Revelation 19:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I heard {G191} as it were {G5613} the voice {G5456} of a great {G4183} multitude {G3793}, and {G2532} as {G5613} the voice {G5456} of many {G4183} waters {G5204}, and {G2532} as {G5613} the voice {G5456} of mighty {G2478} thunderings {G1027}, saying {G3004}, Alleluia {G239}: for {G3754} the Lord {G2962} God {G2316} omnipotent {G3841} reigneth {G936}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I heard what sounded like the roar of a huge crowd, like the sound of rushing waters, like loud peals of thunder, saying,

“Halleluyah!
Adonai, God of heaven’s armies,
has begun his reign!

Berean Standard Bible

And I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.

American Standard Version

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 thunders, saying, Hallelujah: for the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigneth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:6 presents a magnificent and climactic scene of heavenly worship, where the Apostle John hears a resounding chorus of praise emanating from a vast, unidentifiable source. This powerful declaration, likened to the roar of a great multitude, the rush of mighty waters, and the booming of thunder, proclaims "Alleluia!"—a fervent acclamation of God's absolute sovereignty and eternal reign, marking a triumphant moment in the unfolding drama of divine judgment and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 19:6 is a pivotal verse, marking a dramatic shift in the narrative of the Book of Revelation. It immediately follows the pronouncements of judgment and the fall of "Babylon the Great," which symbolizes the corrupt world system opposed to God (Revelation 17-18). Chapters 17 and 18 detail the destruction of this spiritual harlot, eliciting lamentation from earthly kings and merchants but praise from heavenly beings. Chapter 19 then opens with a series of "Hallelujahs" from the heavenly host, celebrating God's righteous judgments and the vindication of His saints. Verse 6 specifically escalates this praise, introducing a new, overwhelming voice that anticipates the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), setting the stage for Christ's triumphant return and the establishment of His kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written by John during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). Christians faced pressure to conform to imperial cult worship, which involved venerating the emperor as divine. In this context, the declaration that "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" would have been a profoundly counter-cultural and subversive statement, affirming God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers, including Rome. The imagery of "many waters" and "mighty thunderings" would have resonated with Old Testament descriptions of God's majestic presence and powerful voice, such as those found at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16-19 "God's Revelation at Mount Sinai")) or in prophetic visions ([Ezekiel 43:2](/ezekiel/43-2 "The Glory of God Fills the Temple")). The term "Alleluia" (Hallelujah) itself is a Hebrew liturgical exclamation, deeply rooted in Jewish worship, particularly in the Psalms of praise (e.g., [Psalm 146-150](/psalms/146 "Psalms of Praise")). Its appearance in Revelation underscores the continuity of God's people's worship across Testaments, now culminating in ultimate triumph.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Kingship**. The declaration that "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" is the central theological assertion, affirming God's absolute control, power, and eternal rule over all creation and history, especially in the face of apparent chaos and evil. Secondly, it highlights **Triumphant Worship and Praise**. The overwhelming "Alleluia" is a spontaneous and unified response to God's righteous judgments and the impending establishment of His kingdom, signifying the ultimate victory of good over evil. This worship contrasts sharply with the laments of those allied with Babylon in [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9-19 "Lament over Babylon's Fall"). Thirdly, the imagery of the "great multitude," "many waters," and "mighty thunderings" reinforces the theme of **God's Majestic Presence and Power**. These descriptions evoke awe and reverence, portraying a divine manifestation of immense scale and authority, echoing similar portrayals of God's voice and glory throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Psalm 29:3-9](/psalms/29-3-9 "The Voice of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Alleluia (Hebrew, _allēlouïa'_):** An adoring exclamation meaning "Praise ye Jah!" or "Praise the LORD!" This term, transliterated directly from Hebrew, signifies a profound act of worship and recognition of God's sovereignty. Its repeated appearance four times in Revelation 19 (verses 1, 3, 4, 6) underscores a unique, climactic moment of intense, unified praise for God's righteous judgments and His eternal reign.
* **Omnipotent (Greek, _pantokrátōr'_):** From _pas_ ("all") and _kratos_ ("strength," "power"), this word literally means "all-ruling" or "Almighty." It describes God as the absolute and universal sovereign, emphasizing His unchallenged power and dominion over all creation, history, and events. This title assures believers that His reign is total and His purposes will ultimately prevail.
* **Reigneth (Greek, _basileúō'_):** Derived from _basileus_ ("king"), this verb means "to rule," "to be king," or "to exercise kingly power." The present tense here is significant, indicating that God's reign is not merely a future event but an active, present reality, even amidst the world's rebellion. It affirms His continuous and eternal kingship, which is now being fully manifested and recognized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude,"**: John, the visionary, describes a powerful auditory experience. The "voice" (Greek, _phōnḗ_) is not merely human speech but a sound of immense scale, likened to a vast gathering of people. This "great multitude" (Greek, _óchlos_) likely refers to the redeemed from every nation, tribe, and tongue, along with the heavenly host, whose collective praise is overwhelming in its scope and volume.
* **"and as the voice of many waters,"**: This simile further amplifies the magnitude and majesty of the sound. The "voice of many waters" (Greek, _hýdōr_) evokes the roar of a mighty waterfall or the crashing of ocean waves, conveying an irresistible, majestic, and awe-inspiring force. This imagery is often associated with God's own voice and presence in prophetic literature, signifying His overwhelming power and authority.
* **"and as the voice of mighty thunderings,"**: The third simile intensifies the description, comparing the sound to "mighty thunderings" (Greek, _brontḗ_ from _ischyrós_ "forcible"). Thunder, a natural phenomenon of immense power and often associated with divine manifestation and judgment in the Bible (e.g., at Mount Sinai), adds a sense of raw power, solemnity, and divine authority to the heavenly chorus. The combination of these three similes paints a picture of unparalleled, majestic, and unified praise.
* **"saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."**: This is the content of the overwhelming sound. The exclamation "Alleluia" (Praise the LORD!) is the central cry, directly followed by the reason for this fervent praise: "for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." This declaration is the theological climax, affirming God's absolute sovereignty and His active, eternal kingship. It is a triumphant proclamation that despite all earthly opposition and cosmic conflict, God, the Almighty Ruler, is firmly on His throne and His reign is undeniable.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:6 is rich with **Simile**, employing three distinct comparisons to convey the overwhelming nature of the heavenly praise. The voice is described "as it were the voice of a great multitude," "as the voice of many waters," and "as the voice of mighty thunderings." These similes are used to help the reader grasp the immense scale, power, and majesty of the sound, drawing on familiar experiences of awe-inspiring natural phenomena and large gatherings. The use of **Hyperbole** is also evident, as the combined imagery creates an exaggerated sense of sound that transcends ordinary human experience, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the divine worship. Furthermore, the direct declaration, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," functions as a **Proclamation**, a formal and authoritative announcement that underscores the central theological truth of God's unchallenged sovereignty and kingship, serving as the climax of the heavenly chorus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:6 serves as a powerful theological anchor, affirming God's unassailable sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and the apparent reign of evil, this verse declares with thunderous certainty that God, the Almighty, is eternally on His throne and actively ruling over all creation. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, reminding them that no earthly power, no demonic force, and no human rebellion can ultimately thwart God's sovereign plan. The heavenly "Alleluia" is not merely a statement of fact but an act of worship, inviting all creation to acknowledge and celebrate the rightful King of the universe, whose judgments are true and righteous, and whose reign is everlasting.

