Revelation 19:1

KJV

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after {G3326} these things {G5023} I heard {G191} a great {G3173} voice {G5456} of much {G4183} people {G3793} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, saying {G3004}, Alleluia {G239}; Salvation {G4991}, and {G2532} glory {G1391}, and {G2532} honour {G5092}, and {G2532} power {G1411}, unto the Lord {G2962} our {G2257} God {G2316}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After these things, I heard what sounded like the roar of a huge crowd in heaven, shouting,

“Halleluyah!
The victory, the glory, the power of our God!

Berean Standard Bible

After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!

American Standard Version

After these things I heard as it were a great voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, Hallelujah; Salvation, and glory, and power, belong to our God:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:1 initiates a profound shift in the apocalyptic narrative, moving from the detailed judgments upon "Babylon the Great" to a magnificent crescendo of heavenly worship. This verse introduces the first of four "Alleluia" declarations in this chapter, uttered by a vast multitude in heaven who ascribe salvation, glory, honor, and power to the Lord God, celebrating His righteous justice and sovereign authority in the wake of His decisive victory over evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the vivid and extensive account of the fall and judgment of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute and the Beast") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"). Babylon, a symbolic representation of all worldly systems opposed to God, has been utterly destroyed. The "great voice of much people in heaven" thus represents the triumphant, righteous response to God's definitive act of justice against spiritual and moral corruption. This heavenly acclamation serves as a pivotal transition, setting the stage for the highly anticipated return of Christ and the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") later in the chapter, marking the inauguration of God's final kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). The imagery of "Babylon" would have resonated deeply with the original audience, as Rome was often referred to as "Babylon" in early Christian writings, symbolizing its oppressive power and idolatry. The call to "Alleluia" (a Hebrew term) would have connected the Christian community to the ancient traditions of Israelite worship, particularly the Psalms, where this exclamation frequently appears as a call to praise God for His mighty acts. This heavenly chorus would have offered immense encouragement and vindication to believers suffering under Roman tyranny, assuring them that God's justice would ultimately prevail over all earthly powers.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 19:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, as the praise erupts precisely because God has executed righteous judgment against the forces of evil and injustice, providing assurance that His perfect plan will triumph. Secondly, the declaration "Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God" highlights the absolute **Sovereignty and Power of God**, affirming His ultimate authority and control over all history and events, from creation to consummation, as seen in passages like [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - God's Worthiness to Receive Glory"). Thirdly, the verse offers a profound glimpse into **Heavenly Worship**, portraying a vast, unanimous multitude—likely a combination of angels and redeemed saints—who ceaselessly offer God the ultimate adoration He is due, echoing the continuous worship described in [Revelation 5:11-14](/revelation/5-11-14 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Heavenly Worship of the Lamb"). Finally, the prominent mention of "Salvation" emphasizes that deliverance from sin, death, and all evil is entirely God's initiative and accomplishment, a theme central to the gospel message found throughout Scripture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Alleluia (Greek, _allēlouïa'_):** From Hebrew origin, this adoring exclamation means "Praise ye Jah!" or "Praise the Lord!" Its appearance here, unique to Revelation in the New Testament, signifies a fervent, communal outburst of worship and adoration, celebrating God's triumph and vindication. It is a direct, imperative call to acknowledge God's supreme worthiness.
* **voice (Greek, _phōnḗ'_):** This word refers to an articulate tone or sound, often implying an address or language. Here, it describes a "great voice," indicating a powerful, resounding, and unified declaration from a vast multitude. It conveys the overwhelming and undeniable nature of the praise being offered in heaven.
* **Salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** Derived from a word meaning "savior," this term denotes rescue or safety, both physically and morally. In this context, it refers to God's act of deliverance from the power of evil and sin, specifically His righteous judgment that brings about a new order of safety and vindication for His people. It highlights God as the ultimate source of rescue and well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven,"**: This opening clause establishes the chronological sequence ("after these things," referring to the fall of Babylon) and introduces the speaker's (John's) auditory experience. The "great voice" from "much people" signifies an overwhelming, unified chorus, emphasizing the immense scale and unanimity of the heavenly response. The location "in heaven" underscores the divine perspective and the ultimate reality of God's throne room.
* **"saying, Alleluia;"**: This is the immediate, direct utterance of the heavenly multitude. "Alleluia" serves as a powerful, universal acclamation of praise and worship, expressing profound joy and adoration for God's character and actions. Its Hebrew origin connects this heavenly worship to the ancient, eternal praise of God's people.
* **"Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:"**: This is the core content of the heavenly praise, a fourfold ascription of divine attributes to God. "Salvation" acknowledges His saving acts, particularly His recent judgment. "Glory" refers to His inherent majesty and splendor. "Honour" speaks to His intrinsic worthiness of esteem and reverence. "Power" points to His omnipotence and sovereign ability to execute His will. Together, these attributes declare God's comprehensive supremacy and His absolute right to receive all worship and adoration from His creation. The phrase "unto the Lord our God" affirms His unique identity as the supreme deity and the covenant God of His people.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of triumphant worship. The most prominent is **Ascription**, where the heavenly multitude directly attributes specific qualities—salvation, glory, honor, and power—to God. This highlights God's inherent character and His worthiness of praise. **Hyperbole** is evident in "a great voice of much people," suggesting an immeasurable and overwhelming chorus that transcends human comprehension, emphasizing the magnitude of heavenly adoration. The use of **Anaphora** with the repeated "and" (Greek: *kai*) before "glory," "honour," and "power" creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, building the intensity of the praise and underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's attributes. Furthermore, the scene functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony** for the original readers, who, suffering persecution, would find solace in knowing that while earthly powers seemed to prevail, heaven was already celebrating God's ultimate victory over those very powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:1 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's justice is inextricably linked to His salvation, and both are cause for ultimate praise. The heavenly chorus erupts not merely at the destruction of evil, but at the vindication of God's righteous character and the demonstration of His saving power. This passage reaffirms that God is not only sovereign over history but actively intervenes to bring about His perfect will, ensuring that all evil will be judged and His people will ultimately be delivered. It teaches us that true worship flows from a deep understanding and appreciation of God's attributes and His redemptive acts throughout history, culminating in the final triumph of His kingdom.

