Why Is Jesus Called King? A Complete Biblical Guide
The title ‘King Jesus’ refers to Jesus Christ’s supreme authority and sovereignty over all of creation, as affirmed in the Bible. It signifies His divine role as the prophesied Messiah from the line of King David, whose kingdom is eternal and whose rule extends over heaven and earth (Revelation 19:16).
From majestic ancient prophecies to the declarations of His followers today, one title echoes with unparalleled power and reverence: King. But why is Jesus called King, and what profound truths are unveiled when we declare Him “King of Kings”? This title is not merely ceremonial; it is the very essence of His identity. It serves as a cornerstone of our faith that points to His divine authority and eternal reign. The truth of Jesus’s kingship transcends all earthly thrones, revealing a sovereignty that governs creation and holds the destiny of every soul.
For generations, believers have proclaimed “all hail King Jesus.” This is not a quaint custom but a heartfelt submission to the Lord of all creation. This article will explore the deep scriptural roots of Jesus’s kingship. We will see how the Bible, from ancient prophecies to the final vision in Revelation, consistently portrays Him as the ultimate ruler—the Messiah whose kingdom is eternal and whose dominion has no end. As it is written, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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 1:15-16).
Understanding Jesus’s kingship is more than an academic exercise; it is a foundational truth that shapes our worship, guides our lives, and strengthens our hope. Let us explore what it truly means to call Him King, starting with the biblical definition of His title and the implications of His divine authority.
What Does King Jesus Mean?
Understanding Jesus’ Divine Authority
Understanding the title “King Jesus” begins with grasping His divine authority. This kingship is unlike any earthly rule, as Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a great teacher. He is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human.
His authority flows from His very nature as God. Because He existed before all creation and holds everything together by His powerful word (Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3), His reign is both eternal and universal.
When we call Him “King Jesus” or “Jesus, King of Kings,” we are declaring His supreme sovereignty over everything, both visible and invisible. This includes all earthly rulers, powers, and authorities.
Key aspects of Jesus’ divine authority include:
- Creator and Sustainer: All things were made through Him and for Him (John 1:3). He sustains the universe.
- Lord over Sin and Death: He conquered sin through His perfect life and death. He defeated death through His glorious resurrection (Romans 6:9-10).
- Judge of All: Jesus holds the ultimate authority to judge humanity (John 5:22).
- Giver of Life: He offers eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 10:28).
- Mediator: Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
His authority is absolute—a spiritual, moral, and cosmic authority. Philippians 2:9-11 explains that God highly exalted Him, giving 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 passage powerfully illustrates the ultimate scope of His kingship.
The Kingdom of God vs. Earthly Kingdoms
The concept of “King Jesus” is directly tied to the Kingdom of God. However, this kingdom differs profoundly from any earthly one. Earthly kingdoms are temporary, often defined by political power, territorial boundaries, and human governance. In contrast, Jesus’ kingdom is both eternal and spiritual.
Jesus Himself clarified this distinction. When standing before Pontius Pilate, He stated, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36).
This means His reign is not established by military might or political force. Instead, it is founded on divine truth, righteousness, and grace. The Kingdom of God is characterized by:
- Righteousness, Peace, and Joy: Romans 14:17 teaches, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
- Spiritual Transformation: Entry into this kingdom requires spiritual rebirth, not physical heritage or conquest (John 3:3-5).
- Inward Reality: Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). It begins in the hearts of believers.
- Universal Scope: While starting in the heart, its influence extends to all aspects of life and creation.
- Eternal Duration: Unlike earthly empires that rise and fall, Jesus’ kingdom will never end (Daniel 7:14).
To declare “all hail King Jesus” is to acknowledge this spiritual reality. It is an act of worship and submission to His reign, signifying a choice to align with His eternal kingdom over the fleeting allure of worldly power. As followers of Jesus, we are therefore citizens of this heavenly kingdom, called to reflect its values here on earth.
Where Does the Bible Say Jesus is King?
Old Testament Prophecies of a King
The concept of a divine King is not new to the New Testament. In fact, the Old Testament meticulously lays the groundwork for the arrival of King Jesus. It weaves a rich tapestry of prophecies concerning a future, righteous ruler who would establish an eternal kingdom.
For example, the prophet Isaiah speaks powerfully about this coming King:
- “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
This passage clearly points to a ruler with divine attributes and an unending reign. Additionally, the promise God gave to King David reinforced the expectation of a perpetual dynasty through his lineage:
- “When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (2 Samuel 7:12-13)
These prophecies, among many others, cultivated a deep longing among God’s people for their promised King, the Messiah. They painted a picture of a sovereign Lord who would bring salvation and everlasting peace.
