Revelation 15:3

Authorized King James Version

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And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾄδουσιν they sing G103
ᾄδουσιν they sing
Strong's: G103
Word #: 2 of 36
to sing
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾠδὴν the song G5603
ᾠδὴν the song
Strong's: G5603
Word #: 4 of 36
a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially
Μωσέως of Moses G3475
Μωσέως of Moses
Strong's: G3475
Word #: 5 of 36
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλου the servant G1401
δούλου the servant
Strong's: G1401
Word #: 7 of 36
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς God G2316
θεὸς God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 9 of 36
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 10 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾠδὴν the song G5603
ᾠδὴν the song
Strong's: G5603
Word #: 12 of 36
a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 13 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρνίου of the Lamb G721
ἀρνίου of the Lamb
Strong's: G721
Word #: 14 of 36
a lambkin
λέγοντες saying G3004
λέγοντες saying
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 15 of 36
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μεγάλα Great G3173
Μεγάλα Great
Strong's: G3173
Word #: 16 of 36
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 17 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θαυμαστὰ marvellous G2298
θαυμαστὰ marvellous
Strong's: G2298
Word #: 18 of 36
wondered at, i.e., (by implication) wonderful
τὰ G3588
τὰ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 19 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα works G2041
ἔργα works
Strong's: G2041
Word #: 20 of 36
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
σου are thy G4675
σου are thy
Strong's: G4675
Word #: 21 of 36
of thee, thy
κύριε Lord G2962
κύριε Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 22 of 36
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 23 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς God G2316
θεὸς God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 24 of 36
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 25 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παντοκράτωρ· Almighty G3841
παντοκράτωρ· Almighty
Strong's: G3841
Word #: 26 of 36
the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)
δίκαιαι just G1342
δίκαιαι just
Strong's: G1342
Word #: 27 of 36
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 28 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀληθιναὶ true G228
ἀληθιναὶ true
Strong's: G228
Word #: 29 of 36
truthful
αἱ G3588
αἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 30 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδοί ways G3598
ὁδοί ways
Strong's: G3598
Word #: 31 of 36
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
σου are thy G4675
σου are thy
Strong's: G4675
Word #: 32 of 36
of thee, thy
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 33 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεὺς thou King G935
βασιλεὺς thou King
Strong's: G935
Word #: 34 of 36
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 35 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίων of saints G40
ἁγίων of saints
Strong's: G40
Word #: 36 of 36
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis & Commentary

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven angels with seven plagues - completion of god's wrath, moses and lamb's song 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.

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