King of Kings and Lord of Lords
The titles “King of kings” and “Lord of lords” ascribed to Jesus Christ encapsulate the fullness of Jesus’ divine authority, his supremacy over all earthly and spiritual powers, and his unique role in the redemptive plan of God. To understand what it means that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, it is necessary to examine the biblical context of these titles, their Old Testament background, their application to Jesus in the New Testament, and their implications for Christian faith and life.
Biblical Foundations
The phrase “King of kings and Lord of lords” appears explicitly in the New Testament, most notably in Paul’s first letter to Timothy and in the book of Revelation. In 1 Timothy 6:15, Paul writes of Jesus: “which he will display at the proper time–he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” Similarly, Revelation 17:14 describes the Lamb’s victory over the forces of evil: “they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Again, in Revelation 19:16, the title is emblazoned on Jesus’ robe and thigh as he returns in glory: “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
These titles are not unique to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, similar language is used to describe God’s sovereignty. For example, in Deuteronomy 10:17, Moses declares, “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God.” This language emphasizes the absolute supremacy of God over all other powers, whether earthly rulers or spiritual beings.
The Meaning of “King of kings”
To call Jesus the “King of kings” is to affirm his ultimate authority over all human rulers and kingdoms. In the ancient world, kings were the highest authority in their realms, often regarded as semi-divine or as representatives of the gods. To be the “King of kings” was to be the sovereign above all other sovereigns, the one to whom all other kings owed allegiance.
The New Testament proclaims that Jesus fulfills this role in a way that surpasses all previous expectations. After his resurrection, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). This universal authority is not limited by geography, ethnicity, or time. Jesus’ kingship is spiritual and symbolic, but it is also real and comprehensive, encompassing all nations and peoples. The book of Revelation portrays the final consummation of this kingship, when “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
Jesus’ kingship is also characterized by righteousness and justice, in contrast to the often corrupt and self-serving rule of earthly kings. The prophet Isaiah foretold a coming king who would “establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore” (Isaiah 9:7). Jesus fulfills this prophecy, ruling not by force or coercion, but by sacrificial love and perfect justice.
The Meaning of “Lord of lords”
The title “Lord of lords” further emphasizes Jesus’ supremacy, particularly in the realm of worship and allegiance. In the Greco-Roman world, the term “lord” (Greek: kyrios) was used for masters, rulers, and even deities. To be the “Lord of lords” is to be the ultimate object of worship and obedience, the one before whom every knee must bow.
Paul makes this explicit in Philippians 2:9-11, where he writes that God has “highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This universal lordship is not only a future reality but is already true in the present, as believers submit to Jesus’ authority and proclaim his lordship to the world.
The lordship of Jesus also means that he is the one who has ultimate claim over the lives of his followers. As Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” To confess Jesus as Lord is to acknowledge his right to direct every aspect of one’s life, to submit to his will, and to trust in his goodness and wisdom.
Theological Implications
The affirmation that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords has profound theological implications. First, it establishes the deity of Jesus. The titles ascribed to God in the Old Testament are now applied to Jesus, indicating that he shares in the divine nature and authority. This is consistent with the broader New Testament witness to the divinity of Christ, as seen in passages such as John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:15-20.
Second, these titles underscore the uniqueness of Jesus’ role in salvation history. No other ruler, religious leader, or spiritual being can claim the authority and supremacy that belong to Jesus alone. As Peter proclaimed before the Sanhedrin, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Third, the kingship and lordship of Jesus provide hope and assurance to believers. In a world marked by injustice, suffering, and the apparent triumph of evil, the knowledge that Jesus reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords assures believers that God’s purposes will ultimately prevail. As Jesus himself said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Practical Application
Recognizing Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords calls for a response of worship, obedience, and allegiance. Believers are called to submit every area of their lives to Jesus’ authority, to trust in his sovereign rule, and to bear witness to his lordship in a world that often rejects his claims. This submission is not burdensome, for Jesus is a king who serves, a lord who lays down his life for his people (Mark 10:45).
The universal reign of Jesus challenges all forms of idolatry and misplaced allegiance. No earthly power, ideology, or personal ambition can rival the claims of Jesus. As Paul reminds the church, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).
Conclusion
To confess that Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords is to acknowledge his absolute sovereignty, his unique divinity, and his rightful claim over all creation. These titles of Jesus Christ are the foundation of Christian hope, the source of comfort in times of trial, and the call to wholehearted devotion. As the book of Revelation assures believers, the day is coming when every power that opposes God will be brought low, and Jesus will be revealed in glory as the one true King and Lord, reigning forever and ever. Amen.