* [Psalm 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "The Lord Reigns")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Nebuchadnezzar's Praise of God's Sovereignty")
* [1 Timothy 6:15-16](/1_timothy/6-15-16 "God, the Blessed and Only Sovereign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:6 offers profound comfort, challenge, and inspiration for believers living in a world that often seems out of control. The resounding declaration that "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety, fear, and despair. In moments of personal struggle, global crisis, or perceived injustice, this verse reminds us that there is a sovereign God who is actively governing all things, working out His purposes, and who will ultimately bring all evil to account. Our response, like that of the heavenly multitude, should be one of fervent "Alleluia!" – a spontaneous, heartfelt worship that acknowledges His absolute power and rightful rule. This verse calls us to align our hearts and lives with His reign, trusting His wisdom, submitting to His will, and finding our ultimate hope in His promised victory. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that the final chapter of human history is written by the Almighty, and His kingdom will endure forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" impact your perspective on current world events or personal challenges?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to live under the reign of an "omnipotent" God?**
* **In what ways can you join the "Alleluia" of the heavenly multitude in your personal worship and public life?**
* **How does the imagery of "many waters" and "mighty thunderings" shape your understanding of God's majesty and power?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Alleluia" in Revelation 19:6?**

Answer: The "Alleluia" (from the Hebrew _Hallelujah_) is a profound exclamation of praise, meaning "Praise ye the LORD!" Its repeated appearance four times in [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Hallelujahs of Heaven") marks a unique and climactic moment of intense worship in heaven. It signifies the triumphant recognition of God's righteous judgments against evil and His absolute sovereignty, celebrating His victory and the establishment of His eternal reign. It's a spontaneous outpouring of adoration for God's character and His decisive actions.

**Who is the "great multitude" whose voice is heard in this verse?**

Answer: The "great multitude" is generally understood to represent a vast assembly of heavenly beings and redeemed humanity. While not explicitly defined here, elsewhere in Revelation, a "great multitude" is identified as those who have come out of the great tribulation ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "The Multitude Before the Throne")). This voice likely includes the angels, the elders, the four living creatures, and the redeemed saints from every nation, all united in their praise of God's justice and power. It signifies a universal chorus of worship directed at the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:6, with its thunderous declaration that "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," finds its ultimate fulfillment and most glorious expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse directly proclaims the sovereignty of God the Father, it is through Christ that God's reign is fully established, demonstrated, and consummated. Jesus, as the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Jesus, King of Kings")), is the one who executes the righteous judgments celebrated by the heavenly host. His victory over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")) is the foundation for God's omnipotent reign being fully realized. The "Alleluia" of the multitude is a direct response to the Lamb's triumph, anticipating the Marriage Supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")) and Christ's glorious return to establish His earthly kingdom ([Revelation 20:4-6](/revelation/20-4-6 "The Millennium")). Thus, the declaration of God's omnipotent reign is not an abstract theological concept but a vibrant reality made possible and embodied by Jesus Christ, the one through whom all things are reconciled to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Christ, the Reconciler")).

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 97:1

¶ The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad [thereof].

Revelation 14:2

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

Revelation 19:1

¶ 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:

Psalms 93:1

¶ The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Psalms 99:1

¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

Revelation 6:1

¶ And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

Ezekiel 1:24

And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.