New Testament Fulfillment in Christ
The New Testament shows how King Jesus fulfills these ancient prophecies. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the definitive answer to centuries of anticipation. The Gospels immediately connect Jesus to this royal heritage. Matthew’s Gospel, for instance, begins by tracing Jesus’ ancestry directly to David and Abraham, emphasizing His royal claim (Matthew 1:1). In addition, the angel Gabriel announced to Mary:
- “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:32-33)
This divine declaration leaves no doubt about Jesus’ identity as the long-awaited King. He is not merely a prophet or a teacher; He is the heir to David’s throne, destined to rule eternally. Thus, all the hopes and promises of the Old Testament find their perfect culmination in Christ.
The Testimony of the Gospels (Matthew, John)
The Gospels provide compelling evidence of Jesus’ kingship throughout His earthly ministry. Matthew, often called the “King’s Gospel,” presents Jesus as the Messiah promised to Israel. It highlights His royal lineage and His authoritative teachings. For instance, the wise men from the East sought the “king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). Later, Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem directly fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, as the crowds hailed Him as King while he rode on a donkey (Matthew 21:5).
John’s Gospel uniquely emphasizes Jesus’ divine kingship and the spiritual nature of His reign. During His trial before Pontius Pilate, Jesus openly affirmed His kingship:
- “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36)
Pilate then asked Him directly, “You are a king, then?” Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37). Even the sign placed above Him on the cross, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” proclaimed His royal identity (John 19:19).
Paul’s Epistles on Christ’s Sovereignty
The Apostle Paul expands on Christ’s universal sovereignty in his epistles. He teaches that Jesus’ kingship extends far beyond Israel to encompass all of creation. After His resurrection, God exalted Jesus as King of Kings. Paul writes in Philippians:
- “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
This passage clearly states Jesus’ supreme authority over all things. In addition, Paul describes Christ as the Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos. He declares to the Colossians:
- “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Colossians 1:15-18)
Paul’s teachings consistently affirm Jesus’ current reign from heaven. He sits at the right hand of God, exercising divine power and authority over all creation and His Church (Ephesians 1:20-22).
The Book of Revelation: King of Kings
The Book of Revelation presents the ultimate vision of Jesus as the triumphant King of Kings. It dramatically portrays His final victory and eternal reign. Throughout its pages, Jesus is repeatedly identified with unmatched authority and glory. For instance, He is called “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5).
Furthermore, Revelation 17:14 describes His conflict with earthly powers, stating, “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” The most iconic depiction of His ultimate kingship appears in Revelation 19:16, where He is seen returning in glory:
- “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
This powerful imagery confirms that Jesus Christ holds supreme dominion over all earthly and heavenly rulers. Therefore, declaring “all hail King Jesus” is a profound biblical affirmation. This declaration acknowledges His fulfillment of past prophecy, His present reign, and His future undisputed sovereignty. There is no higher authority or more powerful ruler than our Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal King. The concept of Jesus as the “King of Kings” is universally recognized within Christian theology and tradition [1].
Did Jesus Ever Call Himself King?
His Testimony Before Pontius Pilate (John 18:36-37)
Did Jesus ever directly call Himself King? Yes. One of the clearest instances occurred during His trial before Pontius Pilate. Representing the authority of Rome, Pilate questioned Jesus about His royal identity.
In this exchange, recorded in John 18:36-37, Jesus did not avoid the title. Instead, He carefully defined the nature of His kingship, explaining it was distinct from any earthly power or political goal. Jesus declared:
“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
“Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.'” (John 18:36-37)
This powerful affirmation establishes several truths about King Jesus:
- Divine Origin: His kingdom does not originate from human efforts or earthly power; it is from above.
- Spiritual Nature: It is a spiritual kingdom focused on truth and righteousness, not on political conquest.
- Personal Affirmation: When asked directly, Jesus affirmed, “You say rightly that I am a king,” a clear self-identification.
- Purposeful Incarnation: He stated He was born and came into the world specifically to fulfill this kingship by bearing witness to the truth.
Therefore, Jesus explicitly confirmed His identity as Jesus King while clarifying that His reign transcends all earthly authority. He revealed Himself as the King of Kings, whose dominion is eternal and spiritual, challenging worldly perceptions of power.
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus also presented Himself as King during His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, another pivotal moment in His ministry. This event, occurring just days before His crucifixion, was a deliberate and prophetic declaration of His royal identity.
As described in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19), Jesus intentionally rode into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt. This act directly fulfilled an ancient prophecy from Zechariah 9:9:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The crowds understood the royal significance of this act. They spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road, shouting fervent acclamations:
- “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9)
- “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:9-10)
- “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)
- “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!” (John 12:13)
These cries directly acknowledged Him as the promised King Jesus. While many people may have sought a political deliverer, their shouts still affirmed His royal status. They welcomed Him as their Messiah and Jesus King, even if they did not fully grasp the spiritual nature of His reign.
