Revelation 5:10 — “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse is part of the song being sung in heaven to worship Jesus, the Lamb who was slain. After celebrating how He purchased people for God with His blood, the song continues by declaring what He made them to be: a kingdom and priests, and what they will do: they will reign on the earth.

This verse is talking about those whom Jesus redeemed — people from every tribe, language, people, and nation (from verse 9). Jesus didn’t just save them from sin — He also gave them a new identity and future. He made them part of a kingdom, not a temporary or earthly one, but a spiritual one that belongs to God. And He made them priests, meaning they have direct access to God and are called to live lives of worship and service.

And then comes the promise: “they will reign on the earth.” This is about the future. God’s people will share in Christ’s authority and rule when He returns to set all things right. So this verse looks both backward to what Jesus has done and forward to what He will do through His people.

Historical Context

In the Roman Empire, most people were powerless. A few ruled, and the rest served. Christians were often poor, persecuted, and marginalized. To hear that they had been made kings and priests in God’s kingdom would have been incredibly encouraging. It flipped the script completely.

In the Old Testament, only certain people could be priests — and kingship was limited to a royal family. But now, through Jesus, all believers are made part of a royal priesthood. That idea would have been radical in John’s time and deeply hopeful.

This verse echoes Exodus 19:6, where God told Israel He wanted them to be “a kingdom of priests.” But Israel fell short. In Revelation, through Jesus, that desire is fulfilled.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches that salvation is not just about forgiveness — it’s about transformation. Jesus makes His people into something new: a kingdom, united under His rule, and priests, able to worship and serve God directly.

It also speaks of purpose. We are not saved just to escape judgment, but to live lives that reflect God’s glory and to look forward to reigning with Him in the age to come.

And the phrase “they will reign on the earth” is key. It points to a future time when Christ returns and God’s people will participate in His rule. This isn’t about political power now — it’s about faithful service now and shared authority later when God restores creation.

Literary Analysis

This verse is written as part of a song of worship, but it carries deep theological truths. It uses past, present, and future tenses all in one breath:

• “You have made” (past)

• “to be” (present identity)

• “they will reign” (future promise)

The structure gives a full picture of what Jesus has done and what’s coming. The repetition of “and” — kingdom and priests and reign — builds momentum and emphasis. This is not just poetic. It’s a packed declaration of our identity and destiny in Christ.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 19:6 — “You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

• 1 Peter 2:9 — “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation…”

• Romans 8:17 — “If we are children, then we are heirs… we may also share in His glory.”

• 2 Timothy 2:12 — “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”

• Revelation 20:6 — Those who belong to Christ will reign with Him during His kingdom.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

If you belong to Jesus, this verse describes you. You are not just someone who was forgiven — you are part of His kingdom. You are a priest, called to live close to God and help others do the same. You’re not just a churchgoer or believer — you are royalty in God’s family.

This verse gives us purpose. Our lives matter. Our prayers, service, obedience, and love are all part of the priestly role we’ve been given. And no matter how hard things are now, we look ahead to the promise: we will reign with Christ.

This truth should shape how we live now — with boldness, humility, and a deep sense of mission.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God doesn’t just save us — He elevates us. He gives us identity, purpose, and a future. This verse shows how God’s love transforms ordinary, broken people into a kingdom of priests. That’s not something we could ever earn — it’s a gift of grace.

He doesn’t just bring us near — He brings us into His plans. He wants His people to be involved in His work, now and forever. That’s the kind of love that invites, restores, and includes.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the one who makes this all possible. He was slain, and by His blood, He purchased people for God (verse 9). Then He made them into something new — a kingdom and priests.

Through Jesus, the Old Testament hopes (like in Exodus and Isaiah) are fulfilled. Through Jesus, we are brought near to God, just like the priests were in the temple. And through Jesus, we are promised a future where we will reign with Him — not because we deserve it, but because He has triumphed.

As Hebrews 4:14-16 says, Jesus is our great High Priest, and because of Him, we can draw near to God with confidence.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• How does it change your view of yourself to know Jesus made you part of a kingdom and a priest to God?

• What does it mean for you personally to serve God as a priest in daily life?

• How can this verse help you face trials or discouragement with a sense of hope?

• What are some ways you can reflect your identity as part of God’s kingdom today?

• How does the promise of reigning with Christ impact your view of the future?