Revelation 19:5

KJV

¶ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} a voice {G5456} came {G1831} out of {G1537} the throne {G2362}, saying {G3004}, Praise {G134} our {G2257} God {G2316}, all ye {G3956} his {G846} servants {G1401}, and {G2532} ye that fear {G5399} him {G846}, both {G2532} small {G3398} and {G2532} great {G3173}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A voice went out from the throne, saying,

“Praise our God, all you his servants,
you who fear him, small and great!”

Berean Standard Bible

Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you who serve Him, and those who fear Him, small and great alike!”

American Standard Version

And a voice came forth from the throne, saying, Give praise to our God, all ye his servants, ye that fear him, the small and the great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:5 captures a momentous scene in heaven, immediately following the righteous judgment of Babylon, where a powerful voice emanating directly from God's throne issues a universal and authoritative call to praise. This divine command summons all of God's people—identified as His servants and those who revere Him, without distinction of earthly status—to offer Him glory and adoration, underscoring the inclusivity and imperative nature of worship in response to His sovereign acts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ's Return"), a chapter brimming with triumphant praise and the anticipation of Christ's ultimate victory. It immediately follows the heavenly rejoicing over the catastrophic fall of Babylon, the great harlot, which symbolizes the world's corrupt systems and their vehement opposition to God ([Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon")). The "voice out of the throne" serves as a pivotal divine command, ushering in a new phase of celebration that culminates in the glorious announcement of the [Marriage Supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"). This sequence highlights that the praise is a direct, divinely mandated response to God's righteous judgments and the imminent establishment of His eternal reign.

* **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. The imagery of Babylon, though rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition, would have resonated with the contemporary experience of imperial oppression and idolatry. The concept of a "throne" would evoke not only divine sovereignty but also earthly imperial power, contrasting God's ultimate authority with the transient power of human empires. The call to "servants" and "those who fear him" would have been deeply meaningful to a community struggling to maintain their distinct identity and allegiance to God in a hostile world, reminding them of their true Master and the reverence due to Him alone, rather than to earthly rulers or false gods.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority of Praise**, as the command originates directly "out of the throne," signifying that worship is not merely an emotional response but a divinely ordained imperative, echoing other scenes of direct divine communication and presence from God's throne ([Revelation 4:2](/revelation/4-2 "Revelation 4:2 - God's Throne in Heaven")). Secondly, it emphasizes a **Universal Call to Worship**, extending the invitation to "all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great." This comprehensive scope ensures that no one is excluded from the privilege and duty of praising God, whether humble or highly esteemed in human terms, a theme reiterated in the final judgment scene where all stand before God ([Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Lastly, it defines the **Identity of God's People** through two key characteristics: "his servants" (Greek: *doûlos*, bond-slaves, indicating complete devotion and submission) and "ye that fear him." The phrase "fear him" (Greek: *phobéō*) here denotes not terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness and power, a hallmark of true biblical faith and a recurring theme in the Psalms ([Psalm 115:13](/psalms/115-13 "Psalm 115:13 - Those who fear the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Greek, _ainéō'_):** From *aînos*, this verb means to praise God. In this context, it is an imperative, a direct command for adoration and glorification of the Divine. It signifies an active expression of worship, acknowledging God's worthiness, character, and deeds, particularly His righteous judgments and impending reign.
* **Servants (Greek, _doûlos'_):** Derived from *déō* (to bind), this term denotes a slave or bond-servant, whether literal or figurative, voluntary or involuntary. Here, it carries the profound theological meaning of those who are wholly devoted and subject to God, not out of coercion but out of willing submission and loyalty. It speaks to a deep, covenantal relationship of belonging and obedience.
* **Fear (Greek, _phobéō'_):** While often meaning to frighten or be afraid, in this theological context, *phobéō* signifies profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's majesty, holiness, and power. It is a "godly fear" that leads to worship and obedience, rather than paralyzing terror, and is a foundational aspect of true biblical faith and wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a voice came out of the throne, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the command. The "throne" is the seat of God's sovereign rule, signifying that the voice is not merely an angelic utterance but a direct emanation of divine will and power, carrying ultimate weight and imperative.
* **"Praise our God,"**: This is the core command, an imperative call to worship. The use of "our God" emphasizes the covenantal relationship between the divine speaker (or the one whose authority the voice represents) and the recipients of the command, highlighting a shared identity in God. It is a call to acknowledge His supreme worthiness and glory.
* **"all ye his servants,"**: This identifies the first category of those summoned to praise. "His servants" refers to those who are devoted to God, living in obedience and submission to His will. This encompasses all believers who have committed their lives to Christ, serving Him out of love and allegiance.
* **"and ye that fear him,"**: This second category further defines the people of God. "Those that fear Him" are individuals who hold God in profound reverence and awe, acknowledging His holiness, power, and justice. This fear is not terror, but a deep respect that leads to worship, trust, and obedience, a hallmark of true piety.
* **"both small and great."**: This concluding phrase emphasizes the universal and inclusive nature of the call to praise. It transcends all human distinctions of status, wealth, power, or social standing. Whether humble or highly esteemed in earthly terms, all are equally summoned and expected to participate in this divine act of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:5 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Personification**, as a "voice" is depicted as coming "out of the throne," giving an abstract concept (divine authority) a tangible, audible presence. This voice acts as a direct speaker, imparting a command. The "throne" itself functions as a **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, representing the very essence of God's sovereign power, authority, and presence. It is not merely a piece of furniture but the locus of divine rule, from which all ultimate decrees emanate. Furthermore, the phrase "both small and great" is a classic example of a **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts are used to represent the whole. By mentioning the extremes, the text encompasses everyone in between, emphasizing the absolute universality and inclusivity of the call to praise, transcending all social hierarchies. The entire verse also functions as an **Imperative**, as the "voice" issues a direct command ("Praise our God"), compelling the audience to action and highlighting the non-negotiable nature of divine worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature and recipients of divine praise. It underscores that worship is not merely an optional activity but a divinely commanded response to God's sovereign character and redemptive acts, particularly His righteous judgments and ultimate victory. The call to praise "our God" after the fall of Babylon highlights that true worship is intrinsically linked to acknowledging God's justice and His triumph over all evil. It is a collective act, uniting all of God's people, regardless of their earthly standing, in a unified expression of adoration for the One who sits on the throne and executes His perfect will. This heavenly scene anticipates the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom, where all creation will ultimately acknowledge His supreme Lordship.

