Revelation of John 19
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
I heard a great voice of much people in heaven - The idolatrous city being destroyed, and the blood of the martyred saints being avenged, there is a universal joy among the redeemed of the Lord, which they commence with the word הללו יה Hallelu-Yah, praise ye Jah or Jehovah; which the Septuagint, and St. John from them, put into Greek letters thus: Αλληλουΐα, Allelou-ia, a form of praise which the heathens appear to have borrowed from the Jews, as is evident from their paeans, or hymns in honor of Apollo, which began and ended with ελελευ ιη, eleleu ie; a mere corruption of the Hebrew words. It is worthy of remark that the Indians of North America have the same word in their religious worship, and use it in the same sense. "In their places of worship, or beloved square, they dance sometimes for a whole night always in a bowing posture, and frequently singing halleluyah Ye ho wah; praise ye Yah, Ye ho vah:" probably the true pronunciation of the Hebrew יהוה, which we call Jehovah. See Adair's History of the American Indians. Salvation - He is the sole author of deliverance from sin; the glory of this belongs to him, the honor should be ascribed to him, and his power is that alone by which it is effected.
Open source ↗THE CHURCH'S THANKSGIVING IN HEAVEN FOR THE JUDGMENT ON THE HARLOT. THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB: THE SUPPER: THE BRIDE'S PREPARATION: JOHN IS FORBIDDEN TO WORSHIP THE ANGEL: THE LORD AND HIS HOSTS COME FORTH FOR WAR: THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE: THE KINGS AND THEIR FOLLOWERS SLAIN BY THE SWORD OUT OF CHRIST'S MOUTH. (Rev. 19:1-21) As in the case of the opening of the prophecy, Rev 4:8; Rev 5:9, &c.; so now, at one of the great closing events seen in vision, the judgment on the harlot (described in Rev. 18:1-24), there is a song of praise in heaven to God: compare Rev 7:10, &c., toward the close of the seals, and Rev 11:15-18, at the close of the trumpets: Rev 15:3, at the saints' victory over the beast. And--so ANDREAS. But A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic omit. a great voice--A, B, C, Vulgate, Coptic, and ANDREAS read, "as it were a great voice." What a contrast to the lamentations Rev. 18:1-24! Compare Jer 51:48. The great manifestation of God's power in destroying Babylon calls forth a great voice of praise in heaven. people--Greek, "multitude." Alleluia--Hebrew, "Praise ye JAH," or JEHOVAH: here first used in Revelation, whence ELLICOTT infers the Jews bear a prominent part in this thanksgiving. JAH is not a contraction of "JEHOVAH," as it sometimes occurs jointly with the latter. It means "He who Is": whereas Jehovah is "He who will be, is, and was." It implies God experienced as a PRESENT help; so that "Hallelujah," says KIMCHI in BENGEL, is found first in the Psalms on the destruction of the ungodly. "Hallelu-Jah" occurs four times in this passage. Compare Psa 149:4-9, which is plainly parallel, and indeed identical in many of the phrases, as well as the general idea. Israel, especially, will join in the Hallelujah, when "her warfa…
Open source ↗And after these things,.... After the angel had declared the fall of Babylon, a voice from heaven had called the people of God out of her, and had ordered them to take vengeance on her; after the mournful lamentation of the kings, merchants, and seafaring men; after another voice had called upon the saints to rejoice at her overthrow, and a mighty angel had described the manner of it, and had expressed her ruin in the strongest terms, with the reasons of it, John heard the songs of the righteous, as follow: I heard a great voice of much people in heaven: not literally taken, for these are not the innumerable company of angels, who are never called people; nor the spirits of just men made perfect, or the souls of departed saints, but men on earth; wherefore heaven designs the church, as in Rev 18:20 and frequently in this book; the people are the same with the 144000 seen with the Lamb on Mount Zion, Rev 14:1 and with those on the sea of glass, who had got the victory over the beast, Rev 15:2 and are no other than God's covenant people, who are given to Christ, and made willing to be his in the day of his power; and though they are but a seed, a remnant, a small company, when compared with the world and carnal professors; yet are a large body of themselves, especially they will be at this time, when the nation of the Jews shall be born at once, and the fulness of the Gentiles will be brought in: and their voice on this occasion, the downfall of Rome, is said to be "great" partly on account of their number, who will join together in acclamations of praise, and partly on account of their great affection and vehemency of spirit, which will be raised hereby: saying Alleluia; an Hebrew word, which signifies "praise ye the Lord". The Jews say (n), that the book of Psalms consi…
Open source ↗The fall of Babylon being fixed, finished, and declared to be irrecoverable in the foregoing chapter, this begins with a holy triumph over her, in pursuance of the order given forth: Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, Rev 18:20. They now gladly answer the call; and here you have, 1. The form of their thanksgiving, in that heavenly and most comprehensive word, Alleluia, praise you the Lord: with this they begin, with this they go on, and with this they end (Rev 19:4); their prayers are now turned into praises, their hosannas end in halleluias. 2. The matter of their thanksgiving: they praise him for the truth of his word, and the righteousness of his providential conduct, especially in this great event - the ruin of Babylon, which had been a mother, nurse, and nest of idolatry, lewdness, and cruelty (Rev 19:2), for which signal example of divine justice they ascribe salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto our God. 3. The effect of these their praises: when the angels and saints cried Alleluia, her fire burned more fiercely and her smoke ascended for ever and ever, Rev 19:3. The surest way to have our deliverances continued and completed is to give God the glory of what he has done for us. Praising God for what we have is praying in the most effectual manner for what is yet further to be done for us; the praises of the saints blow up the fire of God's wrath against the common enemy. 4. The blessed harmony between the angels and the saints in this triumphant song, Rev 19:4. The churches and their ministers take the melodious sound from the angels, and repeat it; falling down, and worshipping God, they cry, Amen, Alleluia.
