Revelation 5: The Lamb Who Is Worthy
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Revelation 5 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Revelation, building upon the throne room scene established in Revelation 4. It shifts the focus to a scroll held by God, representing His judgments on sin and His ultimate plan for creation. This chapter reveals the worthiness of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, to take the scroll and execute God's purposes, leading to an explosion of worship from all creation. Understanding this chapter is key to grasping the unfolding events in Revelation and appreciating the supreme authority and sacrificial love of Jesus.
The Sealed Scroll and the Unanswered Question (5:1-4)
The scene opens with John witnessing a scroll in the right hand of God, sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1). This scroll is written on both sides, suggesting a complete and comprehensive message. The seven seals symbolize the gravity and finality of God's judgments contained within. Think of it as the title deed to the earth, representing God's ownership and His right to hold accountable those who misuse and dishonor it. Just as Adam's sin plunged creation into chaos, so too will God reclaim His creation through the judgments administered by Jesus.
A mighty angel then proclaims a challenging question: "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" (Revelation 5:2). This question highlights the immense significance of the scroll's contents. It's not merely about possessing the power to open it, but also having the moral authority and legal right to enact the judgments contained within.
The gravity of the situation becomes apparent when no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth is found worthy to open the scroll or even to look at it (Revelation 5:3). This prompts John to weep bitterly (Revelation 5:4). His tears reflect the apparent hopelessness of the situation. Without someone to execute God's plan, sin and evil would seem to prevail unchecked. John's weeping highlights the profound need for a redeemer and a just judge.
The Lion and the Lamb (5:5-7)
In the midst of John's despair, one of the twenty-four elders offers comfort, declaring, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals" (Revelation 5:5). This elder identifies Jesus using two powerful titles. "The Lion of the tribe of Judah" evokes images of strength, royalty, and victory, connecting Jesus to the lineage of King David and the promise of a conquering Messiah. "The Root of David" emphasizes His divine origin and authority.
However, when John turns to see this conquering Lion, he sees a Lamb standing, as though slain (Revelation 5:6). This seemingly paradoxical image is central to understanding Jesus' worthiness. He is both the regal Lion and the sacrificial Lamb. The Lamb bears the marks of sacrifice, signifying His atoning death for the sins of the world (cf. Isaiah 53:7; 1 John 2:2). The Lamb's seven horns symbolize perfect power, and His seven eyes represent the seven spirits of God, signifying complete knowledge and divine insight (Revelation 5:6). The repetition of the number seven emphasizes the completeness of Christ's atoning work. Because He fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15), He is uniquely qualified to bring judgment on the earth.
This depiction underscores the fact that sinful people, even when redeemed, fall short of the qualifications necessary to judge the earth. But Christ, by virtue of His full divinity, sinless humanity, and atoning death, is perfectly qualified. God the Father has granted judging authority to the Son (see John 5:22, 27). Jesus died to redeem humanity at His first coming. He will judge in order to redeem the entire creation at His second.
The Lamb then takes the scroll from the right hand of God, the one seated on the throne (Revelation 5:7). This act signifies Jesus' acceptance of His role as the executor of God's judgment and the redeemer of creation.
A New Song of Redemption (5:8-10)
Upon Jesus taking the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8). This scene highlights the power and efficacy of prayer. Our prayers truly reach God and are pleasing to Him. The prayers of God's people for vindication are pictured as incense rising from golden bowls.
They sing a new song, proclaiming, "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth" (Revelation 5:9-10).
This song reveals the basis of Jesus' worthiness: His sacrificial death and His redemptive work. He purchased people from every tribe, language, people, and nation, emphasizing the universal scope of His salvation. This passage highlights the ethnic, linguistic, and national diversity that will be present in eternity. Difference and diversity are not problems to be solved but were part of God's plan from the very beginning. God delights in the variety and beauty of His creation. In this perfect, complete worship service around the throne, we see clearly that people of all backgrounds are precious in God's sight.
This diverse community of saints is unified in their worship of the Lamb. Christian unity does not mean uniformity but a shared focus on and worship of Christ Jesus. The song also speaks to the destiny of every believer: to reign on the earth as priests to our God. This will occur in the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:6) and in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1).
The Chorus of Heaven (5:11-14)
The scene culminates in an overwhelming display of worship. John sees and hears the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand (Revelation 5:11). They join the living creatures and the elders in proclaiming with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12).
Their song repeats the word "worthy," emphasizing Jesus' coequality and divinity with God the Father. This is followed by every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" (Revelation 5:13).
The four living creatures respond with "Amen," and the elders fall down and worship (Revelation 5:14), affirming the truth and majesty of the scene. This grand finale underscores the ultimate purpose of creation: to worship God and the Lamb. No prodding is required to incite this worship. When humans and angels behold Christ—the Lion and the Lamb—they cannot help but fall down and worship. In fact, Revelation is fundamentally a book about worship.
Revelation 5 prepares the way for the judgments that will follow in chapters 6-8. It establishes Jesus Christ as the one who is worthy to execute God's plan and to bring about the ultimate redemption of creation. It is a powerful reminder of His sacrificial love, His supreme authority, and the eternal worship He deserves.
