Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελος
angel
G32
ἄγγελος
angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
4 of 32
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἐσάλπισεν·
sounded
G4537
ἐσάλπισεν·
sounded
Strong's:
G4537
Word #:
5 of 32
to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένοντο
are become
G1096
ἐγένοντο
are become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 32
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
φωναὶ
voices
G5456
φωναὶ
voices
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
8 of 32
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
μεγάλαι
great
G3173
μεγάλαι
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
9 of 32
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
12 of 32
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
λέγουσαι,
saying
G3004
λέγουσαι,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 32
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐγένοντο
are become
G1096
ἐγένοντο
are become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 32
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεῖαι
The kingdoms
G932
βασιλεῖαι
The kingdoms
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
16 of 32
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμου
of this world
G2889
κόσμου
of this world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
18 of 32
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
20 of 32
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
of his
G846
αὐτοῦ
of his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
25 of 32
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
28 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων
and ever
G165
αἰώνων
and ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
30 of 32
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
Cross References
Daniel 7:14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.Daniel 7:27And 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 12:10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.Revelation 10:7But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.Revelation 19:1And 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:Zechariah 14:9And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.Luke 1:33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.Exodus 15:18The LORD shall reign for ever and ever.Daniel 7:18But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.Revelation 16:17And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 11:15 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.... This verse from Revelation's vision of two witnesses and seventh trumpet - faithful testimony, christ's kingdom proclaimed employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.