Revelation 11:17

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Revelation 11:17 is a profound declaration of worship and thanksgiving from the twenty-four elders in heaven, following the sounding of the seventh trumpet. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of God's judgment and ultimate triumph in the book of Revelation.

Context

This verse immediately follows the announcement by great voices in heaven 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" (Revelation 11:15). The sounding of the seventh trumpet signifies the culmination of God's plan, particularly the establishment of His universal kingdom. The "we" in this verse refers to the twenty-four elders, who are often depicted in Revelation as representatives of the redeemed or heavenly beings who lead in worship before God's throne (Revelation 5:8). Their thanksgiving is a response to God's decisive act of taking up His great power and beginning His ultimate reign.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence: The address "O Lord God Almighty" (Greek: Pantokrator, meaning "All-Ruler" or "Almighty") emphasizes God's absolute power and authority over all creation and history. The elders acknowledge that God has now decisively "taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned," indicating a climactic moment where His rightful dominion is fully asserted.
  • God's Eternal Nature: The description "which art, and wast, and art to come" is a recurring and majestic title for God in Revelation (Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 4:8). It underscores His unchanging nature, His timeless existence, and His continuous active presence throughout all ages—past, present, and future. This eternal quality provides the foundation for His ultimate and victorious reign.
  • The Establishment of God's Kingdom: The core reason for thanksgiving is that God "hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." This is not an acquisition of new power, but rather the visible and definitive exercise of His inherent power to establish His kingdom completely. It signifies the end of human and demonic resistance and the beginning of His undisputed rule, fulfilling prophecies about His eternal reign.
  • Heavenly Worship and Thanksgiving: The verse is a model of worship, demonstrating profound gratitude and adoration for God's character and His decisive actions. The elders' response models how creation should acknowledge God's ultimate authority and righteous judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Lord God Almighty" translates the Greek phrase Kyrios ho Theos ho Pantokrator. Pantokrator is a significant term in Revelation, highlighting God's absolute dominion and omnipotence. It is used exclusively for God the Father in the New Testament, reinforcing His supreme authority over all things. The phrase "which art, and wast, and art to come" captures God's eternal nature, transcending the limitations of time.

Practical Application

Revelation 11:17 offers tremendous comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that despite present chaos or the apparent triumph of evil, God is ultimately in control. His reign is not a future possibility but a present reality that will one day be fully manifested. This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even when circumstances seem dire, we can rest in the knowledge that the "Lord God Almighty" is on His throne and His purposes will prevail.
  • Live with Hope: The promise of God's decisive reign provides hope that all suffering and injustice will ultimately be rectified under His perfect rule.
  • Engage in Worship: Like the elders, we are called to give thanks and worship God for His eternal nature, His boundless power, and His unwavering commitment to establish His kingdom. Our worship becomes an echo of the heavenly chorus, acknowledging His supreme authority.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 1:8 (11 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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