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Revelation 5 is a pivotal chapter in the book of Revelation, building upon the throne room scene established in Revelation 4. It shifts the focus to a scroll held by God, representing His judgments on sin and His ultimate plan for creation. This chapter reveals the worthiness of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, to take the scroll and execute God's purposes, leading to an explosion of worship from all creation. Understanding this chapter is key to grasping the unfolding events in Revelation and appreciating the supreme authority and sacrificial love of Jesus.
The Sealed Scroll and the Unanswered Question (5:1-4)
The scene opens with John witnessing a scroll in the right hand of God, sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1). This scroll is written on both sides, suggesting a complete and comprehensive message. The seven seals symbolize the gravity and finality of God's judgments contained within. Think of it as the title deed to the earth, representing God's ownership and His right to hold accountable those who misuse and dishonor it. Just as Adam's sin plunged creation into chaos, so too will God reclaim His creation through the judgments administered by Jesus.
A mighty angel then proclaims a challenging question: "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" (Revelation 5:2). This question highlights the immense significance of the scroll's contents. It's not merely about possessing the power to open it, but also having the moral authority and legal right to enact the judgments contained within.
The gravity of the situation becomes apparent when no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth is found worthy to open the scroll or even to look at it (Revelation 5:3). This prompts John to weep bitterly (Revelation 5:4). His tears reflect the apparent hopelessness of the situation. Without someone to execute God's plan, sin and evil would seem to prevail unchecked. John's weeping highlights the profound need for a redeemer and a just judge.
The Lion and the Lamb (5:5-7)
In the midst of John's despair, one of the twenty-four elders offers comfort, declaring, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals" (Revelation 5:5). This elder identifies Jesus using two powerful titles. "The Lion of the tribe of Judah" evokes images of strength, royalty, and victory, connecting Jesus to the lineage of King David and the promise of a conquering Messiah. "The Root of David" emphasizes His divine origin and authority.
However, when John turns to see this conquering Lion, he sees a Lamb standing, as though slain (Revelation 5:6). This seemingly paradoxical image is central to understanding Jesus' worthiness. He is both the regal Lion and the sacrificial Lamb. The Lamb bears the marks of sacrifice, signifying His atoning death for the sins of the world (cf. Isaiah 53:7; 1 John 2:2). The Lamb's seven horns symbolize perfect power, and His seven eyes represent the seven spirits of God, signifying complete knowledge and divine insight (Revelation 5:6). The repetition of the number seven emphasizes the completeness of Christ's atoning work. Because He fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15), He is uniquely qualified to bring judgment on the earth.
This depiction underscores the fact that sinful people, even when redeemed, fall short of the qualifications necessary to judge the earth. But Christ, by virtue of His full divinity, sinless humanity, and atoning death, is perfectly qualified. God the Father has granted judging authority to the Son (see John 5:22, 27). Jesus died to redeem humanity at His first coming. He will judge in order to redeem the entire creation at His second.
The Lamb then takes the scroll from the right hand of God, the one seated on the throne (Revelation 5:7). This act signifies Jesus' acceptance of His role as the executor of God's judgment and the redeemer of creation.
A New Song of Redemption (5:8-10)
Upon Jesus taking the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8). This scene highlights the power and efficacy of prayer. Our prayers truly reach God and are pleasing to Him. The prayers of God's people for vindication are pictured as incense rising from golden bowls.
They sing a new song, proclaiming, "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth" (Revelation 5:9-10).
This song reveals the basis of Jesus' worthiness: His sacrificial death and His redemptive work. He purchased people from every tribe, language, people, and nation, emphasizing the universal scope of His salvation. This passage highlights the ethnic, linguistic, and national diversity that will be present in eternity. Difference and diversity are not problems to be solved but were part of God's plan from the very beginning. God delights in the variety and beauty of His creation. In this perfect, complete worship service around the throne, we see clearly that people of all backgrounds are precious in God's sight.
This diverse community of saints is unified in their worship of the Lamb. Christian unity does not mean uniformity but a shared focus on and worship of Christ Jesus. The song also speaks to the destiny of every believer: to reign on the earth as priests to our God. This will occur in the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:6) and in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1).
The Chorus of Heaven (5:11-14)
The scene culminates in an overwhelming display of worship. John sees and hears the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand (Revelation 5:11). They join the living creatures and the elders in proclaiming with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12).
Their song repeats the word "worthy," emphasizing Jesus' coequality and divinity with God the Father. This is followed by every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" (Revelation 5:13).
The four living creatures respond with "Amen," and the elders fall down and worship (Revelation 5:14), affirming the truth and majesty of the scene. This grand finale underscores the ultimate purpose of creation: to worship God and the Lamb. No prodding is required to incite this worship. When humans and angels behold Christ—the Lion and the Lamb—they cannot help but fall down and worship. In fact, Revelation is fundamentally a book about worship.
Revelation 5 prepares the way for the judgments that will follow in chapters 6-8. It establishes Jesus Christ as the one who is worthy to execute God's plan and to bring about the ultimate redemption of creation. It is a powerful reminder of His sacrificial love, His supreme authority, and the eternal worship He deserves.