Devine Scripture

Revelation 5:10

What does Revelation 5:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 5:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 5:10 means

The song continues by declaring what the Lamb’s redemption achieves: He makes the ransomed a kingdom and priests to God. They are set apart for worship and service, and they share in royal dignity. Their reign “upon the earth” points to both a present participation in Christ’s authority and a future, fuller manifestation when His kingdom is openly displayed. The dignity of the redeemed is not self-derived; it is bestowed by the Lamb. As priests, they draw near to God; as a kingdom, they represent His rule. The cross not only forgives; it reconstitutes a people for God’s mission and destiny.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are ruling on the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and didst make us to our God kings and priests, and we shall reign upon the earth.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And hast made us to our God a kingdom and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and made them to ourGod kings and priests; and they shall reign over the earth.

Context

This completes the elders’ new song by spelling out the identity and vocation of the redeemed. With the theological foundation laid—why the Lamb is worthy and what He has accomplished—the scene now widens. Verses 11–12 will introduce a vast angelic multitude encircling the throne, raising a thunderous affirmation of the Lamb’s worthiness. Thus the worship moves from the inner circle (creatures and elders) to the innumerable host, building toward a universal crescendo in verse 13.

v.9And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,

v.10This passage

v.11And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • Daniel 7:18

    But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 20:6

    Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

  • Daniel 7:27

    And the kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

  • Exodus 19:6

    and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

  • Revelation 1:6

    and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 5

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 5.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Revelation 5:10.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary