Revelation 1:6 Meaning: A Kingdom of Priests
and he made us to be a Kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
and did make us kings and priests to his God and Father, to him is the glory and the power to the ages of the ages! Amen.
and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father: to him [be] the glory and the might to the ages of ages. Amen.
Meaning in one sentence
Christ makes believers a kingdom of priests through His blood. Discover how Revelation 1:6 fulfills Exodus 19:6 and defines your identity.
Context
John is writing from exile on Patmos, having just described Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth (v. 5). Now he turns to what Christ has done for us. He loved us. He washed us from our sins. And then he tells us what that washing produced: we have been made a kingdom and priests. This language draws directly from the Old Testament, where God told Israel they would be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6). John is saying that promise is fulfilled at last, not through the law but through the blood of Jesus. The verse closes with a doxology that turns attention back to Christ, the one who did this work.
Key Words
The verb made (epoiēsen) is a past action that has already happened. Christ has settled this. You are not waiting to become a priest; you already are one. The phrase a kingdom, priests follows the oldest manuscripts and echoes Exodus 19:6 exactly. It pictures believers as a single community, not a crowd of separate kings. Together you are a kingdom, and each of you is a priest. The word for priests (hiereis) means those who serve in the presence of God. You have direct access to Him because of Jesus. The doxology ends with dominion (kratos), a word for strength and might. John gives this strength to Christ forever.
How Christians Read This Verse
Most ancient manuscripts read a kingdom, priests rather than kings and priests. Christians across traditions see in this a clear reference to Exodus 19:6 and the call of Israel. Protestant commentators like Barnes and Gill emphasize that believers now share in Christ’s reign and serve as priests to God. Catholic teaching also honors the royal priesthood of all believers through baptism. Orthodox tradition likewise sees this as a fulfillment of God’s covenant promise. While traditions may differ on the timing of the kingdom’s fullness, all agree that the work is Christ’s and the identity is already given.
“and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
— Exodus 19:6 (WEB)
A common misunderstanding
A common mistake is reading this verse as only a future promise, something to hope for after death. In fact, John uses a past tense. Christ made us a kingdom and priests already. The full reign of God is still coming, but your identity as a priest with access to God and as part of His kingdom is a present gift, settled at the cross.
Living This Out
You can live this week from what is already true. As a priest, you have direct access to God. You don’t need anyone else to speak for you. You can bring your own prayers, your own needs, and your own praise. As part of a kingdom, you belong to God’s rule, not the world’s. When you feel small or overlooked, remember that Christ made you something lasting. Let the praise that ends this verse rise in you: to Jesus be the glory and the strength forever.
Main takeaway: Through Jesus’ blood, every believer is already made a priest with direct access to God and a citizen of His eternal kingdom.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus loves you so much that He made you part of His special family. You can always talk to God, and you belong to Him forever.
For ages 9, 12
Jesus did something amazing. He washed away your sins with His blood and made you a kingly priest. That means you have a job to do right now: you serve God and others. You can talk to God anytime, and nothing can take that away. Your identity is secure because of what Jesus has already done.
Questions People Ask
What does it mean that believers are priests?
In the Old Testament, priests had special access to God and offered sacrifices. Now, through Jesus, every believer has direct access to God and can offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works.
Is the kingdom in this verse present or future?
John uses the past tense, Christ 'made' us a kingdom already. While the full manifestation of God’s kingdom is still to come, our identity as His kingdom people is a present reality.
Why do some Bibles say 'kings and priests' instead of 'a kingdom and priests'?
Some later manuscripts read 'kings,' but older and more reliable manuscripts read 'a kingdom, priests.' This expression echoes Exodus 19:6, emphasizing the community as a royal priesthood.
How does this verse relate to the Old Testament?
It directly quotes the language of Exodus 19:6, where God promised Israel they would be a kingdom of priests. John shows this promise is fulfilled for all believers through Christ’s blood.
To whom is the doxology directed, the Father or the Son?
The context suggests it is directed to Christ, who is the subject of the preceding clauses. It ascribes glory and dominion to Jesus for His work of making us a kingdom of priests.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study