And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

REVELATION 1:6KJV
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Revelation 1:6 (KJV)

What does Revelation 1:6 mean?

Revelation 1:6 says that Jesus has made believers into "kings and priests" for God, giving them a special status and purpose, and then praises Jesus with a declaration that glory and authority belong to him forever. The verse highlights both the honor given to believers and the everlasting greatness of Jesus.

John, the author of Revelation, is writing to early Christian communities facing hardship and uncertainty. In this opening section, John is describing what Jesus has done for his followers: he has given them a royal and priestly role, meaning they are valued and have direct access to God. The verse ends with a doxology, a short statement of praise, emphasizing that Jesus is worthy of eternal glory and power.

The Greek behind Revelation 1:6

  • βασιλεῖς (basileis, "kings"): The Greek word here is often understood as "kings" or "a kingdom," suggesting both authority and a new identity for believers. Some translations use "a kingdom" instead of "kings," which shifts the focus from individual status to a collective role.
  • ἱερεῖς (hiereis, "priests"): This word means "priests," pointing to the idea that believers have a direct relationship with God and a role in worship, not just special religious leaders.
  • δόξα (doxa, "glory") and κράτος (kratos, "dominion"): These words express the honor and power that are recognized as belonging to Jesus forever, underlining the worshipful tone of the verse.

Why Revelation 1:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that all believers, not just a select few, are given dignity and responsibility before God, challenging ideas that only certain people can approach God or serve him.
  • By calling Jesus worthy of "glory and dominion forever," the verse sets the tone for the rest of Revelation, which repeatedly emphasizes Jesus' supreme authority.
  • The statement connects to Old Testament themes where Israel was called to be a "kingdom of priests," showing continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the message to early Christians.

Where else these words appear

“dominion” Greek G2904 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
  • Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
  • 1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

“priests” Greek G2409 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Luke 17:14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
  • Hebrews 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

“ever” Greek G165 · used in 102 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
  • Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

“kings” Greek G935 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: