Revelation 7:12
saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen."
Amen
The word "Amen" is a transliteration from the Hebrew word "אָמֵן" (amen), meaning "truly" or "so be it." It is a declaration of affirmation and agreement. In the context of Revelation 7:12, it serves as both an introduction and a conclusion to the doxology, emphasizing the certainty and truth of the praise being offered. The use of "Amen" at both the beginning and end of this verse underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of God's glory and power.

Blessing
The Greek word used here is "εὐλογία" (eulogia), which means "blessing" or "praise." It signifies the act of speaking well of someone, in this case, God. This term reflects the acknowledgment of God's benevolence and the gratitude of the heavenly hosts for His divine favor and grace. The concept of blessing God is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, where blessings are a form of worship and recognition of God's sovereignty.

and glory
The word "glory" comes from the Greek "δόξα" (doxa), which denotes honor, splendor, and majesty. In the biblical context, it refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence and His divine nature. The glory of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, representing His holiness and the awe-inspiring nature of His being. In Revelation, the glory of God is revealed in the heavenly worship and the ultimate fulfillment of His kingdom.

and wisdom
The Greek term "σοφία" (sophia) is used here, meaning "wisdom." It refers to the divine insight and understanding that God possesses. In the biblical sense, wisdom is not just knowledge but the application of divine truth in righteous living. The acknowledgment of God's wisdom in this verse highlights His perfect plan and the depth of His understanding, which surpasses human comprehension.

and thanks
The word "thanks" is translated from the Greek "εὐχαριστία" (eucharistia), meaning "thanksgiving" or "gratitude." It is an expression of appreciation for God's goodness and mercy. Thanksgiving is a vital aspect of worship, recognizing God's provision and faithfulness. In the heavenly scene depicted in Revelation, the giving of thanks is a continuous act, reflecting the eternal gratitude of the redeemed.

and honor
The Greek word "τιμή" (timē) is used here, meaning "honor" or "value." It signifies the respect and reverence due to God. Honor in the biblical sense involves acknowledging God's authority and giving Him the rightful place in our lives. In Revelation, the honor given to God is part of the worship that acknowledges His supreme rule and the worthiness of His name.

and power
The term "δύναμις" (dynamis) in Greek means "power" or "might." It refers to God's omnipotence and His ability to accomplish His will. The power of God is a recurring theme in Scripture, demonstrating His control over creation and history. In the context of Revelation, God's power is celebrated as He brings about the fulfillment of His promises and the establishment of His kingdom.

and strength
The Greek word "ἰσχύς" (ischys) is used, meaning "strength" or "might." It emphasizes God's enduring and unyielding nature. Strength, in this context, is not just physical power but the steadfastness and resilience of God's character. The acknowledgment of God's strength in this verse is a testament to His ability to sustain and uphold all things.

be to our God
This phrase signifies the direction of all the attributes listed—blessing, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength—toward God. It is a declaration that all these qualities inherently belong to Him and are due to Him alone. The phrase "our God" personalizes the relationship between the worshippers and the divine, emphasizing the covenant relationship God has with His people.

forever and ever
The Greek phrase "εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων" (eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn) translates to "forever and ever," indicating eternity. It underscores the perpetual nature of God's attributes and the eternal worship He receives. This phrase is a common biblical expression denoting the infinite and unending reign of God, affirming His eternal sovereignty and the everlasting nature of His kingdom.

Amen
The repetition of "Amen" at the end of the verse serves as a powerful affirmation of the truth and certainty of the doxology. It is a liturgical conclusion that seals the praise offered to God, reinforcing the faith and conviction of the worshippers. The use of "Amen" bookends the verse, creating a sense of completeness and emphasizing the unwavering trust in God's eternal nature.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Angels
In the context of Revelation 7, angels are present around the throne of God, worshiping Him and serving as messengers and servants of His divine will.

2. Elders
The elders are often seen as representatives of the redeemed, possibly symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, thus representing the fullness of God's people.

3. Four Living Creatures
These beings are symbolic of all creation, continuously worshiping God and acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness.

4. Throne of God
The central place of authority and worship in heaven, where God is seated and from which He rules the universe.

5. Great Multitude
This refers to the multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb, signifying the universality of salvation.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Worship
Worship is a central theme in Revelation 7:12, emphasizing that true worship involves acknowledging God's attributes—blessing, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength.

Eternal Praise
The repetition of "Amen" at the beginning and end of the verse underscores the certainty and eternal nature of God's praise. Believers are called to live lives of continuous worship.

Attributes of God
Each attribute mentioned in the verse highlights a different aspect of God's character, encouraging believers to reflect on and incorporate these attributes into their daily lives.

Unity in Diversity
The great multitude from every nation worshiping together illustrates the unity of believers in Christ, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Response to Salvation
The context of Revelation 7 shows that worship is a response to the salvation and protection God provides, motivating believers to live in gratitude and obedience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the worship described in Revelation 7:12 challenge or inspire your personal worship practices?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the attributes of God mentioned in this verse into your daily life and interactions with others?

