Revelation 5
“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “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.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.”
Revelation 5 Meaning
The Bible verses in Revelation 5 depict a scene in heaven where the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is revealed as the only one capable of opening a scroll with seven seals. This scroll contains God’s plan for the end times and the establishment of His kingdom. The scene is filled with worship and praise as the heavenly beings, angels, and every living creature join together in worshiping the Lamb, recognizing His worthiness and power.
Revelation 5 Commentary and Explanation
In these verses from Revelation 5, we are given a vivid picture of a heavenly scene filled with worship and praise. John witnesses a scroll, sealed with seven seals, which represents the unfolding of God’s plan for the end times and the establishment of His kingdom. However, initially, no one is found worthy to open the scroll, causing John to weep. But then, one of the elders comforts him and reveals that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed and is worthy to open the scroll.
This Lion, who represents Jesus Christ, is described as being from the tribe of Judah, referring to the promised Messiah. The Root of David signifies His lineage as the offspring of King David, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies. These references connect Jesus to His earthly identity as a descendant of David but also as the conquering Messiah who will establish God’s everlasting kingdom.
The image of Jesus as a Lion evokes power, strength, and kingship. However, what John sees contradicts his expectations. Instead of a majestic Lion, he sees a Lamb as if it had been slain. This Lamb represents Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). By shedding His blood, Jesus has overcome sin and death and paved the way for our redemption.
When the Lamb takes the scroll, the heavenly beings and the twenty-four elders fall down before Him, each holding a harp and golden bowls filled with incense. The harps symbolize worship, and the incense signifies prayers offered to God (Psalm 141:2). They sing a new song, filled with praise and adoration for Jesus, acknowledging His sacrifice, victory, and worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
This scene in heaven intensifies as John observes that every creature in heaven and on earth, under the earth, and in the sea worship the Lamb. It is a grand display of worship from every corner of creation. The angels, the living creatures, and the elders join in the chorus of worship, declaring the Lamb’s worthiness and power. Their voices echo throughout the heavens, proclaiming that Jesus is worthy to receive blessing, honor, glory, and power because He created all things and by His blood, redeemed people from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
This passage emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus ransomed people from every corner of the earth, bringing them into a restored relationship with God. Every tribe, language, people, and nation includes people from all walks of life and all cultural backgrounds. It is a testament to God’s all-encompassing love and redemption plan for humanity (Galatians 3:28).
The worship depicted in these verses serves as an invitation to us to join in the glorious praise of Jesus. It is a reminder that Jesus is worthy of all honor, glory, and power because of who He is and what He has done for us. As we read this passage, we are encouraged to worship Jesus wholeheartedly, recognizing His sacrificial death, victory over sin and death, and His mighty power to redeem and restore.
This scene in heaven also points to the future hope that awaits believers. It assures us that God’s plan will come to fruition and that Jesus will ultimately establish His kingdom. It instills in us a sense of anticipation and longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises (2 Peter 3:13).
Additionally, these verses demonstrate the unity of worship among all creatures in heaven and on earth. It reminds us that worship is not limited to a specific group or location but extends to all creation. We are called to join our voices with the heavenly beings and proclaim Jesus’ worthiness, acknowledging His authority and lordship over every aspect of our lives (Psalm 150:6).
The Bible verses in Revelation 5 provide us with a powerful and breathtaking image of worship in heaven, centered around the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus has triumphed over sin and death and is worthy to open the scroll, revealing God’s plan for redemption and judgment. Let us respond with wholehearted worship, recognizing Jesus’ worthiness, and eagerly anticipating the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Also Read: Luke 15:11-24 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Revelation 5
The book of Revelation, written by John, is a prophetic book that reveals future events and final judgment. In this chapter, John is granted a vision of the throne room of God in heaven. The scene depicts the unveiling of God’s plan for the end times and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom.
John sees a scroll in the right hand of God, sealed with seven seals, symbolizing the events and judgments that will unfold. With each seal that is opened, a new aspect of God’s plan for judgment and redemption is revealed. However, in this particular scene, no one is found worthy to open the scroll and reveal its contents, causing John to weep.
It is important to understand that the book of Revelation is highly symbolic and should not be interpreted literally. The imagery of the Lamb and the references to the Lion of Judah and the Root of David signify the victorious and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The scene in heaven represents the true worship of Jesus as the Lamb of God, who was slain for the salvation of humanity.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 5
1. The scroll in the right hand of God: The scroll represents God’s plan for the end times and the establishment of His kingdom.
2. The Lion of Judah, the Root of David: Jesus Christ, who triumphed through His sacrificial death on the cross and is worthy to open the scroll.
3. The Lamb who was slain: Jesus Christ, symbolizing His sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
4. The worship and praise of the heavenly beings: All creatures in heaven and on earth join together to worship the Lamb, recognizing His worthiness, power, and redemption.
Lessons From Revelation 5
1. Jesus alone is worthy: The Bible verses reveal that Jesus Christ is the only one worthy of opening and revealing God’s plan for the end times. This reminds us that Jesus is the central figure in God’s redemptive plan and that our worship and adoration should be directed towards Him alone.
2. The victory of the sacrificial Lamb: The imagery of the Lamb who was slain showcases the victory of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. He conquered sin and death, making Him the ultimate source of redemption and salvation for all who believe in Him.
3. The unity of worship: The scene in heaven depicts the unity of worship among the heavenly beings, angels, and every living creature. It serves as a reminder that all creation should join together in worshiping and praising Jesus Christ, recognizing His power, love, and sovereignty.
Final Thoughts
The Bible verses in Revelation 5:1-14 provide us with a glimpse into the heavenly worship and the central role of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus has triumphed over sin and death, making Him the only one worthy to fulfill God’s plan for redemption and judgment. Let us join in the chorus of worship and praise, recognizing Jesus’ worthiness and giving Him the honor, glory, and power He deserves.