Revelation 19:1-2
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The "Hallelujah" isn't just an exclamation; it's a declaration that "He who is, He who was, and He who is to come" holds all salvation, glory, honor, and power. This ancient Hebrew word, unique in the New Testament to this passage, emphasizes God's eternal, unchanging presence and sovereignty, especially in the face of judgment. It’s a profound affirmation that all victory and praise belong to Him alone, not just for past deeds, but for His ongoing and future reign.
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Immediately following the dramatic description of Babylon's complete destruction, the scene shifts to heaven. Here, a vast multitude erupts in joyful praise, celebrating God's righteous judgment against the forces that had persecuted His people. This exultant chorus echoes the vindication of God's justice and the ultimate salvation of His faithful servants.
Imagine the earth shaking with the roar of judgment. Then, a new sound emerges – a sound of pure, unadulterated joy echoing from heaven. What makes this sound so powerful?
The verse opens with 'After these things I heard a great voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, "Hallelujah!"'
This isn't just any sound; it's the triumphant cry of a vast heavenly assembly. The word 'Hallelujah' itself is a Hebrew word, literally meaning 'Praise Yah' or 'Praise the Lord.' It's a powerful exclamation of worship, found frequently in the Old Testament Psalms, but appearing only in this chapter of Revelation.
What are they praising? "Salvation and glory and power belong to our God." This isn't a mere acknowledgment; it's a profound declaration that all these things – rescue, splendor, and might – originate from and reside in God alone.
This outburst follows the dramatic judgment and destruction of 'Babylon' (symbolizing corrupt, anti-God systems). The heavenly multitude isn't celebrating destruction itself, but God's righteous execution of justice and His ultimate power to save His people from such oppression. It's the sound of God's victory finally and fully realized.
The declaration 'Salvation and glory and power belong to our God' isn't just about what God does, but who He is. What does this praise reveal about His eternal character?
The praise offered here – 'Salvation and glory and power' – points directly to God's fundamental nature and His actions throughout history.
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The commentators highlight that the name 'Yah' (often embedded in 'Hallelujah') is deeply connected to God's being – 'He who is.' It speaks of His self-existence and His unchanging nature. The praise here affirms that these attributes – salvation, glory, and power – are not temporary or conditional; they are eternal and inherent to the God who is.
Understand the original words
hallēlouia · Greek Interjection
A transliteration of the Hebrew expression meaning 'Praise Yahweh' or 'Praise the Lord.' It is an exclamation of supreme adoration and joy directed toward God.
sōtēria · Greek Noun
The act of being delivered or rescued from peril, sin, or death. In a biblical context, it refers primarily to God's act of saving His people through His grace, often culminating in the work of Christ.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifestation of the divine presence, splendor, and majesty of God. It signifies the worthiness of God to be honored, praised, and magnified by all creation.
dynamis · Greek Noun
The exercise of God’s supreme authority, sovereignty, and might. It refers to God’s ability and right to accomplish His sovereign will in heaven and on earth.
krisis · Greek Noun
The authoritative declarations or actions by which God determines the destiny of His creatures. They are rooted in His character and are always aligned with His righteousness.
pornē · Greek Noun
A term often used in Revelation to describe a system or city that is spiritually unfaithful to God. It symbolizes idolatry, seduction, and worldly rebellion against divine authority.
phtheirō · Greek Verb
The act of making something impure or morally depraved. In a theological sense, it refers to the spiritual ruin caused by idolatry and rebellion against God’s truth.
porneia · Greek Noun
Any conduct that violates God’s standards for sexual purity. Biblically, it often serves as a metaphor for spiritual infidelity or apostasy from God.
ekdikeō · Greek Verb
To exact retribution or vindication for a wrong suffered. It is God’s act of securing justice for those who have been oppressed or persecuted for their faithfulness to Him.
doulos · Greek Noun, plural
People dedicated to the service of God. They are His bondservants who live in obedience to His commands and witness to His truth.
