Revelation 19:5

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 19:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And a voice came forth from the throne, saying, Give praise to our God, all ye his servants, ye that fear him, the small and the great.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And a voice came forth from the throne, saying, Give praise to our God, all ye his servants, ye that fear him, the small and the great.
Revelation 19:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5And a voice came forth from the throne, saying, Give praise to our God, all ye his servants, ye that fear him, the small and the great.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And a voice came out of the throne, etc.] Not from God the Father, that sat upon it, for the phrase, praise our God, could not be said by him with propriety and pertinence; but rather from Christ, the Lamb, in the midst of the throne, who as Mediator could say of him to his people, my God and your God, and my Father and your Father, (<432017>John 20:17) though it seems best to understand it of the voice of one of the angels about the throne, since one of these is afterwards spoken of, whom John would have worshipped, but was forbid, (<661909>Revelation 19:9,10) and which may design either one of the ministering spirits, or a preacher of the Gospel, and a set of such, calling upon the saints…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“out of--Greek, "out from the throne" in A, B, C. Praise our God--Compare the solemn act of praise performed by the Levites, Ch1 16:36; Ch1 23:5, especially when the house of God was filled with the divine glory (Ch2 5:13). both--omitted in A, B, C, Vulgate, Coptic, and Syriac. Translate as Greek, "the small and the great."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And a voice came out of the throne - A voice seemed to come from the very midst of the throne. It is not said by whom this voice was uttered. It cannot be supposed, however, that it was uttered by God himself, for the command which it gave was this: “Praise our God,” etc. For the same reason it seems hardly probable that it was the voice of the Messiah, unless it be supposed that he here identifies himself with the redeemed church, and speaks of God as his God and hers. It would seem rather that it was a responsive voice that came from those nearest the throne, calling on all to unite in praising God in view of what was done. The meaning then will be, that all heaven was interested in the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And a voice came forth from the throne - Probably from the four living creatures, saying, Praise our God - The occasion and matter of this song of praise follow immediately after, Rev 19:6, &c.; God was praised before, for his judgment of the great whore, Rev 19:1-4. Now for that which follows it: for that the Lord God, the Almighty, takes the kingdom to himself, and avenges himself on the rest of his enemies. Were all these inhabitants of heaven mistaken? If not, there is real, yea, and terrible anger in God. Revelation 19:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a voice: Rev 7:15, Rev 11:19, Rev 16:17 Praise: Psa 103:20-22, Psa 134:1, Psa 135:1, Psa 135:19, Psa 135:20, Psa 148:11-13, Psa 150:6 both: Rev 11:18, Rev 20:12 Revelation 19:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification