Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Revelation Chapter 5 mean?

In this chapter, John describes a scene of drama and praise in heaven. Chapter 4 set a scene around the throne of God, where there were twenty-four elders and four animal-like beings (Revelation 4:1–7).

Chapter 5 begins by describing a scroll in the right hand of God. This scroll is sealed seven times over, and written on both sides. This scroll seems to symbolize the judgment of God on sin and wickedness (Revelation 5:1–2).

An angel “proclaims” a question, making it more of a challenge: “who is worthy” to take this scroll and open the seals? At first, it seems that there is no one. Nobody on heaven or earth has both the moral authority and the legal right to take up the judgment of God. In response to what seems a hopeless situation, John begins to weep (Revelation 5:2–4).

Then one of the twenty-four elders reassures John that there is One who can take this scroll: Jesus. Here, He is described as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the “Root of David.” John then describes Jesus symbolically, as a Lamb that has been slaughtered, who takes the scroll from the hand of God. In response to this, the beings described in chapter 4 begin to sing a new song to God (Revelation 5:5–10).

This passage ends with a series of praises and responses. The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures sing a song praising Jesus for His worthiness to enact God’s judgment. In response, a mind-boggling number of angels respond by praising Jesus. This praise is then echoed by every creature in creation: “in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them” (Revelation 5:9–14).

After seeing Jesus take the scroll, John will begin to describe the judgments which follow. These “seal judgments” will be described specifically in Revelation chapters 6 through 8. The seventh seal includes the judgments contained in the seven “trumpet judgments,” which begin in chapter 8.

Chapter Context
Jesus commanded John to write ”the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.” The first three chapters of Revelation contained those things which ”were” and ”are,” at the time John wrote. Chapters 2 and 3 provided the contents of Jesus’ letters to seven churches. Chapter 4 begins the largest and last section of Revelation, regarding events yet to take place when John wrote (Revelation 1:19). John introduced God seated upon His throne, with twenty-four elders and four angelic creatures nearby. Chapter 5 focuses on a scroll containing God’s judgments on sin, and a search for someone to open it. Only Jesus is worthy to open it. When Jesus receives the scroll from God, He receives praise from every creature in heaven and on earth.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.

In this verse John tells us he saw God holding a scroll in his right hand. It was likely a papyrus document that was rolled up tightly. The verse tells us it contained writing inside and on the back and it was closed with seven seals. It had the appearance of an official document, although most first-century official documents had writing only on one side and bore a title and address. Scrolls written on both sides were called opistographi. The scroll was likely wound around a staff and fastened to the staff by seven seals.

Likely the scroll in God’s right hand contained official verdicts and sentences against unbelievers on earth, and the number seven symbolizes God’s judgments as perfect. The sentences or judgments would have to be carried out before Jesus could inaugurate His kingdom on earth. Revelation 6—8 describes those judgments, one at a time, as each seal is broken.

Context Summary
Revelation 5:1–5 continues John’s description of what he saw, while in the Spirit, in heaven. John saw a scroll in God’s right hand. It was sealed shut with seven seals. A mighty angel shouted ”Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” We learn from chapters 6—8 that when the scroll’s seals are opened, judgment falls on the earth. John wept loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll, but one of the elders comforted him because Jesus was worthy to open it.

Verse 2. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”

In this verse we learn that John saw a mighty angel and heard him ask loudly, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” The identity of the angel is not disclosed, but it may have been Gabriel. We know from Daniel 9:20–23 that the angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel with information about the end times. After delivering this information to Daniel, Gabriel commanded Daniel to seal the book of prophecy “until the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4).

The word “worthy” used here is the Greek axios, which signifies something “morally and legally entitled.” John the Baptist used the word “worthy” to indicate he was not morally and legally entitled to untie the straps of Jesus’ sandals (John 1:27). The angel’s question called for heart searching. All who heard the angel’s question would have to do honest self-analysis.

This would include all beings, not just humans. For example, the four living creatures described in chapter 4 (Revelation 4:6–8) had never sinned, but they were not legally entitled to open the scroll and break its seals.

Verse 3. And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it,

In the prior verse, a mighty angel asked who was worthy to open the scroll (Revelation 5:1) by breaking its seals. According to this verse, the angel’s question resulted in no answer. John observes that no one claimed to be worthy to open the scroll and break its seals. No one in heaven qualified for the task. No one on earth was qualified to accept the challenge. Nor was anyone under the earth, in Hades, morally and legally qualified to take on the assignment. No one was found anywhere who could open the scroll or look into it.

Revelation 6—16 describes judgments that would fall later on those who dwell on earth, but John reports that no one had the right to initiate them by opening the scroll. The lack of response to the mighty angel’s challenge makes us keenly aware that we do not have the moral or legal right to take vengeance on evildoers. “Vengeance is mine,” the Lord exclaims in Deuteronomy 32:35. In the tribulation period, He will execute his vengeance on the wicked.

Verse 4. and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.

In prior verses, an angel had asked who was worthy to open a scroll containing judgments from God (Revelation 5:2). This resulted, initially, in no response: there was no one with the moral or legal authority to do so.