3. How does the unity of the great multitude in worship reflect the church's mission today?

4. What are some practical ways you can express gratitude to God for His salvation and protection in your life?

5. How do the themes of eternal praise and worship in Revelation 7:12 connect with other biblical passages that emphasize God's eternal nature?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 6:3
The seraphim around God's throne also declare His holiness and glory, similar to the worship in Revelation 7:12.

Philippians 4:20
Paul gives glory to God forever and ever, echoing the eternal praise found in Revelation 7:12.

1 Chronicles 29:11
David's prayer acknowledges God's greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty, paralleling the attributes ascribed to God in Revelation 7:12.
What Amen, MeansS. Conway Revelation 7:12
The Human Population in Heaven (No. 1)D. Thomas Revelation 7:9-12
The Church TriumphantR. Green Revelation 7:9-13
A Glimpse of the Redeemed in GloryJames Hamilton.Revelation 7:9-17
All SaintsAbp. Trench.Revelation 7:9-17
HeavenJ. A. James.Revelation 7:9-17
Humanity in HeavenB. D. Johns.Revelation 7:9-17
Society in HeavenF. D. Maurice, M. A.Revelation 7:9-17
The Great MultitudeH. Bonar, D. D.Revelation 7:9-17
The Great MultitudeH. Melvill, B. D.Revelation 7:9-17
The Human Population in HeavenD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 7:9-17
The Redeemed in GloryJ. T. Woodhouse.Revelation 7:9-17
The Redeemed in HeavenCharles Hargreaves.Revelation 7:9-17
The Redeemed in HeavenD. M. Inglis.Revelation 7:9-17
The Saints in HeavenR. M. McCheyne.Revelation 7:9-17
The Saints in HeavenH. C. Haydn, D. D.Revelation 7:9-17
The Saved a Great MultitudeW. Baxendale.Revelation 7:9-17
The Song of the Church in Heaven and on EarthThe Christian MagazineRevelation 7:9-17
The Worship of HeavenS. Martin, D. D.Revelation 7:9-17
What They Wear and Do in HeavenT. De Witt Talmage.Revelation 7:9-17
The Existence and Employment of the Holy AngelsBishop Home.Revelation 7:11-12
People
Asher, John, Joseph, Levi, Manasseh, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun
Places
Patmos
Topics
Ages, Amen, Ascribed, Blessing, Cried, Forever, Glory, Honor, Honour, Power, Praise, Saying, Strength, Thanks, Thanksgiving, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 7:12

     1461   truth, nature of
     8440   glorifying God
     8646   doxology
     8676   thanksgiving

Revelation 7:9-12

     2024   Christ, glory of
     8444   honouring God

Revelation 7:9-17

     5362   justice, believers' lives
     6705   peace, experience
     7259   promised land, later history

Revelation 7:11-12

     4114   angels, and praise
     8627   worship, elements
     8634   amen

Revelation 7:11-13

     7720   elders, in the church

Revelation 7:11-15

     9412   heaven, worship and service

Library
All Saints' Day
Westminster Abbey. November 1, 1874. Revelation vii. 9-12. "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

What and Whence are These?
We are frequently tempted to think that our Lord Jesus was not in very truth a man like ourselves. His actual and proper humanity is believed among us, but not fully realized. We are apt to fancy that his was another flesh and another manhood from our own, whereas he was in all things made like unto his brethren, and was tempted in all points like as we are, though without sin. It is, therefore, needful again and again and again to set out the true brotherhood and kinship of Christ. The same spirit
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

The Bliss of the Glorified
"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat."--Revelation 7:16. WE cannot too often turn our thoughts heavenward, for this is one of the great cures for worldliness. The way to liberate our souls from the bonds that tie us to earth is to strengthen the cords that kind us to heaven. You will think less of this poor little globe when you think more of the world to come. This contemplation will also serve to console us for the loss, as we call
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

The Fifth vision "In Heaven"
H5, xiv. 1-5. The Lamb and the 144,000. The Fifth Vision in heaven is very brief. It is another Episode, telling us of those who will have come through the great Tribulation, and have been caught up to Heaven. It is part of the larger Episode, and is parenthetical. The previous vision on Earth has told us of those who were slain because they refused to worship the Beast or receive his mark. Those who were for death, had been killed; and those who were to be kept alive, have been kept alive (xiii.
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Glory of the Martyrs.
We shall now contemplate the glory of the vast multitude of the blessed, who surround the thrones of Jesus and Mary. I quote from the Apocalypse: "After this, I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues: standing before the throne, and in the sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands."* This glorious multitude represents all the blessed. They may be divided into eight classes, namely, the martyrs, the doctors
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Appendix the Daughters of Jerusalem
The question is frequently asked, Who are represented by the daughters of Jerusalem? They are clearly not the bride, yet they are not far removed from her. They know where the Bridegroom makes His flock to rest at noon; they are charged by the Bridegroom not to stir up nor awaken His love when she rests, abiding in Him; they draw attention to the Bridegroom as with dignity and pomp He comes up from the wilderness; their love-gifts adorn His chariot of state; they are appealed to by the bride for
J. Hudson Taylor—Union and Communion