In summary, Jesus demonstrated His kingship through both His prophetic actions and His direct statements. These key events firmly establish His identity as the true King of Kings and Lord of all.
What Does the Phrase ‘All Hail King Jesus’ Mean?
The powerful phrase “All Hail King Jesus” resonates deeply within Christian faith. More than a simple greeting, this declaration proclaims Jesus’ ultimate authority and our profound reverence for Him. It stands as a bedrock statement of belief for followers worldwide.
The Biblical Roots of ‘All Hail’
The term “hail” carries significant historical and biblical weight. Historically, it served as a salutation to greet royalty or those in high authority. This ancient practice signified respect, honor, and recognition of power—a profound acknowledgement of status.
The Bible uses similar expressions to convey honor and authority. For instance, the angel Gabriel greeted Mary with “Hail, full of grace” (Luke 1:28), a divine recognition of her unique favor. Furthermore, when Jesus made His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the crowds cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9). This was a form of hailing Him as their long-awaited King.
In contrast to the soldiers who mockingly hailed Jesus as “King of the Jews” during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:29), believers use “All Hail King Jesus” as a sincere expression of devotion. Our use of “hail” echoes these ancient forms of homage, elevating Jesus above all earthly rulers and declaring His rightful place as sovereign Lord. The phrase, therefore, is deeply rooted in the biblical concept of reverent acknowledgment [source: Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hail].
A Declaration of Worship and Submission
Declaring “All Hail King Jesus” is a profound act of worship and a direct statement of faith. Through this phrase, we confess His divine kingship, absolute dominion, and our complete adoration for Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Here are key aspects of this declaration:
- Acknowledgment of Sovereignty: We recognize Jesus as the supreme ruler, who holds all power and authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
- Personal Submission: It signifies our willingness to submit our lives to His will, yielding our plans and desires to His divine leadership.
- Eternal Adoration: This declaration anticipates the future, looking forward to the day when “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).
- Spiritual Allegiance: It is a statement of loyalty, aligning us with His kingdom rather than the transient kingdoms of this world (John 18:36).
This phrase powerfully affirms that Jesus is the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16). As an unwavering statement, it solidifies our commitment to follow, honor, and worship Him above all else. This declaration builds faith and encourages believers by reminding them of the unshakable truth of Christ’s reign.
What is Jesus King Now?
Reigning in Heaven and in the Hearts of Believers
Jesus Christ is not merely a historical figure. He is actively reigning right now. His kingship is a present reality, both in the heavenly realms and within His followers.
Jesus’ Heavenly Throne
Following His resurrection and ascension, Jesus was seated at the right hand of God the Father—a position of ultimate authority and power over the entire universe. Scripture affirms this reality. Colossians 3:1, for instance, urges believers to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Similarly, Hebrews 1:3 declares that He upholds the universe by the word of His power, confirming His status as King over all creation.
From His heavenly throne, Jesus exercises sovereign rule, guiding history and overseeing His church. Nothing happens outside of His divine will. He is not a king in waiting but the reigning King of Kings, a title affirmed in Revelation 19:16: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
Jesus’ Reign in Believers’ Hearts
In addition to His cosmic reign, Jesus establishes His kingdom within the hearts of His followers. When we accept Him as Lord and Savior, we invite Him to rule our lives. This spiritual kingdom is marked by “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” as taught in Romans 14:17. Jesus Himself affirmed this internal reality, stating, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).
This internal reign transforms our desires and actions as we willingly submit to His loving authority. Our lives become a testament to His lordship. Therefore, the declaration, “All Hail King Jesus,” is not merely a future hope but a present confession of our allegiance and worship. Through this personal surrender, Jesus becomes King in a deeply intimate way.
The Promise of His Future Reign on Earth
While Jesus currently reigns from heaven and in our hearts, the Bible promises a future, visible reign on earth. This is a cornerstone of Christian hope, a time when His full sovereignty will be displayed for all to see.
His Return and Earthly Kingdom
Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus will return to Earth in power and glory. Matthew 24:30 describes Him coming “on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,” and Acts 1:11 confirms He will return in the same way He ascended. Upon His return, He will establish His literal kingdom on Earth—a physical, governmental rule, not just a spiritual one.
The Millennial Reign
The Book of Revelation describes a specific period known as the Millennial Reign, during which Jesus will rule the Earth for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6). This era will be defined by unprecedented peace and justice, with all nations subject to His authority. As prophesied in Isaiah 2:4, nations “shall beat their swords into plowshares,” and war will cease. This reign will perfectly demonstrate His divine wisdom and righteousness, fulfilling the promise that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
Eternal Kingship
Beyond the thousand-year reign, Jesus’ kingship is eternal. Revelation 11:15 proclaims, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” His dominion will have no end. This eternal reign signifies God’s complete triumph over sin, death, and evil, assuring us that ultimate victory belongs to Him. Believers eagerly anticipate the day His glorious reign is fully realized on Earth, when His name will be honored by all creation, confirming His identity as our sovereign Lord and Savior.