In response to the unavailability of someone to open the scroll or to look into it, John wept. Perhaps he thought sin on earth would never be judged and come to an end. The construction of the Greek word for “wept” indicates that John kept on weeping. John’s weeping resembles Jesus’ weeping at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35). Witnesses to the event believed Jesus’ tears were a sign of His love for Lazarus; and it might have been, but likely it was also a sign of His sadness about sin’s devastating effect on the human race. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death,” and Hebrews 9:27 assures us “it is appointed for man to die once.”

John was helpless to put an end to sin, but Jesus made it possible by His death to rescue us from sin, and someday He will put an end to sin (Revelation 20:11–15). The following verses will explain that there is One—and only One—who can open these seals.

Verse 5. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

According to this verse, one of the twenty-four elders (Revelation 4:4) told John to stop crying because Jesus had achieved the victory over sin and gained the right to open the scroll and loose its seven seals. No one else had the moral authority, or the legal right, to enact these judgments.

The elder identified Jesus in two ways. First, he identified him as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. When the patriarch Jacob blessed his sons, he called his son Judah a lion’s cub and predicted that the scepter would not depart from him (Genesis 49:9–10). This prediction anticipated the arrival of a descendant of Judah who would rule as King. Revelation 5:5 also identifies this person as the Root of David, meaning the source of King David’s power and kingdom. Only Jesus, David’s rightful descendant and heir to the throne of Israel, was legally entitled to open the scroll and launch the judgments it contained. The wise men told King Herod that Bethlehem in the land of Judah had been prophesied to be the birthplace of a ruler who would shepherd Israel (Matthew 2:6). The prophecy was given in Micah 5:2.

Verse 6. And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

In this verse John describes how he saw Jesus as a Lamb, standing between God’s throne and the four living creatures (Revelation 4:6–7), and in the midst of the twenty-four elders (Revelation 4:4). The Lamb that appeared to have been slain had seven horns and seven eyes. Horns are a scriptural metaphor for power, and the verse explains that the seven eyes are the seven spirits sent out into all the earth.

The word “slain” is from the Greek root word sphazō, which may also be translated as “slaughtered or butchered.” It describes the violent death Jesus endured on the cross to take away our sin. In Old Testament times lambs served as sacrifices for sin, but these only foreshadowed Jesus, God’s Lamb, who shed His blood as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11–12). When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he told an assembled crowd, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). In heaven, the Lamb’s seven horns represent his perfect power, and the seven eyes represent the Holy’s Spirit’s perfect vision of all that transpires on earth.

Context Summary
Revelation 5:6–10 shows what happened after John saw a scroll which no one, other than Jesus—”the Lion of the tribute of Judah”—was worthy to open. John’ attention was drawn to a vision of a Lamb that had been slain, once again representative of Jesus. This Lamb stood among the elders, between the throne and the four living creatures. The Lamb took the scroll from God’s right hand, and when He did so, the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb and sang a new song. This response praised the Lamb as worthy to take the scroll and to make the ransomed people all over the earth a kingdom of priests that would reign on the earth.

Verse 7. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.

Earlier in this passage, John wept when it appeared that there was no one qualified to open the scroll containing God’s judgment on sin and wickedness (Revelation 5:2–4). As the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5), Jesus had the legal right to receive the scroll. As the Lamb, He had the moral right to receive it. As Israel’s lawful King, Jesus will return to earth after God unleashes His judgments on sin.

Revelation 19:11–16 describes Jesus’ return to earth to establish His kingdom. The passage notes that “on his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). As the Lamb who died to provide forgiveness for sinners, Jesus has the right to judge those who spurn His offer of forgiveness (John 3:36). So, as the only one with both the legal and moral qualifications to open the scroll and break its seals, Jesus stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of God. Only Jesus is the rightful King and our Savior.

Verse 8. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

John describes what happened after the Lamb had taken the scroll from the right hand of God (Revelation 5:6–7). The four living creatures and the elders prostrated themselves before the Lamb. Each elder held a harp and golden bowls full of incense.

Harps were played at feasts and celebrations in the ancient world, and their music delighted all who attended those events. Music will fill the courts of heaven, too, as attendees worship the Lamb. There is nothing drab about heaven!

The elders also held a golden bowl full of incense. John informs us that the bowls of incense are the prayers of God’s people. In Old Testament times Israel’s priests burned incense in the temple. The fragrance from the burning incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people. In Psalm 141:2 David wrote: “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you.” This request to God is always appropriate.

Verse 9. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scrolland to open its seals,for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for Godfrom every tribe and language and people and nation,

When it seemed that there was no one worthy to open the scroll of God’s judgment (Revelation 5:1–3), John wept (Revelation 5:4). Then, Jesus stepped forward to take the scroll from the hand of God (Revelation 5:5–7). Now, instead of weeping, this results in the elders (Revelation 4:4) singing a new song of praise to the Lamb. It is significant that this song extolled the Lamb, and not the elders or angels themselves. They sang that the Lamb is deserving of the right to take the scroll and open its seals because He was slain and His blood provided a ransom for people everywhere on earth.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus anticipated dying for sinners. He said He had come to earth to provide a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Further, the apostle Peter referred to Jesus’ blood as the price of our ransom. He wrote: “You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18–19). When we get to heaven, we will see redeemed people from “every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Verse 10. and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,and they shall reign on the earth.”