Revelation 19:1 bursts forth in a triumphant 'Hallelujah!' echoing the ultimate victory of God's people, a victory hard-won through centuries of divine faithfulness amidst intense persecution, culminating in the final judgment of oppressive powers and the establishment of God's eternal reign.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The foundational event of Christianity, establishing salvation through Christ's sacrifice and paving the way for the church's future.
c. 44-62 AD
Apostolic Age and Early Church Expansion
The apostles spread the gospel, establishing churches across the Roman Empire, facing persecution but growing in faith.
c. 64-67 AD
Persecution under Nero
Emperor Nero initiates the first major persecution of Christians in Rome, setting a precedent for future imperial hostility.
c. 90-100 AD— this verse
Writing of the Book of Revelation
The Apostle John receives and records the visions of Revelation, likely while exiled on the island of Patmos during a period of intense persecution.
c. 313 AD
Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine grants religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire, effectively ending widespread state-sponsored persecution of Christians.
c. 1517 AD
The Protestant Reformation
A movement challenging the authority and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, leading to the formation of various Protestant denominations and further religious upheaval.
This passage's call for sinners to be consumed aligns with the heavenly multitude's 'Hallelujah' upon the judgment of Babylon, showing a consistent biblical theme of praise accompanying divine justice.
Psalm 113:1-3The repeated 'Praise the LORD!' (Hallelujah) in this psalm sets a precedent for the jubilant, repeated acclamations found in Revelation 19 as God's people celebrate His mighty acts.
Isaiah 34:9-10The imagery of smoke rising from judgment in Isaiah is directly echoed in Revelation 19:3, highlighting the continuity of God's judgment against His enemies throughout Scripture.
Romans 11:33-36This passage's profound declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty in salvation, glory, and wisdom mirrors the heavenly multitude's praise, affirming that all power and honor belong to Him.
ellicottRevelation 19:1: "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:"
XIX. THE CHORUS OF THE HEAVENLY MULTITUDE REJOICING OVER HER FALL. (1-3) And after these things I heard . . .—Or, I heard, as it were, a mighty voice of a great multitude in the heaven, saying. The saints who were bidden in the last chapter to rejoice are now heard raising their songs as in one great voice of praise. The…
bengelRevelation 19:1: "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:"
Revelation 19:1 . Φωνὴν , a voice ) Widely different from the complaints described in ch. 18— ἀλληλούϊα , Hallelujah ) This is a most weighty cry, respecting which we deem it necessary to make some remarks. § 1. It is a Hebrew word הללו יה , compounded of הללו and יה . § 2. The name יָהּ occurs in hymns of the Old Testame…
The "Hallelujah" isn't just an exclamation; it's a declaration that "He who is, He who was, and He who is to come" holds all salvation, glory, honor, and power. This ancient Hebrew word, unique in the New Testament to this passage, emphasizes God's eternal, unchanging presence and sovereignty, especially in the face of judgment. It’s a profound affirmation that all victory and praise belong to Him alone, not just for past deeds, but for His ongoing and future reign.
Immediately following the dramatic description of Babylon's complete destruction, the scene shifts to heaven. Here, a vast multitude erupts in joyful praise, celebrating God's righteous judgment against the forces that had persecuted His people. This exultant chorus echoes the vindication of God's justice and the ultimate salvation of His faithful servants.
Immediately following the dramatic description of Babylon's complete destruction, the scene shifts to heaven. Here, a vast multitude erupts in joyful praise, celebrating God's righteous judgment against the forces that had persecuted His people. This exultant chorus echoes the vindication of God's justice and the ultimate salvation of His faithful servants.
"After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great pro…" — The "Hallelujah" isn't just an exclamation; it's a declaration that "He who *is*, He who *was*, and He who *is to come*" holds all salvation, glory, honor, and power. This ancient Hebrew word, unique…
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Last reviewed October 2026