Open source ↗19:1-10 This section expands the message of the sixth song of response (18:20; see study note on 18:1-24), which called for rejoicing. Various groups direct praises to the Lord. The praises can be divided into two sections: thankfulness for the destruction of the evildoers (19:1-4) and thankfulness for the reward of God’s people (19:5-8). 19:1-2 This scene focuses on what John heard rather than on what he saw. The first three-part praise comes from a vast crowd (cp. 7:9-10).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ταῦτα (taûta, G5023) — these things ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ὄχλος (óchlos, G3793) — a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people;… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἀλληλουϊα (allēlouïa, G239) — praise ye Jah!, an adoring exclamation σωτηρία (sōtēría, G4991) — rescue or safety (physically or morally) δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or…
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἀληθινός (alēthinós, G228) — truthful καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δίκαιος (díkaios, G1342) — equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… κρίσις (krísis, G2920) — decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by… κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) πόρνη (pórnē, G4204) — a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same φθείρω (phtheírō, G5351) — properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πορνεία (porneía, G4202) — harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δεύτερος (deúteros, G1208) — (ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb) ἐρέω (eréō, G2046) — an alternate for G2036 (ἔπω) in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say ἀλληλουϊα (allēlouïa, G239) — praise ye Jah!, an adoring exclamation αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καπνός (kapnós, G2586) — smoke ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αἰών (aiṓn, G165) — properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world;…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τέσσαρες (téssares, G5064) — four εἴκοσι (eíkosi, G1501) — a score πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… ζῶον (zōon, G2226) — a live thing, i.e. an animal πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) προσκυνέω (proskynéō, G4352) — to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἀμήν (amḗn, G281) — properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as… ἀλληλουϊα (allēlouïa, G239) — praise ye Jah!, an adoring exclamation
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… αἰνέω (ainéō, G134) — to praise (God) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δοῦλος (doûlos, G1401) — a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a… φοβέω (phobéō, G5399) — to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere μικρός (mikrós, G3398) — small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ὄχλος (óchlos, G3793) — a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people;… ὕδωρ (hýdōr, G5204) — water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively ἰσχυρός (ischyrós, G2478) — forcible (literally or figuratively) βροντή (brontḗ, G1027) — thunder λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἀλληλουϊα (allēlouïa, G239) — praise ye Jah!, an adoring exclamation ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗χαίρω (chaírō, G5463) — to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀγαλλιάω (agalliáō, G21) — properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because γάμος (gámos, G1062) — nuptials ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimázō, G2090) — to prepare ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) περιβάλλω (peribállō, G4016) — to throw all around, i.e. invest (with a palisade or with clothing) βύσσινος (býssinos, G1039) — made of linen (neuter a linen cloth) καθαρός (katharós, G2513) — clean (literally or figuratively) λαμπρός (lamprós, G2986) — radiant; by analogy, limpid; figuratively, magnificent or sumptuous (in appearance) γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are δικαίωμα (dikaíōma, G1345) — an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe μακάριος (makários, G3107) — supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… γάμος (gámos, G1062) — nuptials δεῖπνον (deîpnon, G1173) — dinner, i.e. the chief meal (usually in the evening) ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ἀληθινός (alēthinós, G228) — truthful λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) ἔμπροσθεν (émprosthen, G1715) — in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πούς (poús, G4228) — a "foot" (figuratively or literally) προσκυνέω (proskynéō, G4352) — to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me ὁράω (horáō, G3708) — by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… εἰμί (eimí, G1510) — I exist (used only when emphatic) σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy σύνδουλος (sýndoulos, G4889) — a co-slave, i.e. servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α))
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; λευκός (leukós, G3022) — white ἵππος (híppos, G2462) — a horse κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful ἀληθινός (alēthinós, G228) — truthful ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmós, G3788) — the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) φλόξ (phlóx, G5395) — a blaze πῦρ (pŷr, G4442) — "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… κεφαλή (kephalḗ, G2776) — the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… διάδημα (diádēma, G1238) — a "diadem" (as bound about the head) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… περιβάλλω (peribállō, G4016) — to throw all around, i.e. invest (with a palisade or with clothing) ἱμάτιον (himátion, G2440) — a dress (inner or outer) βάπτω (báptō, G911) — to whelm, i.e. cover wholly with a fluid; in the New Testament only in a qualified or… αἷμα (haîma, G129) — blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… στράτευμα (stráteuma, G4753) — an armament, i.e. (by implication) a body of troops (more or less extensive or systematic) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἀκολουθέω (akolouthéō, G190) — properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… λευκός (leukós, G3022) — white ἵππος (híppos, G2462) — a horse ἐνδύω (endýō, G1746) — to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) βύσσινος (býssinos, G1039) — made of linen (neuter a linen cloth) καθαρός (katharós, G2513) — clean (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the highest places.
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.
And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down— he who accuses them day and night before our God.
Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. Selah
But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!”