* [Psalm 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Psalm 150:6 - Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia!")
* [Revelation 7:9-12](/revelation/7-9-12 "Revelation 7:9-12 - The Great Multitude Worshipping God")
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - God is Worthy of Glory, Honor, and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:1 serves as a powerful reminder that despite the apparent chaos and injustice in the world, God remains utterly sovereign and perfectly just. For believers, this verse offers immense hope and a call to worship. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and align our hearts with the eternal reality of God's triumph. When we witness evil seemingly prospering, or when we face personal trials, this heavenly "Alleluia" reminds us that God is actively working out His purposes, and His justice will ultimately prevail. Our worship, even amidst difficulty, becomes an act of faith, anticipating the day when all creation will join this heavenly chorus. It challenges us to live lives that reflect the glory, honor, and power of the God we serve, trusting in His ultimate salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the heavenly praise in Revelation 19:1 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice in the world today?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to participate in the "Alleluia" of heaven, even before God's final victory is fully manifest?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally ascribe "Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power" to God in your personal worship and communal life?**

### FAQ
**Why is "Alleluia" repeated so often in Revelation 19, and what is its significance?**

Answer: The word "Alleluia" (or Hallelujah) is a transliteration of a Hebrew phrase meaning "Praise ye the Lord!" Its repetition four times in [Revelation 19:1-6](/revelation/19-1-6 "Revelation 19:1-6 - The Four Alleluias") is highly significant. It marks a climactic moment of intense, communal, and joyful worship in heaven, specifically in response to God's righteous judgment against "Babylon the Great" and in anticipation of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ's return. Its repeated use emphasizes the profound joy, vindication, and unanimous adoration felt in heaven as God's ultimate plan of salvation and justice unfolds. It signals a new phase of divine action and the assured triumph of God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 19:1 directly praises "the Lord our God," the ultimate fulfillment of this praise is profoundly Christ-centered. The "salvation, glory, honour, and power" ascribed to God are perfectly manifested and mediated through Jesus Christ. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the very embodiment of God's salvation. The glory of God is seen most clearly in the [face of Jesus Christ](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ"), who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). All authority and power in heaven and on earth have been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority in Heaven and on Earth")), and it is through His victorious work on the cross and His subsequent reign that God's justice is fully executed and His kingdom established. The "Lord our God" who receives this praise is the Triune God, with Christ as the central figure through whom all divine attributes are revealed and all worship is directed, ultimately leading to the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") and His final, triumphant return ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 7:10

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 7:12

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 5:13

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.