* [Psalm 145:10](/psalms/145-10 "All Your works shall praise You, O Lord")
* [Psalm 150:6](/psalms/150-6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Every creature in heaven and on earth praising God and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This heavenly command to praise God, emanating from the very throne of divine authority, holds profound implications for believers today. It reminds us that our worship is not merely an emotional or ritualistic act, but a fundamental duty and privilege for all who belong to God. Regardless of our earthly status, achievements, or perceived significance, we are all equally summoned to offer Him our highest praise. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep sense of reverential awe ("fear") for God, understanding that true worship flows from a recognition of His absolute holiness, power, and justice. As His "servants," our lives should be characterized by willing submission and devoted obedience, reflecting our allegiance to Him. This means living lives of integrity, compassion, and faithfulness, allowing our daily actions to become an ongoing act of praise. Furthermore, the scene encourages us to anticipate the future glory when all distinctions will vanish, and a unified chorus of praise will ascend to our God, motivating us to join that chorus now in spirit and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "voice out of the throne" as a divine command shape your perspective on the importance and authority of worship in your life?**
* **In what practical ways can you, as one of "His servants," demonstrate your devotion and obedience to God in your daily life?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of "fear" (reverence and awe) for God that leads to worship and obedience, rather than fear or anxiety?**
* **Considering the call to "both small and great," how does this verse challenge any tendencies to value earthly status or distinctions within the context of Christian community and worship?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "voice" from the throne in Revelation 19:5?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly name the "voice," its origin "out of the throne" strongly suggests it is either God Himself, an angelic being directly commissioned by God, or one of the four living creatures or twenty-four elders who are intimately associated with the throne of God in Revelation's heavenly scenes (e.g., [Revelation 4:6-10](/revelation/4-6-10 "The Living Creatures and Elders around the Throne")). Given the authoritative nature of the command to "Praise our God," it carries the full weight of divine authority, regardless of the specific speaker. It is a direct divine imperative, underscoring the sovereignty of God and the absolute necessity of worship.

**What does it mean to "fear him" in this context? Is it about being afraid of God?**

Answer: In biblical language, particularly in the Old Testament and carried into the New, the "fear of the Lord" (Greek: *phobéō*) generally does not mean cowering in terror or being afraid in the sense of dreading punishment. Instead, it signifies a profound and reverential awe, respect, and worshipful submission to God's holiness, majesty, power, and justice. It is a recognition of His supreme authority and an appropriate response to His divine nature. This "godly fear" leads to obedience, trust, and a desire to please Him, rather than to flee from Him. It is often equated with wisdom and the beginning of knowledge ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge")). In Revelation 19:5, "ye that fear him" refers to those who hold God in such high esteem and reverence that it shapes their entire lives and leads them to worship Him wholeheartedly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:5, with its universal call to praise God from the throne, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the voice commands praise to "our God," the New Testament consistently reveals that the Father is made known through the Son, and all creation will ultimately bow to Christ. Jesus is the divine agent through whom God's righteous judgments against evil, symbolized by the fall of Babylon, are executed. He is the Lamb who was slain, yet lives, and is worthy to receive all praise, honor, glory, and blessing ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "The Lamb is worthy to open the scroll")). The "servants" called to praise are those redeemed by His blood, and the "fear" or reverence is ultimately directed towards the Father revealed in the Son ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No one has seen God, but the only Son has made Him known")). The inclusivity of "both small and great" foreshadows the universal confession that "every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every knee will bow to Jesus")). Thus, this heavenly chorus of praise is not merely for God in abstract, but for God perfectly revealed and glorified in His Son, Jesus Christ, the one through whom all redemption and ultimate victory are achieved ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Multitude from every nation worshipping God and the Lamb")).

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

Psalms 134:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all [ye] servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.

Psalms 148:11

Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

Psalms 148:13

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.

Psalms 150:6

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Revelation 11:18

And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Psalms 135:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise [him], O ye servants of the LORD.