'Three Tabernacles'
'The Word ... dwelt among us.'--JOHN i. 14. '... He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them.'--REV. vii. 15. '... Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.'--REV. xxi. 3. The word rendered 'dwelt' in these three passages, is a peculiar one. It is only found in the New Testament--in this Gospel and in the Book of Revelation. That fact constitutes one of the many subtle threads of connection between these two books, which at first sight seem so extremely unlike
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Two Shepherds and Two Flocks
'Like sheep they are laid in the grave; Death shall feed on them.' --PSALM xlix. 14. 'The Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them.' --REV. vii. 17. These two verses have a much closer parallelism in expression than appears in our Authorised Version. If you turn to the Revised Version you will find that it rightly renders the former of my texts, 'Death shall be their shepherd,' and the latter, 'The Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall be their Shepherd.' The Old Testament
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Precious Deaths
The text informs us that the deaths of God's saints are precious to him. How different, then, is the estimate of human life which God forms from that which has ruled the minds of great warriors and mighty conquerors. Had Napoleon spoken forth his mind about the lives of men in the day of battle, he would have likened them to so much water spilt upon the ground. To win a victory, or subdue a province, it mattered not though he strewed the ground with corpses thick as autumn leaves, nor did it signify
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

Sardis
We have had four references to Israel's history in the Old Testament, and as four is the number connected with the earth, so these four have been connected with Israel in the earth and the Land; and with the culminating sin of departure from the love of God manifested to the Nation. Israel had "left her first love," forsaken God, and joined herself to idols in the most abominable form. This is the climax of Israel's sin. All else in this history is judgment, until Israel is removed from the Land
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

General Notes by the American Editor
1. The whole subject of the Apocalypse is so treated, [2318] in the Speaker's Commentary, as to elucidate many questions suggested by the primitive commentators of this series, and to furnish the latest judgments of critics on the subject. It is so immense a matter, however, as to render annotations on patristic specialties impossible in a work like this. Every reader must feel how apposite is the sententious saying of Augustine: "Apocalypsis Joannis tot sacramenta quot verba." 2. The seven spirits,
Victorinus—Commentary on the Apocolypse of the Blessed John

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
(Revelation, Chapters iv. and v.) "We are watching, we are waiting, For the bright prophetic day; When the shadows, weary shadows, From the world shall roll away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the star that brings the day; When the night of sin shall vanish, And the shadows melt away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the beauteous King of day; For the chiefest of ten thousand, For the Light, the Truth, the Way. "We are waiting for the morning, When the beauteous day is dawning, We are
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Notes on the Second Century
Page 94. Line 9. The Book of ---- The reference here is to the apocryphal Wisdom of Solomon xiii. 1-5. Page 104. Med. 33. As originally written this Meditation commenced thus: Whether the sufferings of an. Angel would have been meritorious or no I will not dispute: but'---- And the following sentence, which comes after the first, has also been crossedout: So that it was an honour and no injury to be called to it: And so great an honour that it was an ornament to God himself, and an honour even to
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

The Consecration of Joy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 35. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. 36. Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord; on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Death Swallowed up in victory
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory! D eath, simply considered, is no more than the cessation of life --that which was once living, lives no longer. But it has been the general, perhaps the universal custom of mankind, to personify it. Imagination gives death a formidable appearance, arms it with a dart, sting or scythe, and represents it as an active, inexorable and invincible reality. In this view death is a great devourer; with his iron tongue
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
The three divisions of this chapter,--I. The principal use of the cross is, that it in various ways accustoms us to despise the present, and excites us to aspire to the future life, sec. 1, 2. II. In withdrawing from the present life we must neither shun it nor feel hatred for it; but desiring the future life, gladly quit the present at the command of our sovereign Master, see. 3, 4. III. Our infirmity in dreading death described. The correction and safe remedy, sec. 6. 1. WHATEVER be the kind of
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision B. At Jacob's Well, and at Sychar. ^D John IV. 5-42. ^d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 and Jacob's well was there. [Commentators long made the mistake of supposing that Shechem, now called Nablous, was the town here called Sychar. Sheckem lies a mile and a half west of Jacob's well, while the real Sychar, now called 'Askar, lies scarcely half a mile north of the well. It was a small town, loosely called
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Living One
"I am He that liveth, and was dead" (i. 18). (...) (ho zon), THE LIVING ONE. Like the previous title, it is used as a special designation of the One whose unveiling is about to be shewn to John. Its use is peculiar to Daniel and Revelation. The two books thus linked together by it are linked as to their character and subject matter in a very special manner. It is used twice in Daniel:- Dan. iv. 34 (31 [19] ) and xii. 7; and six time in Revelation:- Rev. i. 18; iv. 9,10; v. 14; x. 6; and xv. 7. [20]
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

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