighty). This address sets the tone for a declaration of complete submission and praise.
* **"which art, and wast, and art to come;"**: This is a direct invocation of God's eternal and unchanging nature, a recurring descriptor for God in Revelation. It emphasizes His timeless existence, His continuous presence throughout all history (past, present, and future), and His transcendence over all created time. This attribute of eternal being provides the unshakeable foundation for His ultimate and victorious reign, ensuring that His purposes will always endure.
* **"because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned."**: This clause reveals the specific reason for the elders' thanksgiving. The phrase "taken to thee thy great power" signifies not an acquisition of new power, but the decisive and visible exercise of God's inherent, immense power. It marks a climactic moment where God's rightful dominion, previously contested or partially veiled, is now fully asserted. The subsequent "and hast reigned" declares the commencement of His undisputed, universal rule, fulfilling all prophecies concerning His eternal kingdom and bringing an end to all opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 11:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Apostrophe** is prominently featured as the elders directly address God ("O Lord God Almighty"), creating a sense of intimate and reverent communication. The phrase "which art, and wast, and art to come" serves as a **Formulaic Epithet** or **Divine Title**, a recurring and majestic description of God's eternal nature found elsewhere in Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 1:4](/revelation/1-4 "Revelation 1:4 - God's Eternal Nature"), [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - The Four Living Creatures' Worship")). This repetition emphasizes God's unchanging character and reinforces His ultimate authority. Furthermore, the declaration that God "hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned" uses **Exaltation** and **Affirmation** to underscore the magnitude of God's decisive action, presenting His reign not as a future possibility but as a present, undeniable reality that elicits immediate and fervent worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:17 stands as a profound theological statement on God's ultimate sovereignty and the assured triumph of His kingdom. It affirms that despite the chaos, suffering, and apparent opposition witnessed throughout history, God remains the "Lord God Almighty," eternally present and ultimately in control. The elders' thanksgiving is a response to the eschatological reality that God has now decisively intervened, asserting His inherent power to establish His reign. This moment signifies the culmination of His redemptive plan, where all earthly kingdoms and rebellious forces are brought under His undisputed dominion. It offers immense comfort and hope to believers, assuring them that God's purposes will prevail and that His justice and righteousness will ultimately be fully manifested.

* [Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - The Four Living Creatures' Worship")
* [Revelation 19:6](/revelation/19-6 "Revelation 19:6 - The Hallelujah Chorus")
* [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:17 offers a powerful anchor for faith in a world often marked by uncertainty and apparent injustice. The elders' declaration reminds us that God's sovereignty is not merely a theological concept but an active, unfolding reality that will culminate in His undisputed reign. This truth should inspire unwavering trust, even when circumstances seem dire or evil appears to triumph. Knowing that the "Lord God Almighty" has taken His great power and reigns provides a foundation for enduring hope, transforming our perspective from one of despair to one of confident expectation for God's ultimate victory. Our worship, like that of the elders, should be characterized by profound thanksgiving for God's eternal nature, His boundless power, and His unwavering commitment to establish His perfect kingdom. This verse calls us to align our lives with the reality of His coming reign, living as citizens of His kingdom even now.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the title "Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come" deepen your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's "great power" and His ultimate reign?**
* **How can the elders' act of thanksgiving inspire your own worship and prayer life, especially in challenging times?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "seventh trumpet" in Revelation 11:17?**

Answer: The sounding of the seventh trumpet in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord") is highly significant as it marks the culmination of God's judgments and the decisive transition to the establishment of His universal kingdom. Unlike the previous trumpets, which brought partial judgments, the seventh trumpet announces that "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." It signals the end of human and demonic rebellion and the beginning of God's undisputed, eternal rule, prompting the heavenly declaration of thanksgiving in [Revelation 11:17](/revelation/11-17 "Revelation 11:17 - The Elders' Thanksgiving").

**Who are the "twenty-four elders" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "twenty-four elders" are a prominent group in the book of Revelation, first introduced in [Revelation 4:4](/revelation/4-4 "Revelation 4:4 - The Twenty-Four Elders Around the Throne"). While their exact identity is debated among scholars, they are generally understood to represent either the redeemed people of God (symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles) or a specific order of heavenly beings who serve as a heavenly council. They are consistently depicted leading worship, offering prayers, and prostrating themselves before God's throne, acting as witnesses and participants in God's divine plan. In [Revelation 11:17](/revelation/11-17 "Revelation 11:17 - The Elders' Thanksgiving"), their thanksgiving serves as a model of appropriate response to God's decisive act of taking up His great power and reigning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 11:17, while directly addressing God the Father, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the appointed agent of God's reign. The declaration that God "hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned" is realized through the victorious Lamb, who has conquered sin and death and to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")). Christ, as the "faithful and true witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Christ the Ruler of Kings")), is the one through whom God's kingdom is established and fully manifested. The "kingdoms of this world" become "the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ" ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord")), signifying that God's reign is inextricably linked to the reign of His Son. Ultimately, it is Christ who "must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet" ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")), culminating in the glorious return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")), when His dominion will be visibly and eternally established.

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 1:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

Revelation 1:4

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Revelation 19:6

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 4:8

¶ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Revelation 4:9

And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Psalms 21:13

Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: [so] will we sing and praise thy power.