Frequently Asked Questions About King Jesus
Is it correct to say Jesus is king?
Yes, it is correct to say Jesus is King. This truth is central to the Christian faith, and the Bible consistently proclaims His royal authority.
- Prophecies Declared His Kingship: The Old Testament foretold a coming King. For example, Daniel saw a “Son of Man” who was given an everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:13-14), and Zechariah prophesied that Jerusalem’s King would arrive righteously and humbly (Zechariah 9:9).
- Jesus Affirmed His Kingship: When questioned by Pilate, Jesus did not deny His royal identity. While He clarified, “My kingdom is not of this world,” He affirmed Pilate’s charge by saying, “You say that I am a king” (John 18:36-37).
- Apostles Preached His Sovereignty: The apostles preached about Jesus’s ultimate authority. Peter declared Jesus as both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36), and Paul affirmed that God exalted Jesus, giving Him the name above all names so that every knee will one day bow to Him (Philippians 2:9-11).
- Revelation Reveals His Ultimate Rule: The final book of the Bible powerfully depicts Jesus as the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16), whose reign is eternal and universal.
In short, Christians believe Jesus reigns in heaven now and rules in the hearts of believers. While His spiritual kingdom is already present, He will one day return to establish His physical reign on earth. Therefore, to call Jesus “King” is to acknowledge His divine sovereignty and rightful authority over all creation.
What scripture is All Hail King Jesus based on?
The phrase “All Hail King Jesus” is a powerful declaration of worship, not a direct quote from a single Bible verse. Instead, it draws its meaning from several scriptural themes that confirm Jesus’s kingship and call for His worship.
- “Hail” as a Greeting of Reverence:
- The wise men traveled to find the “king of the Jews” so they could worship him (Matthew 2:2).
- In mockery, Roman soldiers hailed Jesus as “King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:29). Though meant as a scornful act, it unintentionally affirmed His true royal status.
- After His resurrection, Jesus greeted His followers with the word “Greetings” (Matthew 28:9). The original Greek word, chairete, can also be translated as “Hail.”
- Jesus as “King”: The Bible consistently presents Jesus as the rightful King.
- Old Testament prophecies point to His royal lineage and eternal reign (Isaiah 9:6-7).
- New Testament accounts, such as those in John 1:49 and John 12:13, confirm His kingship.
- The book of Revelation climactically declares Him the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16).
Therefore, the phrase “All Hail King Jesus” combines these biblical themes. It is a heartfelt expression of adoration and submission to His supreme authority, confessing His Lordship and anticipating His glorious future reign.
Who was the king of Jesus?
This question misunderstands Jesus’s unique identity as God incarnate. Jesus Himself is the supreme King and has no earthly or heavenly king over Him. The Bible calls Him the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16).
During His time on earth, various political figures held power.
- Earthly Rulers During His Life:
- Herod the Great was the king of Judea when Jesus was born.
- Herod Antipas ruled Galilee during much of Jesus’s ministry.
- Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea who oversaw Jesus’s crucifixion.
- Caesar Augustus and later Tiberius Caesar were the Roman Emperors.
However, these earthly rulers held no authority over Jesus’s divine nature. His kingship does not come from human lineage or political power but from His eternal identity as God. As the creator of all things (Colossians 1:16-17), His authority transcends all human governance. This is what He meant when He said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
Ultimately, God the Father gave Jesus all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, Jesus has no king above Him—He is the ultimate sovereign.
Why did Jesus say ‘all hail’?
Jesus Himself did not say the phrase “all hail.” Instead, “All Hail King Jesus” is a declaration of worship created by believers about Him.
The word “hail” does appear in the Bible, but in different contexts:
- Greetings of Reverence:
- The angel Gabriel greeted Mary by saying, “Hail, favored one” (Luke 1:28).
- After His resurrection, Jesus met His disciples and said, “Greetings!” (Matthew 28:9). The original Greek word here is related to “hail.”
- Mockery by His Enemies: Before His crucifixion, Roman soldiers mockingly “hailed” Jesus as “King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:29). This sarcastic act was meant to ridicule His claim to kingship, but it inadvertently pointed to His true status.
While Jesus often taught about His Father’s kingdom and His own divine authority, He never used this specific phrase. “All Hail King Jesus” is a popular expression of worship rooted in the scriptural understanding of His undeniable reign. It is a declaration of faith that signifies profound reverence, submission, and adoration for Him as the divine and eternal King.