Gaither Vocal Band - Hallelujah Chorus Lyrics
Lyrics
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth (Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth (Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah (Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth (Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)
Hallelujah
The kingdom of this world
Is become
The kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ
And of His Christ
And He shall reign forever and ever
And He shall reign forever and ever (And He shall reign forever and ever)
And He shall reign forever and ever (And He shall reign forever and ever)
And he shall reign forever and ever (And He shall reign forever and ever)
King of kings (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)
And lord of lords (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)
King of kings (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)
And lord of lords (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)
King of kings (Forever and ever hallelujah hallelujah)
And lord of lords
King of kings and lord of lords
And he shall reign forever and ever (And he shall reign)
And he shall reign forever and ever (And he shall reign)
King of kings forever and ever
And lord of lords hallelujah hallelujah
And he shall reign forever, forever and ever
King of kings and lord of lords
King of kings and lord of lords
And he shall reign forever and ever (And he shall reign forever and ever)
Forever and ever, forever and ever (King of kings and lord of lords)
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah
Video
Bill & Gloria Gaither - Hallelujah Chorus [Live] ft. Anthony Burger
Meaning & Inspiration
The Bill & Gloria Gaither Hallelujah Chorus, featuring Anthony Burger, released on September 7, 2012, stands as a powerful testament to enduring faith and divine sovereignty, delivered with the Gaither Vocal Band’s distinctive blend of voices. This rendition breathes fresh life into what is arguably the most famous choral piece in Western classical music, originally composed by George Frideric Handel as the climax of his 1741 oratorio, *Messiah*. The profound story behind this enduring anthem is its direct scriptural foundation, drawing heavily from the Book of Revelation. Handel meticulously crafted a musical narrative of Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and ultimate triumph, culminating in this glorious declaration of His eternal reign. The Gaither Vocal Band, by choosing to present this specific work, aligns themselves with centuries of proclaiming this majestic truth, echoing the very words of ancient prophecy with a contemporary urgency and a rich, Southern Gospel sensibility.
The song’s message begins with an undeniable outpouring of praise: "Hallelujah." This single word, derived from the Hebrew for "Praise the Lord," sets the tone for the entire piece, serving as a repeated exultation and an invitation to join in universal worship. It's not merely a word but a profound spiritual declaration, much like the shouts heard in Revelation 19:1, 3, 4, and 6, where the heavenly hosts cry out "Hallelujah!" in response to God's righteous judgments and ultimate victory. The subsequent declaration, "For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," is a direct echo of Revelation 19:6, affirming God’s absolute power and His present, active dominion over all creation. The term "omnipotent" underscores His unlimited might, a comforting and awe-inspiring truth for all who believe, reinforcing that no earthly power can stand against His ultimate will. This isn't a future hope alone; it’s a confident statement of an ongoing reality, a sovereignty that endures through every generation.
As the piece progresses, the narrative shifts to a pivotal transition: "The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ." This majestic line is a direct quote from Revelation 11:15, marking the glorious moment when all earthly dominion yields to the divine authority of Jesus Christ. It speaks to a future consummation when every earthly system, every human ruler, will ultimately bow before the King of kings. This declaration provides immense hope and a profound sense of purpose for those who navigate a world often filled with turmoil and uncertainty. It reassures believers that despite appearances, God’s plan is unfolding, leading to the establishment of His righteous and eternal kingdom. The subsequent refrain, "And He shall reign forever and ever," reinforces the eternal nature of Christ's dominion, a truth found in prophecies like Daniel 7:14, which speaks of an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and Luke 1:33, promising that He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. This eternal reign contrasts sharply with the fleeting nature of human kingdoms, offering a vision of enduring peace and perfect justice.
The song reaches its crescendo with the majestic titles ascribed to Christ: "King of kings, and Lord of lords." These powerful designations, found in Revelation 17:14 and 19:16, unequivocally establish Jesus as the supreme authority over all creation, transcending every earthly monarchy and spiritual power. He is not merely *a* king or *a* lord, but the ultimate sovereign to whom all others are subject. The Gaither Vocal Band’s delivery of these lines, often with increasing intensity and layered harmony, amplifies the inherent power and majesty of these scriptural truths. Their vocal arrangement serves to elevate the profound theological weight of each phrase, allowing the message to resonate with renewed vigor in the hearts of those listening. This performance, through its faithfulness to the source material and its compelling vocal delivery, transforms the "Hallelujah Chorus" into more than just a musical performance; it becomes an immersive act of worship and a prophetic declaration, inviting all to acknowledge and celebrate the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ.