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

REVELATION 5:10KJV
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Revelation 5:10 (KJV)

What does Revelation 5:10 mean?

Revelation 5:10 says that Jesus has given the people he redeemed a place of honor and service before God. Calling them “kings and priests,” the KJV also says that they will reign on the earth.

The words are part of a song addressed to the Lamb, a figure for Jesus. After speaking of his purchase of people from many nations in verse 9, the song describes their place before God and their future.

The Greek behind Revelation 5:10

  • “made” — ποιέω (poieō): This word can mean “make” or “appoint.” Here it describes the Lamb giving people a new standing as kings and priests.
  • “priests” — ἱερεύς (hiereus): A priest is someone who serves in worship before God. The word places the people in a role associated with service in God’s presence.
  • “reign” — βασιλεύω (basileuō): This word means “rule as a king.” The song looks forward to the people sharing in royal rule.

Why Revelation 5:10 matters

  • The song connects belonging to God with both royal honor and priestly service. The people are called “kings and priests” together.
  • The promise reaches beyond one nation. Verse 9 speaks of people from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
  • The song gives the reign a location: “on the earth.” The KJV also places that reign in the future with “we shall reign.”

Where else these words appear

“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 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.

“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,

“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: