Chapter 5
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Scripture
KJV1And 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.
2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5And 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.
6And 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.
7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8And 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.
9And 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;
10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11And 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;
12Saying 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.
13And 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.
14And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
“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;”
Overview
A scroll sealed with seven seals is held in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne, and no one in heaven or earth is found worthy to open it. John weeps until one of the elders directs him to the Lion of the tribe of Judah — who appears as a Lamb that had been slain. The Lamb takes the scroll, and all of heaven erupts in a new song of worship declaring His worthiness.
Key Themes
The Sealed Scroll
The scroll represents God's plan for the redemption and restoration of all creation, and the crisis of the scene is that no created being is worthy to execute that plan.
The Lion Who Is a Lamb
Jesus is announced as a conquering Lion but appears as a slain Lamb, revealing that God's power is expressed through sacrificial love and that victory comes through the cross.
A New Song of Redemption
The song of heaven celebrates that the Lamb has redeemed people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, making them a kingdom of priests unto God.
Study Questions
Why does John weep when no one is found worthy to open the scroll, and what does this tell us about the importance of God's redemptive plan?
What is the significance of Jesus being described as both a Lion and a Lamb, and how do these images work together?
How does the Lamb having 'seven horns and seven eyes' communicate His perfect power and perfect knowledge?
What does it mean that the redeemed are made 'kings and priests' unto God, and how should this shape our identity?
How does the expanding circle of worship — from living creatures, to elders, to angels, to all creation — reveal the scope of Christ's worthiness?
Connection to Christ
This chapter is one of the most powerful portraits of Christ in all of Scripture. He alone is worthy to open the scroll because He was slain and has redeemed people by His blood. The paradox of the Lion-Lamb reveals the heart of the gospel: Jesus conquers not through force but through sacrifice. Every creature in heaven and earth ultimately bows to worship Him.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Revelation 5. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?