Revelation 5:12 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Context of Revelation 5:12
This song erupts in the throne room after the Lamb takes the sealed book, with myriads of angels celebrating His worthiness to open it.
What Does Revelation 5:12 Mean?
Revelation 5:12 is the great heavenly anthem proclaiming the slain Lamb worthy to receive all power, honor, and glory. Countless angels surround the throne and lift their voices to celebrate Jesus, pictured as the Lamb who was slain. The same worthiness given to God the Creator in the previous chapter is here given to the Lamb, joining them together as the object of heaven's worship.
The sevenfold list (power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and blessing) is a way of declaring complete and perfect praise; nothing worthy is left out. The striking heart of the verse is that the Lamb is honored precisely as "the Lamb that was slain." His worthiness flows from His sacrifice. The wounds of His death become the very reason for His exaltation, for through His blood He redeemed people from every nation. Heaven celebrates Him because of the cross, embracing it rather than overlooking it. This verse lifts the reader's eyes to the central figure of the whole book: the Lamb whose self-giving love has won redemption. The proper response of every creature is to join this song, declaring with the angels that the Lamb is worthy of all praise.
Revelation 5:12 in the Original Language
"Lamb" is "arnion" (ἀρνίον), a tender word for a young lamb, used throughout Revelation for Christ. "Worthy" is "axios" (ἄξιος), deserving and fitting to receive.
Bible Verses Related to Revelation 5:12
“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;”
- Revelation 5:9
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
- John 1:29
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”
- Philippians 2:9
How to Apply Revelation 5:12 Today
This verse calls believers to worship Christ wholeheartedly, recognizing that His sacrificial death makes Him worthy of every honor heaven can give.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 5:12
What does Revelation 5:12 mean?
Revelation 5:12 is the great heavenly anthem proclaiming the slain Lamb worthy to receive all power, honor, and glory. Countless angels surround the throne and lift their voices to celebrate Jesus, pictured as the Lamb who was slain. The same worthiness given to God the Creator in the previous chapter is here given to the Lamb, joining them together as the object of heaven's worship.
What is the context of Revelation 5:12?
This song erupts in the throne room after the Lamb takes the sealed book, with myriads of angels celebrating His worthiness to open it.
How can I apply Revelation 5:12 today?
This verse calls believers to worship Christ wholeheartedly, recognizing that His sacrificial death makes Him worthy of every honor heaven can give.
Related Verse Explanations
Topics