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.

REVELATION 11:15KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 11:15 (KJV)

What does Revelation 11:15 mean?

Revelation 11:15 describes a dramatic moment when the seventh angel sounds a trumpet, and voices in heaven announce that the kingdoms of the world now belong to God and to Christ, who will rule forever. This verse marks a turning point, declaring God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers.

In the book of Revelation, John records visions about the end times, and here, the seventh angel is one of a series who each sound a trumpet to signal key events. The announcement is made by voices in heaven, not by people on earth, emphasizing a heavenly perspective. The verse highlights a shift from earthly rule to God's eternal reign through Christ.

The Greek behind Revelation 11:15

  • The word for "kingdoms" is βασιλεῖαι (basileiai), which can also mean "reigns" or "domains." The Greek here suggests not just political nations, but all realms of authority and influence.
  • The phrase "he shall reign" uses the verb βασιλεύσει (basileusei), meaning to rule as king. The Greek emphasizes an ongoing, unending rule, not just a temporary reign.
  • The phrase "for ever and ever" uses the word αἰῶνας (aiōnas), meaning "ages." The repetition in Greek ("to the ages of the ages") strongly stresses the idea of endless time.

Why Revelation 11:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the ultimate outcome of history, according to Revelation, is God's rule over every part of the world, not just a spiritual or symbolic victory.
  • The announcement comes from heaven, showing that this change is initiated by God, not by human effort or earthly events.
  • Revelation 11:15 stands at the midpoint of the book, connecting earlier judgments with the final fulfillment of God's promises, and it sets the stage for the rest of the vision.

Where else these words appear

“seventh” Greek G1442 · used in 8 verses

  • John 4:52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
  • Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
  • Revelation 10:7 But 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.

“sounded” Greek G4537 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Revelation 8:7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
  • Revelation 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

“reign” Greek G936 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
  • Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

“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.