This verse continues a “new song” being sung by the twenty-four elders who surround the throne of God in heaven (Revelation 4:4). Here we see confirmation of what John said in Revelation 1:6: that verse teaches that Jesus has made all the redeemed a kingdom and priests.

Kings have a responsibility to provide leadership for others. The Lord promises conquerors—those who “hold fast” through faith (Hebrews 4:14)—that they will share His throne (Revelation 3:21). This will happen after the tribulation, when Jesus returns to earth and establishes His kingdom (Revelation 20:4–6). During Jesus’ reign on earth, corrupt governments and evil dictators will not be allowed to continue. King Jesus will use the redeemed to guard His righteous rule over the nations. The redeemed are also priests. As such, they have a responsibility to direct people to God, to teach the Word of God, to counsel, and to pray for others.

Jesus did not create an exclusive order of priests, such as the Levites. Instead, He made all believers priests unto God. The apostle Peter wrote: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Verse 11. Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,

According to this verse, John heard the voice of many angels—too many to count. The Greek phrases used here are myriades myriadōn and chiliades chiliadōn. The first phrase uses the root word myrias, which is sometimes used to mean “many” or “multitudes,” but is also used to mean a literal figure of 10,000. At least according to the words used, then, one “myriad of myriads” would be 100 million angels! However, the point doesn’t seem to be giving an explicit number, but rather the massive scale of beings involved. Colossians 1:16 credits Jesus with the creation of all things, including the angels. The fact that an innumerable host of angels exist in heaven to serve God points to Jesus’ omnipotence. It also points to the fact that heaven is far from empty.

Psalm 68:17 states, “The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them.” The angelic host that John heard was celebrating the Lamb’s reception of the sealed scroll from the One who was seated on the throne (Revelation 5:7). They were also celebrating the approaching reign of Jesus on the earth (Revelation 20:4–6). The impending establishment of Jesus’ earthly kingdom caused them to rejoice greatly.

Although angels do not experience redemption, they are keenly interested in the phenomenon. First Peter 1:12 reveals that angels “long to look” into matters pertaining to our redemption.

Context Summary
Revelation 5:11–14 concludes the heavenly scenes the apostle John viewed after being invited to enter heaven (Revelation 4:1). Tribulation judgments come next in chapters 6—16. This passage contains a crescendo of angels ascribing praise to the Lamb. Their praise draws universal agreement and an appropriate response from the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, earlier described as attending God around His throne.

Verse 12. saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,to receive power and wealth and wisdom and mightand honor and glory and blessing!”

This verse continues the song sung in heaven, praising Jesus in front of the throne of God.

The trail to Christ’s kingdom passed through the cross. When Jesus was on earth, His disciples believed His earthly kingdom was imminent, but He told them repeatedly that He had come to die (Mark 10:45). The angelic host proclaimed Jesus’ right to honor and power, in part, because He endured the cross. They declared He is worthy to receive royal acclaim because He “is the Lamb who was slain.” He is worthy to receive the power or authority to establish and administrate His kingdom (Revelation 20:4–6).

Jesus is described as worthy to receive wealth. Governments need money to operate, but untold wealth belongs to King Jesus. He will never exhaust His royal treasury as He governs on earth. He will exercise infinite wisdom as He administers justice in His kingdom. He will also exercise His might to subdue every pocket of rebellion that surfaces in His kingdom. As earth’s perfect king, Jesus will receive honor or deep respect from His loyal subjects. The glory of His holiness will blanket the earth, and His subjects will bless His holy name.

Verse 13. And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lambbe blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

This verse records the ultimate adoration Jesus and God the Father will receive when the whole earth is restored to its original sin-free condition. Romans 8:21–22 informs us “that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” At that time every living person and thing will acknowledge the Lamb’s indisputable right to reign throughout eternity as king. Together, they will ascribe to the Father and Son “blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

This praise will bring a positive response to the command given in Psalm 148:7–13: “Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven.”

Verse 14. And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

John has witnessed the twenty-four elders (Revelation 4:4) and a massive horde of angels (Revelation 5:11) singing praises to Jesus and to God the Father. Upon hearing this universal ascription of praise to the Lamb, the four living creatures voiced their agreement by saying “Amen!” which literally means “so be it!”. The elders added their agreement by falling down and worshiping. The bursts of praise began with the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, and it is fitting that it concluded with them.

The response of the living creatures and the elders, to the worthiness of the Lamb, is a lesson which can enhance our worship. We can acknowledge the Lord’s right to receive our worship and we can humble ourselves before Him in awe and adoration. We can accept the psalmist’s invitation to “come into [the LORD‘s] presence with thanksgiving,” and “make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods” (Psalm 95:2–3). Perhaps, what is truly astonishing is the fact that God seeks our worship (John 4:23), but we must worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

End of Chapter 5.

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