Revelation 11:17

Saying, Wee giue thee thankes, O Lord God Almightie, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. Revelation 11:17 (KJV)

Revelation 11:17 is part of the Book of Revelation, the final book of the Christian Bible, which records prophetic visions given to the Apostle John. This verse occurs within the larger passage describing the sounding of the seventh trumpet by the seventh angel, a moment that signals the consummation of God’s redemptive plan and the inauguration of His eternal kingdom. The quotation often attributed to Revelation 11:17—“We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned”—does not appear in that chapter; those words are a conflation of language found elsewhere in Revelation, notably the hymn of the four living creatures in Revelation 4:8 (“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come”) and other passages expressing thanksgiving. In its proper context, Revelation 11:17 expresses heavenly worship and proclamation that all earthly kingdoms have been transferred to the Lord and His Christ, and that Christ will reign eternally. The verse underscores the transition from temporal powers to the everlasting rule of God, offering believers assurance of God’s ultimate sovereignty and the fulfillment of His divine purpose. The phrase “Which art, and wast, and art to come” acknowledges God’s eternal existence, affirming that He has always been and always will be, and reflects His timeless nature beyond the constraints of time. “Because thou hast taken to thee thy great power” speaks of God taking hold of His great power, indicating that He has assumed full authority and sovereignty over all creation. “And hast reigned” signifies that God has begun to reign as King over all creation, implying that His reign has been inaugurated and is being realized in His divine plan, ultimately leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom. It reminds us that God is in control, regardless of the circumstances we may face, and points to the fulfillment of God’s plan and the assurance that His kingdom will be established. This passage serves as an encouragement for believers to trust in God’s ultimate reign, to offer Him heartfelt gratitude and worship, and to find hope and assurance in His eternal nature and sovereign rule.