Revelation 5:10

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

And {G2532} hast made {G4160} us {G2248} unto our {G2257} God {G2316} kings {G935} and {G2532} priests {G2409}: and {G2532} we shall reign {G936} on {G1909} the earth {G1093}.

You made them into a kingdom for God to rule,
cohanim to serve him;
and they will rule over the earth.”

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”

and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon the earth.

Commentary

Revelation 5:10 (KJV): And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Context

This verse is part of the heavenly worship scene described in Revelation chapter 5. Following the vision of the sealed scroll that only the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is worthy to open, the four beasts and the four and twenty elders fall down before the Lamb. They sing a new song, praising the Lamb for His sacrifice (redeeming people by His blood) and for what He has made them (kings and priests who will reign on the earth). This verse articulates the identity and future destiny of the redeemed ones represented in this scene.

Key Themes

  • Redemption through Christ's Blood: The preceding verses establish that this status is granted because the Lamb was slain and redeemed people "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Rev 5:9).
  • Identity as Kings and Priests: The redeemed are given a dual status. As priests, they have direct access to God, able to offer spiritual sacrifices and intercede. As kings, they are granted authority and a share in God's rule. This fulfills Old Testament promises and New Testament affirmations of the believer's position in Christ.
  • Future Reign on Earth: The verse explicitly states that the redeemed "shall reign on the earth." This points to a future time when believers will exercise authority alongside Christ in His kingdom established on the earth, potentially during the millennium (see Revelation 20:6) and/or in the new heavens and new earth. It signifies a reversal of the current state where the world is under the influence of sin and Satan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kings and priests" translates the Greek words basileis kai hiereis (βασιλεῖς καὶ ἱερεῖς). The KJV translates the verb for "made us" (ἐποίησας - epoiēsas) in the past tense, reflecting a status already conferred upon the redeemed. The future tense verb "we shall reign" (βασιλεύσομεν - basileusomen) clearly points to a future fulfillment of their kingly role on earth (ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς - epi tēs gēs).

Practical Application

Understanding this verse offers profound encouragement to believers. It reminds us of the high calling and privileged position we have in Christ now – direct access to God as priests and spiritual authority as kings. Furthermore, it provides a powerful hope for the future: a guaranteed place in Christ's coming kingdom where we will actively participate in His righteous rule on a restored earth. This future hope should shape how we live today, exercising our spiritual authority and living as representatives of the coming King.

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Cross-References

  • Revelation 1:6 (18 votes)

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

  • Daniel 7:27 (15 votes)

    And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

  • Revelation 20:6 (14 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 22:5 (14 votes)

    And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Daniel 7:18 (13 votes)

    But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

  • 1 Peter 2:5 (13 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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: